2003-2004 Dodge 5.9L Cummins Pitman Arms

The pitman arm on the 2003-2004 Ram 5.9L Cummins

These trucks steer through a recirculating-ball box mounted to the frame. The box turns the pitman arm, the arm pushes the drag link, and on 2003-2008 trucks the drag link runs to the tie rod in what is called Y-style geometry. Chrysler changed the heavy-duty trucks to a T-style layout for 2008.5. Pitman arms sit on the standard list of steering parts sold for 2003-2004 trucks, right next to tie rods and linkage, because the arm is part of any linkage change.

When the arm needs to change

There are two common reasons. The first is ride height. A lift moves the axle down and away from the frame while the box stays where it is, and a drop arm lowers the drag-link connection at the box to follow it. The BDS arm in this collection is a 5-inch drop design listed for 4WD trucks, which makes it a lift part, not a stock-height part.

The second reason is a steering conversion. Synergy recommends switching to the Mopar pitman arm for 2008.5-and-later trucks, part number 68039930AA, when a 2003-2008 truck is converted to T-style steering. Converting changes the pitman arm, so that arm gets ordered with the kit.

If you are chasing a wobble rather than changing geometry, start somewhere else. Thuren Fabrication ranks death-wobble causes as track bar first, steering damper second and tires third, with tie-rod ends and ball joints behind those.

What we carry

This collection carries the BDS Suspension Drop Pitman Arm with a 5-inch drop, listed for 2003-2008 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins 4WD trucks. For stabilizers, the box brace and the track bar, see the main steering collection for these years.

Fitment notes

Match the arm to two things: drivetrain and steering layout. The BDS arm is listed for 4WD only. If your truck has been converted to T-style steering, follow the conversion kit maker's pitman arm call; for the Synergy kit that is the 2008.5-style Mopar arm. Once the arm is on, reset toe to 0.00-0.05 degrees total and check caster. Verify by VIN before ordering, or call us and we will check it with you.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a drop pitman arm when I lift my 2003-2004 Ram?

Follow the lift maker's parts list. Thuren's guidance is that stock control arms handle about 3 inches of front lift, and that beyond 3 inches the control arms, track bar length, shocks and sway-bar links all change. A 5-inch drop arm like the BDS piece belongs with a lift that calls for it.

Which pitman arm do I use for a T-style steering conversion?

Synergy recommends the Mopar 68039930AA, the 2008.5-and-later style arm, on 2003-2008 trucks being converted to T-style steering. Order it with the kit rather than after the truck is apart.

Will a new pitman arm fix my death wobble?

Not on its own. Thuren's diagnosis order puts the track bar first, the steering damper second and tires third. With the engine running, watch both ends of the track bar while a helper swings the wheel back and forth; if the bushings move, start there.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.