suspension
Sway Bar Links - Front Pair
for 2007 Ram 3500 5.9L I6 Cummins · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.5 h
Tools
11
Steps
12
✓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 covers the removal and replacement of both front sway bar links on a 2007 Ram 3500 with 4WD and 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.
Warnings
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
⚠Sway bar links are under tension and may move suddenly when disconnected. Keep hands and body clear.
ℹ️Due to the weight of this vehicle and exposure to road salt, fasteners may be severely corroded. Apply penetrating oil and allow time to soak before attempting removal.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
18mm socketEssential
21mm wrenchEssential
15mm wrenchEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Front sway bar link - driver side × 1 — K80021 or equivalent heavy-duty link
- Front sway bar link - passenger side × 1 — K80021 or equivalent heavy-duty link
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 ground and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Spray penetrating oil on all sway bar link nuts and bolts, allow to soak for 15-30 minutes if corroded
- Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
- Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at frame rail and support securely on jack stands under frame
- Remove both front wheels completely
Procedure
- 1Inspect sway bar link conditionExamine both sway bar links for worn bushings, torn boots, or bent studs. Check for play by attempting to move the link by hand. Note the orientation of the links and any washers or spacers for correct reinstallation.
- 2Remove driver side upper mounting nutLocate the upper attachment point where the sway bar link connects to the sway bar. Use a 15mm wrench to hold the stud from spinning while using an 18mm socket to remove the upper nut. If the stud spins, grip it firmly with locking pliers or use a second wrench on the flat portion of the stud.
- 3Remove driver side lower mounting nutLocate the lower attachment point where the sway bar link connects to the front axle bracket. Use a 15mm wrench to hold the stud while using an 18mm socket to remove the lower nut. Remove the link completely and keep track of any bushings, washers, or spacers.
- 4Remove passenger side sway bar linkRepeat the removal process for the passenger side link. Remove the upper nut while holding the stud with a 15mm wrench, then remove the lower nut in the same manner. Extract the link and note the configuration of all components.
- 5Clean mounting surfacesUse a wire brush to clean the mounting points on both the sway bar and the front axle brackets. Remove rust, dirt, and debris from the mounting holes and surrounding areas. This ensures proper seating of the new links and accurate torque values.
- 6Install driver side new sway bar linkPosition the new driver side sway bar link with the ball stud facing upward. Insert the lower stud through the front axle bracket mount, ensuring any bushings and washers are correctly positioned per the link manufacturer's instructions. Thread the lower nut on by hand.
- 7Attach driver side upper connectionAlign the upper ball stud with the hole in the sway bar. You may need to use a pry bar to gently align the sway bar with the link. Insert the stud through the sway bar and install any required bushings and washers. Thread the upper nut on by hand.
- 8Torque driver side sway bar linkHold the stud with a 15mm wrench and torque the upper nut to 70 ft-lbs using an 18mm socket. Then torque the lower nut to 70 ft-lbs in the same manner. Ensure the bushings are not twisted during tightening.
- 9Install passenger side new sway bar linkPosition the new passenger side sway bar link. Insert the lower stud through the front axle bracket mount with proper bushings and washers, then thread the lower nut on by hand. Align and install the upper connection through the sway bar, threading the upper nut by hand.
- 10Torque passenger side sway bar linkHold the stud with a 15mm wrench and torque the upper nut to 70 ft-lbs using an 18mm socket. Torque the lower nut to 70 ft-lbs in the same manner. Verify both nuts are secure and bushings are properly seated.
- 11Reinstall wheelsMount both front wheels back onto the hubs. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque yet.
- 12Lower vehicle and final torqueCarefully remove jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to 135 ft-lbs in a star pattern using a 22mm socket.
Reassembly
- Ensure all fasteners are properly torqued to specification
- Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells
- Verify both sway bar links are securely attached at upper and lower mounting points
Verification
- Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking noises from the front suspension over bumps
- Perform a visual inspection of both links to ensure no looseness or movement
- Check that steering response feels normal and vehicle tracks straight
- After 50-100 miles, re-check torque on all sway bar link nuts to ensure they have not loosened