Lateral Arm

This procedure covers the replacement of the lateral arm (track bar) on a 2007 Ram 3500 4WD, which controls side-to-side axle movement and maintains proper front axle alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lateral arm (track bar) assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Track bar hardware kit (if not included with arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Spray penetrating oil on all lateral arm mounting bolts and allow to soak
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at frame rail
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails
7. Remove front wheels
8. Verify vehicle is stable before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Support front axle
   Position a floor jack under the front axle differential housing. Raise jack just enough to make light contact and support the axle weight. This prevents the axle from shifting excessively when the lateral arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Locate lateral arm mounting points
   Identify the lateral arm (track bar) which runs diagonally from the passenger side frame rail to the driver side of the front axle. Note the frame-side mount (typically with a large bolt through a bushing) and the axle-side mount (ball stud or bolt connection).
3. 3

   Remove frame-side mounting bolt
   Using an 18mm or 21mm socket (depending on hardware), remove the nut from the frame-side lateral arm bolt. Hold the bolt head with a wrench if necessary. Remove the bolt completely. The arm may shift slightly as tension is released.
4. 4

   Remove axle-side mounting hardware
   At the axle mounting point, remove the nut securing the lateral arm through-bolt using the appropriate socket and breaker bar. This is a bolt-through bushing connection; hold the bolt head with a wrench and remove the bolt along with any washers. The bolt may be seized in the bushing sleeve, so apply penetrating oil and tap it out with a drift if necessary.
5. 5

   Remove lateral arm from vehicle
   Pull the lateral arm away from both mounting points and remove it from the vehicle. Inspect both mounting points on the frame and axle for damage, excessive rust, or wear. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush.
6. 6

   Prepare new lateral arm
   Unpack the new lateral arm and verify it matches the original in length and mounting style. If bushings are serviceable, ensure they are properly seated in the arm. Compare mounting hardware with what was removed and use new hardware if included with the replacement arm.
7. 7

   Install lateral arm to axle
   Position the new lateral arm and insert the axle-side connection first. Align the arm bushing with the axle bracket and insert the through-bolt with any washers. Start the nut by hand but do not tighten completely yet.
8. 8

   Install frame-side mounting bolt
   Align the frame-side end of the lateral arm with the frame mount. You may need to use a pry bar to align the holes. Insert the mounting bolt through the bushing and frame bracket. Install the washer and nut, starting by hand. Do not fully tighten yet.
9. 9

   Position axle and torque fasteners
   With both ends of the lateral arm loosely connected, use the floor jack to raise or lower the axle to a ride-height position (suspension at normal loaded position). Once positioned, torque the frame-side nut to manufacturer specification (approximately 125 ft-lbs, verify with service manual). Then torque the axle-side through-bolt to specification (approximately 125 ft-lbs, verify with service manual). This ensures bushings are torqued at proper suspension position to prevent premature wear.
10. 10

    Inspect installation
    Visually verify both mounting points are secure and all hardware is properly installed. Check that the lateral arm does not contact any brake lines, ABS wiring, or steering components through the suspension's range of motion. Lower the jack supporting the axle.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
2. Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands
3. Lower vehicle completely to the ground
4. Torque wheel lug nuts to 135 ft-lbs in a star pattern
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock to lock while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify steering feels normal with no pulling or wandering
• Check for any unusual noises from the front suspension during turns and over bumps
• Inspect all mounting hardware for proper tightness after test drive
• Schedule a professional front-end alignment to ensure proper handling and tire wear characteristics

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