Apex ProLock Steering Kit — Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty SKU: KIT370 — 7075-T6 Anodized Black Aluminum | 2005–2016 4WD

Overview

This kit replaces both the factory tie rod and drag link on the 2005–2016 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty with a matched set of Apex ProLock assemblies — 2.125" 7075-T6 black anodized aluminum tie rod and 2" 7075-T6 black anodized aluminum drag link — using forged steering ends, mechanical ProLock keyway retention, and serviceable grease fittings.

Before ordering: This kit fits standard-track 2005–2016 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty 4WD applications only. It is not compatible with wide-track axle configurations or the BDS Adjustable Trackbar. Verify steering stabilizer type and mounting location, stabilizer clamp diameter and material, and all clearance requirements before ordering.

Required separately for installation: Apex KIT524 aluminum wrench kit (WR113 46mm/50mm, WR114 46mm/55mm); medium-strength blue thread locker (Loctite 243 or Permatex 24206); anti-seize for adjusting-sleeve internal threads only; high-pressure lithium grease; and a professional alignment. Steering stabilizer and replacement set screws are not included.

2005–2007 trucks: A lower steering-stabilizer mount or Apex dual stabilizer kit KIT178 is required, because the factory steering stabilizer is not compatible with this kit.

Verified Fitment

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Included:

• Complete ProLock Tie Rod assembly — 2.125" 7075-T6 anodized black aluminum rod
• Complete ProLock Drag Link assembly — 2" 7075-T6 anodized black aluminum rod (ends DL318 and DL317)
• ProLock keyway washers for both tie rod and drag link ends
• Jam nuts with integrated set screws (both assemblies)
• Reversible stainless steel taper sleeve (drag link)
• Grade 8 / Class 10.9 hardware, castle nuts
• Zerk fittings (pre-threaded, pre-greased)

Not included:

• Tie rod replacement set screws (XP171, sold separately)
• Drag link replacement set screws (XP172, sold separately)
• Aluminum wrench kit KIT524 — WR113 46mm/50mm and WR114 46mm/55mm (required, sold separately)
• Thread locker (blue Loctite 243 or blue Permatex 24206 recommended)
• Anti-seize compound (for adjusting sleeve threads only)
• Steering stabilizer (sold separately)
• Lower steering stabilizer mount or dual stabilizer kit KIT178 (required for 2005–2007 trucks, sold separately)

Critical Compatibility

• Wide track: Not compatible. Confirm standard-track axle before ordering.
• BDS Adjustable Trackbar: Not compatible with this drag link. The BDS adjuster sleeve will contact the Apex drag link during operation.
• 2005–2007 trucks: This kit works with 2008+ trucks as-is, but 2005–2007 trucks will not work with the stock steering stabilizer. A lower steering stabilizer mount or Apex dual stabilizer kit KIT178 is required.
• Steering stabilizer mounting: Steering stabilizers must use the OE taper-hole mounting location on the pitman-arm-side drag link end. Apex recommends OE-style stabilizers, including Fox Part 985-24-001 and Carli. Through-shaft stabilizers, including the Fox ATS, are not recommended.
• Dual steering stabilizers: Due to tie rod ends being 1/8" larger in diameter than OE, dual stabilizer kit tie rod end brackets may require modification.
• Stabilizer clamp — aluminum kit: Requires DC2.125-B, DC162 (Carli), or equivalent aluminum-assembly clamp. Do not use steel-assembly clamps (DC2.0-Z or DC2.0-B) on this variant.
• Reversible drag link: On lifted or modified applications where the pitman-arm end is inverted, the reversible drag link and included stainless-steel taper sleeve support stabilizer mounting from either side; final steering geometry, thread engagement, and clearance must still be verified during installation and alignment.
• Minimum engagement — drag link: If the minimum engagement mark on the drag link end threads is visible, thread engagement is insufficient. Adjust the sleeve position or address lift height as required.
• Replacement set screws: Tie rod and drag link set screws are different part numbers (XP171 and XP172 respectively). Order the correct part for the assembly being serviced.
• Lifted and modified-height trucks: Confirm drag-link adjustment, thread engagement, pitman-arm and track-bar relationship, stabilizer location, wheel and tire clearance, and lock-to-lock steering travel during installation and alignment.

Installation Notes

Steering components are safety-critical. Professional installation is strongly recommended, and a professional alignment must be completed before operating the vehicle. The installer must follow the current Apex Chassis installation instructions supplied with the product throughout installation and alignment.

Required for the KIT370 black aluminum assembly: Apex wrench kit KIT524 (WR113 46mm/50mm and WR114 46mm/55mm); medium-strength blue thread locker (Loctite 243 or Permatex 24206); anti-seize compound for the internal adjusting-sleeve threads only; and high-pressure lithium grease.

Before operating the vehicle, verify correct application, steering geometry, adequate thread engagement, steering-stabilizer placement, clamp compatibility, and full lock-to-lock clearance. After alignment, complete all manufacturer-specified ProLock washer, set-screw, torque, grease, and inspection procedures per the current Apex instructions.

Inspect jam-nut position after the initial 500 miles and then every 5,000 miles or at each oil change, consistent with Apex's maintenance guidance. Refer to the current Apex Chassis installation instructions supplied with this kit for complete procedures, torque specifications, and all safety requirements.

The Obsidian Take

The KIT370 Black Aluminum is Apex's complete ProLock tie rod and drag link replacement for the 2005–2016 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty, standard-track, 4WD. Both assemblies use ProLock keyway washers as the mechanical locking system. Installation of this black-aluminum KIT370 kit requires the Apex KIT524 wrench kit, and a professional alignment must be completed before the truck is operated. Confirm these application conditions before ordering: wide-track axles are incompatible; the BDS Adjustable Trackbar is incompatible with the drag link; and 2005–2007 trucks need an added lower stabilizer mount or KIT178 to run a stock-style steering stabilizer. The reversible drag link supports stabilizer mounting on inverted pitman-arm applications — see Critical Compatibility for verification requirements. Each component carries its own replacement set screw part number — XP171 for the tie rod, XP172 for the drag link.

This Product Is For You If

• You own a 2005–2016 Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty, 4WD, standard-track configuration.
• You want to replace both the tie rod and drag link as a complete matched set.
• You prefer anodized black aluminum aesthetics.
• You are running an OE-style steering stabilizer in the OE taper-hole position (Fox 985-24-001 or Carli recommended).
• On 2005–2007 trucks: you are prepared to add a lower steering stabilizer mount or Apex dual stabilizer kit KIT178.
• You are prepared for a professional-level installation requiring KIT524, specific Apex torque and ProLock procedures, and a professional alignment.

This Product Is Not For You If

• Your Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty has a wide-track axle configuration.
• You are running a BDS Adjustable Trackbar.
• You are committed to a through-shaft steering stabilizer, such as the Fox ATS; Apex does not recommend that configuration with this kit.
• Your vehicle is not a 2005–2016 Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty, 4WD.
• You own a 2005–2007 truck and are not prepared to address the stock steering stabilizer incompatibility with a lower mount or Apex KIT178.
• You are on a modified-height vehicle and have not confirmed steering geometry and clearance requirements with a qualified installer.
• You do not have or are not prepared to obtain Apex aluminum wrench kit KIT524 before installation.

For the 2017–2026 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty, see the KIT375 family.

Common Questions

Is this compatible with wide-track axles?
No. This kit is not compatible with wide-track axle configurations.

Is this compatible with the BDS Adjustable Trackbar?
No. The drag link in this kit is not compatible with the BDS Adjustable Trackbar.

I have a 2005–2007 truck — what do I need to know?
This kit will not work with the stock steering stabilizer on 2005–2007 F-250/F-350. A lower steering stabilizer mount or Apex dual stabilizer kit KIT178 is required.

Which steering stabilizer is compatible?
OE-style stabilizers mounted in the OE taper-hole position on the pitman-arm-side drag link end — Fox Part 985-24-001 and Carli are recommended. Through-shaft stabilizers such as the Fox ATS are not recommended.

What stabilizer clamp do I need?
This aluminum kit requires a DC2.125-B, DC162 (Carli), or equivalent clamp designed for the aluminum assembly diameter. Do not use steel-assembly clamps (DC2.0-Z or DC2.0-B).

What tools and consumables are required?
Apex wrench kit KIT524 (sold separately), blue medium-strength thread locker, anti-seize compound for adjusting sleeve internal threads only, and high-pressure lithium grease. Refer to the current Apex installation instructions for complete requirements.

Is a professional alignment required?
A professional alignment must be completed before operating the vehicle. Professional installation is strongly recommended. Complete all ProLock washer and set-screw procedures after alignment according to the current Apex instructions.

What is the warranty?
Apex covers manufacturer defects, premature wear, and breakage for the life of the vehicle, as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle, with product registration required within 90 days of purchase. See full warranty summary below.

Manufacturer Data Disclaimer

Fitment, specification, compatibility, installation, and warranty data for this kit are sourced from Apex Chassis manufacturer product documentation and installation instructions, and OFAS-verified product data current as of publication. Specifications are subject to change without notice; confirm current documentation for this SKU at the time of purchase.

Required Legal, Warning, Fitment, and Return Notices

Safety Warning: Steering is a critical safety component. The installer must read and follow the provided installation instructions in full. Failure to follow these instructions may result in loss of vehicle control, accident, and injury. Failure to follow installation instructions and use correct installation tools may also void the warranty.

Warranty Summary: Apex Chassis warrants this product against manufacturer defects, premature wear, and breakage for the life of the vehicle, provided the original purchaser continues to own the vehicle. The product must be purchased through Apex Chassis directly or through an authorized Apex dealer, and must be registered with proof of purchase within 90 days of purchase. Products not registered within 90 days are covered only for 90 days from the date of purchase. Apex will, at its sole discretion, replace the defective part and cover ground shipping, or refund the original purchase price. Labor for removal or reinstallation is not covered. This warranty does not cover cosmetic imperfections, boots, bushings, or Heim-style joints, which are considered regular wear items. The warranty is void if the component is improperly installed, modified, or used in an application for which it was not designed, as determined at Apex's sole discretion. This warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Arizona.