Engine Mount - Strut

This procedure replaces the engine mount strut (torque strut) on the 2007 Ram 3500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine, which controls engine torque reaction and prevents excessive engine movement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine mount strut (torque strut) assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
4. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
5. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack and support on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove engine cover if equipped
7. Apply penetrating oil to all mount strut fasteners and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes
8. Inspect engine mount strut location: runs from engine block to driver side frame rail on this vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Position engine support
   Place a floor jack with wooden block under the engine oil pan. Raise jack until it just contacts the pan with light pressure (do not lift engine yet). The wooden block distributes load and prevents oil pan damage. Position jack slightly forward of center to account for engine weight distribution.
2. 2

   Remove strut-to-frame bracket fasteners
   Locate the upper mounting point where the strut attaches to the frame rail bracket on the driver side. Remove the bolt(s) securing the strut to the frame bracket using appropriate socket and ratchet. Support the strut with one hand as you remove the last fastener to prevent it from dropping suddenly.
3. 3

   Slightly raise engine
   Using the floor jack, slowly raise the engine approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This relieves tension on the engine mount strut. Monitor all engine connections (fuel lines, wiring harnesses, coolant hoses) to ensure nothing is stretched or stressed. Do not raise engine more than necessary.
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-engine bracket fasteners
   Locate the lower mounting point where the strut attaches to the engine block bracket. Remove the bolt(s) securing the strut to the engine bracket using appropriate socket and breaker bar if needed. The Cummins block mounting bolts may require significant force to break free.
5. 5

   Remove engine mount strut
   With both ends disconnected, remove the engine mount strut from the vehicle. It may be necessary to angle or rotate the strut to clear surrounding components. Inspect the mounting brackets on both the engine and frame for cracks, damage, or elongated bolt holes. If brackets are damaged, they must also be replaced.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean all mounting surfaces on both the engine bracket and frame bracket. Remove rust, corrosion, and old thread locking compound from bolt holes. Clean the bolt threads with the wire brush as well. Proper surface preparation ensures correct torque values and prevents premature failure.
7. 7

   Position new engine mount strut
   Position the new engine mount strut with the lower end at the engine block bracket first. Start the bolt(s) by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Do not tighten at this time. The engine should still be slightly raised on the jack.
8. 8

   Install strut-to-engine fasteners
   Install and hand-tighten the bolt(s) connecting the strut to the engine bracket. Ensure washers are positioned correctly per OEM specifications. Snug the fasteners but do not torque yet - final torquing occurs after the engine is lowered to its natural position.
9. 9

   Align and install strut-to-frame fasteners
   Align the upper end of the strut with the frame rail bracket. You may need to use a pry bar to align holes or adjust jack height slightly. Install the bolt(s) connecting the strut to the frame bracket and hand-tighten. Again, do not torque yet.
10. 10

    Lower engine to natural position
    Slowly lower the floor jack to allow the engine to settle into its natural position, supported by all mounts including the new strut. The strut will now be under proper load. Remove the jack completely from under the engine.
11. 11

    Torque all fasteners
    With the engine at rest in its natural position, torque all engine mount strut fasteners to manufacturer specifications using a torque wrench. Begin with the engine-side fasteners, then torque the frame-side fasteners. Note: Since torque specifications are not available in this database, you must obtain these values from the factory service manual before completing this step. Improper torque can lead to mount failure and dangerous engine movement.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover if it was removed
2. Reconnect negative battery cable
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground
4. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and observe for excessive engine movement or vibration - the engine should remain stable
• With engine running, shift transmission through all gear ranges (or depress clutch if manual) and observe that engine movement is controlled and within normal limits
• Rev engine moderately and verify the strut is properly limiting engine torque reaction
• Visually inspect all mount strut fasteners are tight and properly seated
• Test drive vehicle and listen for any unusual clunking or knocking noises during acceleration or deceleration, which would indicate loose or failed mount
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all mount strut fastener torque values

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle