suspension

Strut Mount - Front

for 2007 Ram 3500 5.9L I6 Cummins · 4WD

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

2.3 h

Tools

Steps

✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

This procedure replaces the front strut mounts on a 2007 Ram 3500 with 5.9L Cummins diesel and 4WD, requiring removal of the upper strut assembly and replacement of the mount bearings.

Warnings

⚠️This is a safety-critical suspension component. Improper installation can result in loss of vehicle control, serious injury, or death. If you are not experienced with suspension work, have this job performed by a professional.

⚠️Coil springs store enormous amounts of energy. Improper use of spring compressors can cause the spring to violently release, causing severe injury or death. Use only quality spring compressor tools and follow manufacturer instructions exactly.

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use properly rated jack stands on solid, level ground.

⚠The Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty truck with significant weight. Ensure all lifting equipment is rated appropriately (3+ ton capacity minimum).

⚠This procedure assumes the struts themselves are in good condition. If struts are leaking or damaged, they should be replaced at the same time.

ℹ️A professional alignment is required after this repair. The strut mount position affects camber and caster angles.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands rated for 3+ tonsEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

19mm socketEssential

21mm socketEssential

18mm wrenchEssential

18mm socketEssential

Breaker barEssential

Torque wrench (50-200 ft-lbs)Essential

Spring compressor toolEssential

Pry bar

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Ball joint separator or pickle fork

Rubber mallet

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Parts

Front strut mount assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification - Mopar or quality aftermarket
Front strut mount assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification - Mopar or quality aftermarket
Strut mount retaining nuts (if corroded) × 6 — M12 x 1.75 flange nuts

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Loosen front wheel lug nuts (19mm) while vehicle is on ground - do not remove
Apply penetrating oil to upper strut mount nuts under hood and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at frame rail jack points
Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified frame points
Remove front wheels completely
Take photographs of brake line routing and ABS sensor wire positioning for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1
Support lower control arm
Position floor jack under the solid front axle to support the suspension weight. Raise jack just enough to take the load but not lift the vehicle further. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the strut is disconnected and maintains safe working position.
2
Disconnect stabilizer bar link
Locate the stabilizer bar end link connecting to the strut assembly. Use an 18mm wrench to hold the stud while removing the upper nut with an 18mm socket. Remove the link from the strut. If the stud spins, use penetrating oil and a ball joint separator if necessary. Verify correct fastener thread specification against factory service manual — strut retaining nuts do not apply to this solid front axle vehicle.
3
Remove brake line bracket
Disconnect the brake line bracket from the strut body. This is typically held by a single bolt or clip. Do not disconnect the brake line itself - only remove the bracket attachment to allow strut removal. Support the brake line to prevent strain.
4
Disconnect ABS sensor wire
If equipped, disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor wire from any clips or brackets attached to the strut assembly. Do not pull on the wire itself - release clips carefully. Note exact routing for reinstallation.
5
Remove lower strut mounting bolts
On this solid front axle truck the shock absorber lower mount attaches to the axle bracket via a single bolt/stud — there is no strut-to-knuckle mounting. Verify the actual shock mount configuration for this vehicle. Remove both bolts completely. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the strut from the knuckle after bolt removal. The strut will remain supported by the upper mount and jack beneath.
6
Access upper strut mount in engine bay
This vehicle has no strut towers. The upper shock absorber mount is typically a single stud secured by a nut at the frame bracket. Locate the upper shock mount and verify the fastener type.
7
Remove upper strut mount nuts
Remove the single upper shock mounting nut while supporting the shock from below; verify fastener size against the service manual. Do NOT remove the large center nut on top of the strut shaft at this time - that requires spring compression. Once the three mounting nuts are removed, carefully lower the entire strut assembly out from below.
8
Install spring compressor
This vehicle uses separate coil springs and shock absorbers — the shock has no captive spring requiring compression. Skip strut spring compression; the coil spring (if being serviced) is removed separately after supporting/lowering the axle. Do NOT attempt to compress a spring on the shock. Ensure the compressor hooks are fully engaged in the spring coils with at least 3-4 coils between compression points. Tighten compressors evenly and gradually, alternating between sides until spring tension is completely relieved from the upper mount.
⚠️The spring must be fully compressed before loosening the center shaft nut. If spring tension remains, the mount can violently release when the nut is removed. Verify the upper mount can move freely and is not under any load before proceeding.
9
Remove center shaft nut and upper mount
Once spring is fully compressed and verified safe, This platform has no integral strut center shaft nut with captive spring; the shock absorber is a sealed unit. Disregard this step and verify the correct shock replacement procedure.. Remove the upper strut mount assembly, bearing plate, and any spacers or washers, noting their exact order and orientation.
10
Install new strut mount
Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install the new strut mount assembly in the exact reverse order of removal, ensuring all washers, bearing plates, and spacers are positioned correctly. The bearing should rotate freely. Thread on the center shaft nut hand-tight. Verify proper alignment of all components before final tightening.
11
Torque center shaft nut and release spring
There is no strut center shaft nut on this vehicle. For the upper shock mount nut, torque to the factory service manual specification for this application. Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tools, alternating between sides. Ensure the spring seats properly in both upper and lower spring seats. Remove compressor tools once spring is fully expanded and seated.
12
Install strut assembly into vehicle
Guide the strut assembly back into position from below, aligning the upper mount studs with the holes in the shock tower. Install the three upper mount nuts hand-tight. Align the lower strut with the steering knuckle mounting holes.
13
Secure lower strut mounting
Install the shock absorber lower mount fastener at the axle bracket and the single upper mount nut, torquing each to the factory service manual specification for this vehicle.
14
Reconnect brake line and ABS sensor
Reattach the brake line bracket to the strut body. Reconnect ABS sensor wire to all clips and brackets following your reference photographs. Ensure no wires or lines are stretched, kinked, or positioned where they can contact moving parts or tire.
15
Reconnect stabilizer bar link
Reinstall the stabilizer bar end link. Torque the nut to the factory service manual specification for this vehicle. Hold the stud with wrench to prevent spinning during final tightening. Remove the floor jack from under the control arm.

Reassembly

Repeat entire procedure for opposite side - always replace strut mounts in pairs
Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts to 135 ft-lbs in a star pattern
Lower vehicle to ground and perform final lug nut torque verification
Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and listen for any unusual noises before returning to normal service

Verification

With vehicle on ground, bounce each front corner - suspension should rebound smoothly without clunking or binding
Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary - should operate smoothly without binding or noise from strut mounts
Visually inspect upper mount area for proper seating and no gaps between mount and shock tower
Test drive and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or steering abnormalities
Schedule professional wheel alignment immediately - strut mount replacement affects camber, caster, and steering geometry

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