Apex Chassis KIT386-STL ProLock Tie Rod | 2" DOM Steel | Matte Black Powdercoat | 2014-2026 Ram 2500 / 2013-2026 Ram 3500 4WD | SKU KIT386-STL
Couldn't load pickup availability
Before ordering, verify your vehicle details, current setup, and SKU with OFAS fitment support so your upgrade matches your build.
Shipping & Delivery
Free shipping is available within the lower 48 U.S. states. Large or heavy items may ship by freight, and delivery timing can vary by warehouse, carrier, and product availability.
Fitment, Shipping & Product Support
The Apex Chassis ProLock Tie Rod (KIT386-STL) is a direct-replacement extreme-duty tie rod for the 2014–2026 Ram 2500 and 2013–2026 Ram 3500 4WD SRW. 2" DOM SAE 1020 heavy-wall steel tube, SAE 1045 CNC-machined forged steel housings, SAE 4140 hot-forged induction heat-treated chromoly ball studs, ProLock™ machined keyway washers, jam nuts with 3 wrench-flat set screws, Flopper Stoppers (27° left/right, 2° front/back), matte black powdercoat finish. Gas and 6.7L Cummins diesel. 2–6" lift range. Full front-end alignment required post-install.
Tie rod only — drag link sold separately (KIT387-STL, KIT387-BLK, or KIT387-POL). Complete master kit KIT385 bundles both for one installation and one alignment fee. 2013 Ram 2500 does NOT fit. Ram 3500 DRW requires a different SKU.
Component Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU / Part Number | KIT386-STL |
| Brand | Apex Chassis |
| Platform | 2014–2026 Ram 2500 4WD / 2013–2026 Ram 3500 4WD SRW |
| Component | Tie rod only — drag link sold separately |
| Complete Kit | KIT385 — tie rod + drag link bundled |
| Main Rod | 2" DOM SAE 1020 heavy-wall steel tube |
| Housings | SAE 1045 solid steel forged — CNC machined |
| Ball Studs | SAE 4140 hot-forged chromoly — induction heat treated, rolled step threads |
| Adjustment System | ProLock™ machined keyway washers + jam nuts with 3 wrench-flat set screws |
| Joint Type | High-misalignment ends with internal Flopper Stoppers |
| Flopper Stoppers | 27° left/right stud travel · 2° front/back — metal-to-metal, no rubber |
| Bearings | Rugged metal-to-metal |
| Boots | CR rubber accordion boots |
| Hardware | Grade 8 / Class 10.9 — tension nut at high-load points |
| Lubrication | Pre-threaded Zerk housing, greaseable, pre-greased, gull-winged grease grooves |
| Finish | Matte black powdercoat |
| Lift Range | 2–6" |
| Engine Compatibility | Gas & 6.7L Cummins diesel |
| BDS Trackbar | Not compatible |
| Ram 3500 DRW | Not compatible — SRW only |
| Alignment Required | Yes — full front-end alignment mandatory post-install |
| Install Difficulty | Intermediate — professional alignment required |
| Warranty | Apex Chassis manufacturer limited warranty — registration required |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Sold As | Each — tie rod only |
What Is and Is NOT Included
| Item | Included |
|---|---|
| 2" DOM SAE 1020 steel tie rod assembly | ✓ |
| ProLock washers and proprietary jam nuts with set screws | ✓ |
| Grade 8 / Class 10.9 hardware | ✓ |
| Installation sheet with torque specs | ✓ |
| Drag link | ✗ NOT included — order KIT387-STL, KIT387-BLK, or KIT387-POL separately |
| Track bar relocation bracket | ✗ NOT included — recommended for lifts exceeding 4" |
KIT386 Finish/Material Options
| SKU | Rod Material | Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KIT386-STL (this listing) | 2" DOM SAE 1020 steel tube | Matte black powdercoat | Maximum rigidity under direct impact — no flex memory |
| KIT386-BLK | 2.125" 7075-T6 aluminum | Black anodized | Reduced weight; some flex memory under extreme impact |
| KIT386-POL | 2.125" 7075-T6 aluminum | Raw mirror polished | Same as BLK, show-quality finish |
Tie Rod Only vs. Complete Master Kit
| SKU | Contents | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| KIT386-STL (this listing) | Tie rod only | Drag link already upgraded or confirmed in good condition |
| KIT387-STL / BLK / POL | Drag link only | Tie rod already upgraded |
| KIT385 | Tie rod + drag link bundled | Both components need replacement — one install, one alignment |
Verified Fitment
| Vehicle | Years | Config | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 2500 4WD — gas & 6.7L Cummins | 2014–2026 | SRW | ✓ |
| Ram 3500 4WD — gas & 6.7L Cummins | 2013–2026 | SRW | ✓ |
| Ram 2500 4WD | 2013 | Any | ✗ Retained legacy trailing-arm geometry — does not fit |
| Ram 3500 4WD | 2012 and earlier | Any | ✗ Different steering geometry |
| Ram 3500 DRW | Any | DRW | ✗ Different track width — contact us for correct SKU |
| Ram 2500/3500 | 2WD | Any | ✗ No solid front axle on 2WD platform |
| Ram 1500 | Any | Any | ✗ Different platform |
| Ford, GM, Toyota trucks | Any | Any | ✗ Not compatible |
Critical Compatibility
| Configuration | Notes |
|---|---|
| 2013 Ram 2500 | Does not fit — radius-arm suspension update came in 2014 on the 2500, one year after the 3500 |
| Ram 3500 DRW | Does not fit this SKU — text (469) 407-7538 for the correct SKU |
| BDS Adjustable Trackbar | Not compatible |
| Lifts exceeding 4" | Track bar relocation bracket strongly recommended; verify pitman arm drop compatibility |
| OEM drag link still in place | Replacing the tie rod without addressing the drag link leaves the steering correction incomplete — pair with KIT387 series for a full front-end rebuild |
Common Questions
Should I replace my tie rod and drag link at the same time?
Yes. The tie rod controls toe. The drag link connects the steering box to the axle. Replacing the tie rod while leaving a worn or OEM drag link leaves the correction half-finished. Order KIT385 for both components in one session with one alignment fee — or pair this tie rod with your preferred KIT387 drag link variant.
Why DOM steel tube on the tie rod?
DOM — Drawn Over Mandrel — is a heavy-wall steel tube with a uniform wall thickness that handles direct rock and debris impact better than hollow ERW tubing. The tie rod sits at the lowest, most exposed point of the front axle. Steel handles that position's abuse without the flex memory that aluminum carries under repeated direct hits.
What are the Flopper Stoppers?
Metal-to-metal bearing restrictors built directly into the forged steel housings — 27° of left/right steering travel with only 2° of front-to-back deflection. No external rubber blocks or wearable components. The restriction is built into the structure.
Will this fix death wobble on my Ram 2500 or 3500 Cummins?
It eliminates two primary mechanical contributors — the heavy-wall DOM tube eliminates torsional flex in the tie rod assembly, and the Flopper Stoppers eliminate joint rotation that allows the wobble feedback loop to start. Paired with the KIT387 drag link, fresh ball joints, and a proper alignment, it provides a complete front-end fix.
The Obsidian Take
The KIT386-STL is for the Ram HD owner who needs the tie rod to handle direct impact from rocks, stumps, and trail debris without compromise. 2" DOM heavy-wall steel tube, Flopper Stoppers, ProLock adjustment, matte black powdercoat — built for the tie rod's actual job at the lowest and most exposed point of the front axle.
If weight matters more than maximum rigidity under direct impact, the aluminum variants (KIT386-BLK or KIT386-POL) deliver the same steering correction at reduced weight. For a truck that runs loaded daily in demanding conditions, steel is the correct spec for this position.
Don't stop at the tie rod. If your drag link is also OEM, the KIT385 complete kit or this tie rod paired with a KIT387 drag link in your preferred finish is one session, one alignment fee, and a completely rebuilt front steering system.
Specifications sourced from Apex Chassis manufacturer documentation and authorized distributor data. Obsidian Forged Auto Supply is an authorized Apex Chassis dealer. Product registration required for warranty coverage. Manufacturer specifications are subject to change without notice.