2010-2018 Ram 6.7L Cummins Tie Rods

Tie rods and drag link on the 2010-2018 RAM 6.7L Cummins

On a solid-axle Ram HD with the 6.7L Cummins, the drag link carries steering input from the pitman arm, and the tie rod ties the two front wheels together so they steer as a pair. Toe is set by adjusting this linkage. Ram revised the steering gear and linkage for 2013 with a wider, stronger front end, so 2010-2012 and 2013-2018 linkage is listed separately.

What fails and why

Two recalls define this page. On 2008-2012 4x4 trucks, the left tie rod ball stud could fracture during low-speed turns such as parking-lot maneuvers, causing loss of steering at the left front wheel. Recall 11V-350 covered 2008-2011 trucks and was superseded by 13V-529, which covers 2008-2012. On 2013-2018 Ram 3500s and 2014-2018 2500s, the outboard drag link jam nut can loosen and let the drag link separate; recall 19V-021 tightened or replaced the drag link. Watch for loose or off-center steering and a clunk. Owners also report tie rod and drag link failures that prevented alignment on 2015-2016 trucks.

Stock replacement vs. upgrade

Some owners say the recall repair welded the jam nut and left them unable to adjust toe later. A replacement drag link assembly restores that adjustment. Tie rod ends are also a secondary contributor to death wobble behind the track bar and the steering damper, so worn ends are worth replacing even before they fail outright. If you are doing both the tie rod and drag link, a matched kit keeps the job to one install and one alignment.

What we carry

The Apex Chassis KIT385 Extreme Duty Tie Rod and Drag Link Kit, listed for 2014/2013-and-later Cummins Ram trucks. It replaces the tie rod and the drag link as a set, which suits owners of later trucks dealing with the jam nut issue or alignment trouble.

Fitment notes

The Apex kit's 2014/2013 notation matches the common split: the 3500 changed for 2013 and the 2500 for 2014. It is not listed for 2010-2012 trucks, so a 2011 SLT or 2012 Laramie owner should call the shop for help. Check for open recalls first. Verify by VIN.

Frequently asked questions

Was the tie rod on my Ram recalled?

If you have a 2008-2012 4x4 Ram 2500 or 3500, the left tie rod is covered by recall 13V-529, which superseded the earlier 11V-350 recall for 2008-2011 trucks. Run your VIN through a Ram dealer or NHTSA to see whether the work was done.

Can I adjust toe after the drag link recall?

Some owners of later trucks report the 19V-021 repair welded the jam nut, which blocks later toe adjustment. Replacing the drag link assembly restores it. The Apex Chassis kit replaces both the drag link and the tie rod.

Does the Apex kit fit a 2012 Ram 3500?

No. It is listed for 2014/2013-and-later trucks, and Ram changed the steering linkage for 2013. Call the shop and we will help you sort out what fits an earlier truck.

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.