Sway Bar - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) assembly on a 2007 Ram 3500 4WD with 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent polyurethane
• Sway bar end links × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bracket bolts × 4 — Reuse unless damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front tires
3. If applying penetrating oil to rusty fasteners, do so now and allow to soak
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear axle differential
5. Support vehicle securely with jack stands under frame rails on both sides
6. Ensure sufficient working clearance under vehicle

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar components
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle. The rear sway bar runs laterally across the rear axle and mounts to the axle via two brackets with U-shaped clamps and bushings. The ends connect to the frame via vertical end links.
2. 2

   Remove driver side end link
   Locate the driver side sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the axle bracket. Remove the upper bolt securing the end link to the frame bracket, then the lower bolt securing the end link to the sway bar, confirming the correct socket size for your hardware. Remove the end link assembly. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
3. 3

   Remove passenger side end link
   Repeat the same process on the passenger side. Remove the upper bolt connecting the end link to the sway bar, then the lower bolt connecting to the axle bracket. Remove the end link assembly and note hardware orientation.
4. 4

   Remove driver side frame bracket
   Locate the driver side sway bar mounting bracket on the rear axle. Remove the two bolts securing the U-bracket and bushing to the axle bracket, confirming the correct socket size for your hardware. The sway bar may drop slightly when released. Support it with one hand or a bungee cord if needed.
5. 5

   Remove passenger side frame bracket
   Remove the two bolts securing the passenger side U-bracket and bushing to the axle bracket, confirming the correct socket size for your hardware. With both brackets removed, the sway bar is now free.
6. 6

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the sway bar out from its position. It may need to be rotated or angled to clear the axle and suspension components. The bar will be heavy, so support it properly during removal.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare new components
   Inspect the frame mounting points and axle brackets for damage or excessive corrosion. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush if needed. Remove old bushings from the sway bar or brackets. Apply a light coating of silicone grease to the inside of new bushings to prevent squeaking.
8. 8

   Install new sway bar
   Position the new or replacement sway bar into place, ensuring the bend orientations exactly match the original configuration as removed. Confirm the center section and end orientation against the old bar before installing.
9. 9

   Install frame bushings and brackets
   Place new bushings around the sway bar at each frame mounting location. Position the U-brackets over the bushings and align with frame bolt holes. Install bolts finger-tight on both sides but do not fully torque yet. Ensure bushings are centered and not twisted.
10. 10

    Install end links
    Connect the sway bar ends to the axle brackets using new or reused end links. Install the lower bolt through the axle bracket and end link first, then the upper bolt through the end link and sway bar. Install on both sides, tightening all fasteners finger-tight initially.
11. 11

    Torque all fasteners to specification
    With the vehicle still on jack stands and suspension at ride height, torque all sway bar mounting bracket bolts and end link fasteners. Since specific torque values are not provided in the database, refer to the factory service manual. Do not rely on generic values; obtain the exact torque specifications for the sway bar bracket bolts and end link fasteners from the factory service manual for this specific vehicle before tightening. Torque in a crisscross pattern for even clamping.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all fasteners are properly torqued
2. Verify that sway bar bushings are properly seated and not twisted
3. Ensure end links move freely without binding
4. Lower vehicle carefully from jack stands

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed over minor bumps to verify no rattling or clunking noises from rear suspension
• Verify improved handling stability during turns compared to a disconnected or worn sway bar
• Perform visual inspection underneath vehicle after 50-100 miles to verify all fasteners remain tight
• Check for proper sway bar movement during suspension articulation with no binding or interference

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