Apex ProLock Steering Kit — SKU: KIT385 — 7075-T6 Polished Aluminum | Ram 2500/3500 2014–2026 4WD

Overview

This kit replaces the factory tie rod and drag link on the 2014–2026 Ram 2500/3500 with a matched set of Apex ProLock assemblies — 2.125" 7075-T6 polished aluminum tie rod and 2" 7075-T6 polished aluminum drag link — using forged steering ends, a ProLock keyway-washer tie rod, a Ninja-washer drag link, and the included TR203 OE-location damper bracket.

Before ordering: This kit fits 2014–2026 Ram 2500/3500 4WD applications. It will not fit the AEV Prospector model and is not compatible with the Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer. If running a dual steering stabilizer, confirm tie rod end bracket clearance, as the oversized Apex tie rod ends may require bracket modification.

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.

Verified Fitment

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Included:

• Complete ProLock Tie Rod assembly — 2.125" 7075-T6 polished aluminum rod, ProLock keyway washer
• Complete Drag Link assembly — 2" 7075-T6 polished aluminum rod, Ninja lock washer
• TR203 OE-location damper bracket
• Jam nuts with integrated set screws (both assemblies)
• 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)
• Apex 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)
• High-pressure lithium grease (for re-greasing zerk fittings)
• Steering stabilizer (sold separately)

Critical Compatibility

• AEV Prospector: This kit will not fit the AEV Prospector model.
• Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer: Not compatible.
• Dual steering stabilizers (other brands): Due to oversized tie rod ends, dual stabilizer kit tie rod end brackets may require modification.
• Drag link washers: Use either the included Ninja lock washers or Belleville washers — never both together on the same assembly.
• Anti-flop bearing: The tie rod ends include an anti-flop bearing allowing approximately 4° of forward/back rotation. Do not tighten jam nuts against this bearing — tighten the passenger side jam nut first, then center the flop while tightening the driver's side.
• Minimum engagement mark — drag link: If visible on the drag link end threads, thread engagement is insufficient. A flip kit or re-equalized adjusting sleeve may be required.
• Grease volume: Zerk fittings are metal-on-metal and pre-greased. Add only ½ to 1 pump of high-pressure lithium grease per fitting — over-greasing can cause the boots to balloon and fail.

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 KIT385 polished 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.

Tie rod ball-stud tension nuts torque to 63–67 ft/lbs; drag link castle nuts torque to 75–82 ft/lbs; jam nuts on both assemblies torque to 200 ft/lbs; jam-nut set screws torque to 8–10 ft/lbs, applied only after alignment. The tie rod's ProLock keyway washers are tapped onto the adjusting sleeve after alignment; the drag link's Ninja-washer tabs are bent over the jam nut to secure it. Before operating the vehicle, verify correct application, steering geometry, adequate thread engagement, and full lock-to-lock clearance.

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 KIT385 Polished Aluminum is Apex's complete ProLock tie rod and drag link replacement for the 2014–2026 Ram 2500/3500, 4WD, finished in raw polished aluminum. The tie rod and drag link use two different locking systems — a ProLock keyway washer on the tie rod, a Ninja lock washer (or Belleville washer, not both) on the drag link — each with its own post-alignment finishing step, and the kit includes the TR203 bracket to keep the steering damper in the OE mounting location. Confirm these application conditions before ordering: the AEV Prospector model is not compatible, the Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer is not supported, and other dual stabilizer setups may need tie rod end bracket modification due to the oversized ends.

This Product Is For You If

• You own a 2014–2026 Ram 2500 or Ram 3500, 4WD, and your truck is not an AEV Prospector.
• You want to replace both the tie rod and drag link as a complete matched set.
• You prefer polished aluminum aesthetics.
• You are running a single steering stabilizer, or have confirmed bracket clearance with your dual-stabilizer setup.
• You are prepared for a professional-level installation requiring KIT524, separate tie rod and drag link finishing steps, specific torque values, and a professional alignment.

This Product Is Not For You If

• Your truck is an AEV Prospector model.
• Your vehicle is not a 2014–2026 Ram 2500 or Ram 3500, 4WD.
• You are running a Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer.
• You are running another dual stabilizer kit and have not confirmed the tie rod end brackets will clear the oversized Apex ends.
• You do not have or are not prepared to obtain Apex aluminum wrench kit KIT524 before installation.
• You plan to use both Ninja washers and Belleville washers on the drag link — use one or the other only.

Product Family Reference

For 2003–2013 Dodge Ram 2500/3500, see the KIT380 family (T-Link conversion). For 2014–2026 trucks needing only one component replaced rather than the complete kit, see Apex KIT386 (tie rod only) or KIT387 (drag link only) — confirm specifications for each against its own product documentation.

Common Questions

Does this fit the AEV Prospector?
No. This kit will not fit the AEV Prospector model.

Is this compatible with a Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer?
No. Explicitly not compatible.

Can I use Belleville washers instead of the included Ninja washers on the drag link?
Yes, Belleville washers can be substituted for the Ninja washers — but never use both on the same assembly.

How much grease do the zerk fittings need?
Only ½ to 1 pump of high-pressure lithium grease per fitting. These are metal-on-metal joints that come pre-greased; over-greasing can cause the boots to balloon and fail.

What tools are required?
Apex aluminum wrench kit KIT524 (WR113 46mm/50mm, WR114 46mm/55mm), sold separately. 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. Thread locker and set-screw torque are applied only after alignment.

What are the replacement set screw part numbers?
Tie rod replacement set screws are XP171. Drag link replacement set screws are XP172.

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.