Replace the rear trailing arm (also called radius arm or track bar) on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine to restore proper rear axle alignment and handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm (radius arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty equivalent
• Trailing arm bushing kit (if not included with arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint nut × 1 — Replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Spray all trailing arm mounting bolts and ball joint nut with penetrating oil and allow 15-30 minutes to soak
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails with jack stands - do not support by axle
6. Remove rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a hydraulic transmission jack or floor jack with wooden block under the rear axle differential housing. Raise jack until it just makes contact and slightly supports the axle weight, but does not lift the vehicle off the jack stands. The axle must remain supported throughout the trailing arm removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect trailing arm from frame bracket
   Locate the forward trailing arm mounting bolt at the frame bracket. Using a 24mm socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt and nut securing the trailing arm to the frame. The arm will remain attached at the axle end. Note the position and orientation of any washers or spacers.
   ⚠The bolt may be heavily corroded. Apply heat if necessary but be aware of brake lines and fuel lines in the area.
3. 3

   Disconnect trailing arm ball joint from axle bracket
   Locate the trailing arm ball joint where it connects to the rear axle bracket. Remove the cotter pin if equipped. Using a 21mm socket, remove the ball joint castle nut. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint stud from the axle bracket. Insert the tool between the bracket and ball joint and strike with a hammer until the taper releases.
   ⚠The ball joint taper is tight. Ensure the axle is properly supported before applying separation force.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove the trailing arm
   With both ends disconnected, remove the trailing arm assembly from the vehicle. Maneuver it past the brake lines, shock absorber, and any other obstructions. Inspect the frame bracket and axle mounting point for damage, corrosion, or elongated holes that may indicate excessive wear.
5. 5

   Prepare new trailing arm
   Compare the new trailing arm to the old unit to verify correct replacement. Ensure all bushings are properly installed and seated. If bushings are separate, press them into the arm per manufacturer instructions. Clean the ball joint stud threads with a wire brush and apply a light coat of anti-seize compound.
6. 6

   Install trailing arm to axle bracket
   Insert the trailing arm ball joint stud into the axle bracket mounting hole. Thread on the new castle nut and tighten by hand. Do not fully torque at this stage. Ensure the ball joint seats fully in the taper.
7. 7

   Install trailing arm to frame bracket
   Align the forward end of the trailing arm with the frame bracket. You may need to use a pry bar to align the holes or adjust the axle jack height slightly. Insert the frame mounting bolt with any washers or spacers in their original positions. Thread on the nut but do not fully torque yet.
8. 8

   Torque ball joint nut
   Using a torque wrench and 21mm socket, torque the trailing arm ball joint castle nut to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the cotter pin hole. If necessary, tighten slightly more (never loosen) to align the slots. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque frame mounting bolt
   Ensure the vehicle weight is settled on the suspension at normal ride height with the axle supported by the jack. Using a torque wrench and 24mm socket, torque the trailing arm frame mounting bolt to the Control Arm Bolts specification. This fastener must be torqued with the suspension at ride height to prevent bushing bind.
   ℹ️Torquing suspension fasteners at ride height is critical to bushing longevity. The bushing must not be twisted when torqued.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Remove axle support and reinstall wheels
    Carefully lower and remove the jack supporting the rear axle. Reinstall the rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle to the ground while it is still supported by jack stands. Once all wheels contact the ground, remove jack stands completely.
11. 11

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground, use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Make two complete passes to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Inspect the area for any tools or parts left behind
3. The trailing arm bushings will settle after initial driving - recheck torque after 50-100 miles if possible

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or vibrations from the rear suspension
• Check that the vehicle tracks straight without pulling to one side
• Visually inspect all connections for proper seating and torque
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment immediately after installation, as trailing arm replacement will affect rear axle positioning and toe settings

More procedures for this vehicle