Replace the upper control arm on the front suspension of a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including ball joint separation and proper torque procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper control arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Ball joint nut (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove front wheel on affected side
6. Spray all fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the ball joint to support the weight of the suspension. Raise jack until it just contacts the lower control arm with minimal pressure. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the upper ball joint is separated.
2. 2

   Remove the upper ball joint nut
   Remove the cotter pin from the upper ball joint castle nut. Using an 18mm socket, remove the ball joint nut completely. Keep the nut if in good condition or replace if corroded.
3. 3

   Separate the ball joint from the knuckle
   Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the upper ball joint stud from the steering knuckle. Position the separator between the control arm and knuckle, then strike with hammer or tighten the tool until the taper releases. The separation may be sudden.
   ⚠The ball joint will separate suddenly. Ensure the lower control arm is supported by the jack to prevent suspension drop.
4. 4

   Remove the front control arm bolt
   Locate the front upper control arm mounting bolt at the frame bracket. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt completely. The bolt passes through the control arm bushing and frame bracket. Note the orientation for reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove the rear control arm bolt
   Locate the rear upper control arm mounting bolt at the frame bracket. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt completely. Support the control arm as you remove the final bolt.
6. 6

   Remove the upper control arm
   Once both mounting bolts are removed, pull the upper control arm away from the frame bracket and out of the wheel well. Inspect the frame mounting brackets for damage or excessive corrosion.
7. 7

   Prepare the mounting area
   Clean the frame mounting bracket surfaces with a wire brush. Remove any rust, debris, or old thread locker from bolt holes. Inspect bushings in new control arm to ensure they are properly seated and undamaged.
8. 8

   Install the new upper control arm
   Position the new upper control arm into the frame brackets. Insert both front and rear mounting bolts through the frame brackets and control arm bushings. Thread bolts by hand but do NOT torque at this time. Leave bolts loose enough to allow bushing rotation.
9. 9

   Connect the ball joint to knuckle
   Align the upper ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar to align the knuckle or adjust the jack under the lower control arm. Install the ball joint nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle to load suspension
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle until the full weight is on the wheels, but keep the floor jack positioned for safety. The suspension must be at normal ride height to properly torque the control arm bolts. Do NOT bounce or drive the vehicle yet.
    ⚠Control arm bushings must be torqued at ride height to prevent premature failure. Do not torque with suspension hanging.
11. 11

    Torque the control arm mounting bolts
    With vehicle weight on wheels at normal ride height, torque both the front and rear upper control arm mounting bolts to specification in either order. Ensure the torque wrench clicks at the proper setting.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and final torque
    Raise vehicle slightly to reinstall the wheel. Install wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle completely to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued using appropriate sequence
2. Inspect for any loose components or missing hardware
3. Remove tools and equipment from under vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from front suspension
• Check for proper steering response and verify no pulling to either side
• Schedule front end alignment immediately - camber and caster will be affected
• Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect ball joint boot for proper seating and no damage

More procedures for this vehicle