Replace the rear upper control arm on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins Diesel, including disconnection from the knuckle and frame, and proper torque sequencing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear upper control arm × 1 — Use OEM or equivalent heavy-duty suspension part
• Ball joint nut (if damaged) × 1 — Mopar OEM replacement

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle at frame and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray all control arm fasteners and ball joint nut with penetrating lubricant if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle assembly near the side being serviced. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle and provides light support. This prevents the axle from dropping excessively when the control arm is disconnected and maintains suspension geometry during removal.
2. 2

   Remove upper control arm ball joint nut
   Locate the upper control arm ball joint stud where it connects to the rear knuckle. Using a 24mm socket, remove the castle nut from the ball joint stud. Remove and discard the cotter pin if equipped. Keep the nut if it is in good condition with undamaged threads.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Install a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork between the control arm and knuckle at the ball joint taper. Strike the tool firmly to break the taper fit and separate the ball joint stud from the knuckle. Once separated, remove the tool and ensure the stud is free from the knuckle bore. If using a pickle fork, note that this may damage the ball joint boot.
   ⚠Ball joint separator can slip suddenly when taper breaks; maintain firm grip and stable footing
4. 4

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt securing the control arm to the frame bracket. This is the forward pivot point of the control arm. Using a 21mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt completely. Support the control arm to prevent it from falling as the bolt is removed.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt securing the control arm to the frame bracket. Using a 21mm socket and wrench, remove this bolt completely. Once removed, the control arm will be free from the vehicle. Carefully lower and remove the control arm assembly.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and clean threads
   Inspect the frame mounting brackets for cracks, deformation, or excessive wear. Check the knuckle ball joint bore for damage or elongation. Use a wire brush to clean all bolt threads in the frame brackets and on the mounting bolts. Remove any corrosion or debris from mounting surfaces.
7. 7

   Install new upper control arm to frame
   Position the new upper control arm into the frame mounting brackets. Install the front and rear mounting bolts through the control arm bushings and frame brackets. Thread bolts by hand initially to ensure proper alignment. Do NOT torque these bolts at this time - they must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels.
   ℹ️Leave control arm mounting bolts loose at this stage; final torque must be performed with vehicle weight on suspension
8. 8

   Connect ball joint to knuckle
   Raise the control arm and align the ball joint stud with the knuckle bore. Use the floor jack under the axle to adjust height as needed for alignment. Insert the ball joint stud fully into the knuckle. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and ball joint stud, bending the pin ends to secure.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
   Install the rear wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until wheel is seated against hub. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle until full weight is on all four wheels. Do not fully torque lug nuts yet.
10. 10

    Torque control arm mounting bolts with vehicle loaded
    With the vehicle resting on all four wheels at normal ride height, torque the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This must be done with weight on the suspension to properly preload the control arm bushings. Use a torque wrench and 21mm socket, torquing each bolt in sequence.
    ⚠Torquing control arm bolts with suspension unloaded will cause premature bushing failure
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    Torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Make at least two complete passes in the star pattern to ensure even torque distribution and proper wheel seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is included in the main procedure steps above
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with vehicle weight on suspension where indicated
3. Verify ball joint cotter pin is properly installed and bent to prevent castle nut loosening

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or clunking from rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection of all mounting points to confirm bolts are tight and properly seated
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment as soon as possible, as control arm replacement will affect rear suspension geometry and alignment angles
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check torque on control arm mounting bolts and ball joint nut

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