Trailing Arm Bushing

Replace worn trailing arm bushings on the rear axle to restore proper suspension alignment and ride quality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushing set (2 per arm) × 2 — Use OEM specification or Moog K200832
• Trailing arm mounting hardware (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock the front wheels securely
3. Spray all trailing arm mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails on 6-ton jack stands
6. Remove rear wheels
7. Place floor jack under rear axle to support its weight independently

Procedure

1. 1

   Support and position rear axle
   Position floor jack under the center of the rear axle pumpkin. Raise jack just enough to take the load off the trailing arms while keeping suspension at approximately ride height. This prevents the axle from dropping excessively when the trailing arms are disconnected.
2. 2

   Remove trailing arm-to-frame bolt
   Locate the forward trailing arm mounting bolt that connects to the frame bracket. Use penetrating oil if not already applied. Remove the nut from the bolt using the correct large socket (verify size against service manual), then drive the bolt out using a hammer and punch. The bolt may be seized in the bushing.
3. 3

   Remove trailing arm-to-axle bolt
   Move to the rear of the trailing arm where it connects to the axle bracket. Remove the nut from the axle mounting bolt using the correct socket (verify size against service manual). Drive the bolt out using a hammer and punch. Support the trailing arm as the second bolt is removed to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   Once both bolts are removed, carefully lower and remove the trailing arm from the vehicle. Inspect the arm for cracks, bends, or excessive rust. If damage is found, replace the entire trailing arm rather than just the bushings.
5. 5

   Remove old bushings from trailing arm
   Using a hydraulic press or trailing arm bushing removal tool, press out the old bushings from both ends of the trailing arm. The frame-end bushing and axle-end bushing may be different sizes. Note the orientation of any offset bushings before removal. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush and remove all rust and debris.
6. 6

   Install new bushings
   Apply a thin layer of dish soap or bushing lubricant to the outer sleeve of the new bushings (never use petroleum-based lubricants as they deteriorate rubber). Using the hydraulic press or installation tool, press the new bushings straight into the trailing arm bores until fully seated. Ensure bushings are oriented correctly with any voids or flats positioned according to manufacturer specifications.
7. 7

   Reinstall trailing arm to axle bracket
   Lift the trailing arm into position and align the rear bushing with the axle bracket. Insert the axle mounting bolt through the bracket and bushing. Thread the nut onto the bolt but do not fully tighten yet. Bushings must be torqued at ride height to prevent premature wear.
8. 8

   Reinstall trailing arm to frame bracket
   Align the forward bushing with the frame bracket. You may need to use the floor jack to raise or lower the axle slightly to align the holes. Insert the frame mounting bolt through the bracket and bushing. Thread the nut onto the bolt but do not fully tighten yet.
9. 9

   Repeat for opposite side
   If replacing bushings on both sides, repeat steps 2 through 8 for the opposite trailing arm. Keep all fasteners loose until both trailing arms are installed and the vehicle is at ride height.
10. 10

    Load suspension to ride height
    With all trailing arms loosely installed, use the floor jack to raise the axle until the suspension is at normal ride height (tires would normally contact the ground at this point). This is critical for proper bushing life. Torque all trailing arm mounting bolts to manufacturer specifications while at this height. Torque values for the frame and axle trailing arm bolts must be verified against the factory service manual for the 2007 Ram 3500, as they may differ by location; do not assume a single value.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Remove the floor jack from under the axle. Reinstall the rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower the vehicle from jack stands to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against the service manual, as 3500 dual-rear-wheel specs differ from single-rear-wheel).

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trailing arm mounting bolts were torqued at ride height to prevent bushing bind
2. Double-check that all nuts are installed and properly torqued
3. Verify no tools or parts were left under the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper rear axle alignment - vehicle should track straight without pulling
• After 50-100 miles, re-check all trailing arm bolt torque values
• Schedule alignment check if vehicle pulls to one side or tire wear was uneven prior to repair

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