suspension
Torsion Bar
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
3.2 h
Tools
10
Steps
12
Remove and replace the front torsion bars on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including height adjustment and alignment considerations.
Warnings
⚠️Torsion bars are under extreme tension. Improper removal can cause serious injury. Always use proper unloading procedures.
⚠Vehicle must be supported on jack stands at the frame, never under suspension components.
⚠Torsion bars are side-specific (left and right) and cannot be interchanged. Mark them clearly during removal.
ℹ️Alignment will be required after this procedure. Drive carefully to alignment shop.
Tools required
Torsion bar unloading tool or adjustable wrenchEssential
Jack and jack stands (heavy-duty)Essential
Torque wrench (50-200 Nm range)Essential
Wire brush
Penetrating lubricant
Paint marker or tape
Socket set (metric)Essential
Breaker bar
Measuring tape
Brass drift or soft hammer
Parts
- Torsion bar (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Torsion bar (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Chock rear wheels securely
- Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
- Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at frame rails
- Support vehicle on heavy-duty jack stands under frame rails, NOT under suspension
- Remove both front wheels
- Spray torsion bar adjuster bolts and all mounting hardware with penetrating lubricant and allow to soak
Procedure
- 1Mark torsion bar adjustment positionAt the torsion bar adjuster (located at the rear of the lower control arm), measure and record the distance from the adjuster bolt head to the adjustment arm or nut. Use paint marker to mark the adjuster bolt position. Alternatively, count the number of threads visible above the adjuster nut. This measurement is critical for maintaining ride height.
- 2Mark torsion bar orientationTorsion bars are not interchangeable left-to-right. Use paint marker to clearly mark the front end of each torsion bar with 'L' or 'R' and an arrow indicating forward direction. Also mark the corresponding anchor arm at the rear crossmember. The bars have different directional wind and must be reinstalled in the same position.
- 3Unload torsion bar tensionTurn the torsion bar adjuster bolt counterclockwise to release all tension from the torsion bar. Continue turning until the adjuster bolt is completely loose and can be turned by hand. You should see the lower control arm drop slightly as tension is released. Remove the adjuster bolt completely and remove the adjustment arm/block from the torsion bar.⚠Do not attempt to remove torsion bar while under tension. Verify adjuster is completely loose before proceeding.
- 4Remove torsion bar from anchor armAt the rear torsion bar anchor crossmember, locate the anchor arm retaining bolt or clip. Remove the retaining hardware securing the torsion bar to the anchor arm. The torsion bar may be pressed into the anchor arm with splines. Use a brass drift and soft hammer to gently tap the rear of the torsion bar forward to break it free from the anchor arm. Do not use excessive force.
- 5Remove torsion bar from lower control armMove to the front of the torsion bar where it enters the lower control arm. The bar should now slide rearward out of the lower control arm socket. If stuck, use penetrating lubricant and gently tap with a soft hammer. Pull the torsion bar rearward and out of the vehicle. Clean the bar and inspect for cracks, scoring, or corrosion damage.
- 6Clean mounting pointsUse wire brush to thoroughly clean the hex socket in the lower control arm and the anchor arm at the rear crossmember. Remove all rust, dirt, and old grease. Inspect both mounting points for wear, cracks, or damage. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the cleaned areas.
- 7Install new torsion bar into lower control armVerify you have the correct side torsion bar (left or right). Align the hex splines on the front of the torsion bar with the hex socket in the lower control arm. Insert the bar from the rear, pushing it forward into the control arm socket. The bar should slide in with moderate resistance. Ensure it is fully seated in the control arm.⚠Installing the wrong side torsion bar will result in improper suspension function and handling issues.
- 8Install torsion bar into anchor armAlign the rear hex splines of the torsion bar with the anchor arm at the rear crossmember. You may need to rotate the bar slightly to align the splines. Push the bar rearward into the anchor arm until fully seated. Install the anchor arm retaining bolt or clip and tighten securely. The bar should have minimal play in the anchor.
- 9Install adjustment arm and load torsion barPlace the adjustment arm/block onto the torsion bar adjuster end. Install the adjuster bolt through the crossmember and into the adjustment arm. Turn the adjuster bolt clockwise to apply tension to the torsion bar. Reference your measurements from Step 1 and adjust the bolt to approximately the same position. The lower control arm should begin to rise as tension is applied.
- 10Set preliminary ride heightContinue adjusting the torsion bar adjuster bolt until you reach the measurement recorded in Step 1. This provides a starting point for ride height. Final adjustment may be needed after the vehicle is back on the ground and settled. Do not over-tighten the adjuster, as this can cause harsh ride and premature wear.
- 11Repeat for opposite sidePerform steps 1 through 10 for the opposite side torsion bar. Ensure both sides are adjusted to approximately the same position for level stance. Minor adjustments can be made after test driving.
- 12Reinstall wheels and lower vehicleInstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Carefully lower vehicle off jack stands using floor jack. Once vehicle weight is on wheels, torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern.Torque specWheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Bounce the front end several times to settle the suspension
- Measure ride height from ground to bottom of front wheel well on both sides to verify even adjustment
- Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area to verify proper suspension function
- Recheck torsion bar adjuster bolts after test drive and adjust if necessary for level stance
Verification
- Verify both torsion bars are fully seated in lower control arms and anchor arms with no movement
- Confirm ride height is approximately equal side-to-side (within 1/2 inch)
- Check that vehicle sits level front-to-rear when unloaded
- Test drive and verify no clunking, popping, or unusual noises from front suspension
- Verify steering wheel is centered and vehicle tracks straight (may require alignment)
- Schedule front end alignment within 100 miles of completing this repair