How to Replace Struts: 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Watch this video to learn how to replace the struts on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500.

Replacing Struts on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Struts
• Penetrating oil
• Silicone grease

Tightening Torques

• Tie rod end holding nut: 78 Ft-lbs
• Upper control arm ball joint: 40 Ft-lbs + additional 200 degrees
• Link-to-stabilizer bar nuts: 20 Ft-lbs
• Strut lower nut: 155 Ft-lbs
• Strut 3 upper mount nuts: 45 Ft-lbs

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Dodge RAM 1500: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel lug wrench
• Wire brush
• Ratchet
• Gimbal
• Extender
• 15mm socket
• 21mm socket
• Hammer
• 24mm socket
• 24mm wrench
• Torque wrench
• Flat head screwdriver

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Vehicle:

• Turn off the engine, set the parking brake, and open the bonnet.

Measure Wheel Distance:

• Measure the distance between the center of your wheel and the wheel arch for optimal positioning.

Prepare Strut Mount Bearing:

• Brush the 3 screws holding the strut mount bearing and spray them with penetrating oil.
• Use a ratchet, extension, gimbal, and a 15mm socket to unscrew the nuts partially.

Lift and Secure Your Vehicle:

• Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.
• Lift the front of your vehicle.
• Place the vehicle on jack stands.
• Ensure the wheels are under the vehicle for safety.

Access the Strut:

• Remove the wheels to gain complete access to the suspension system.

Sway Bar and Control Arm Adjustment:

• If working on one side, use a jack to slightly lift the lower control arm to compensate for the sway bar tension.
• Disengage the sway bar end link from the lower control arm.

Disengage Upper Control Arm Ball Joint:

• Release the upper control arm ball joint with a ratchet and a 21mm socket.
• Use a hammer to strike the knuckle and release the ball joint.
• Finish unscrewing the nut and remove the upper control arm ball joint from the wheel knuckle.

Remove Strut Foot Bolt:

• Brush off the strut foot bolt and spray it with penetrating oil.
• Use a ratchet, a 24mm socket, and a 24mm wrench to unscrew the nut of the strut foot.
• Remove the bolt.

Free the Strut:

• Finish unscrewing the 3 nuts that hold the strut mount bearing.
• Remove the jack to provide clearance and push the wheel knuckle/control arm assembly.
• Remove the strut.

Install New Strut:

• Take the new strut and unscrew the 3 nuts holding the strut mount bearing.
• Insert the top part of the strut, then the bottom part.
• Replace the strut foot bolt and hand-screw the nut.
• Screw the 3 nuts on the mount until there is contact.

Reassemble Upper Control Arm and Sway Bar:

• Lift the wheel knuckle with the jack to replace the upper control arm ball joint and the lower ball joint of the sway bar end link.
• Screw the nuts back on and finish tightening with a torque wrench for both.

Tighten Strut Foot Bolts:

• Tighten the strut foot bolts in the “vehicle on the ground” position.
• Lift the wheel knuckle with the jack until the original measurement is reached.
• Finish tightening the lower bolt and the 3 nuts with a torque wrench.

Outer Tie Rod and Wheel Installation:

• Apply silicone grease to the flat part of the outer tie rod.
• Put the outer tie rod back in place in the knuckle.
• Remount the castle nut and tighten it using a ratchet and a 21mm socket.
• Finish tightening with a torque wrench.
• Insert the key into the castle nut and use a screwdriver to bend the key.
• Put the wheels back on your vehicle.

Final Steps:

• Lower the car to the ground.
• Properly fix the wheels in place.
• Consider performing a wheel alignment.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles:

• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2010 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2011 Ram 1500
• 2012 Ram 1500
• 2013 Ram 1500
• 2014 Ram 1500
• 2015 Ram 1500
• 2016 Ram 1500
• 2017 Ram 1500
• 2018 Ram 1500

Important Reminders

• During this operation, you will be intervening on the front axle of your car, so it is advisable to perform a wheel alignment afterwards.
• The components to be removed are very often seized up, so don’t hesitate to brush and to use penetrating oil to make removal easier.
• We advise never replacing just one strut, to make sure you drive we the most balanced vehicle possible.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. CarParts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.