Apex Chassis ProLock Drag Link Kit — Ram 2500/3500 (7075-T6 Anodized Black Aluminum) SKU: KIT387

Verified Fitment

This kit will not fit the AEV Prospector model. Confirm your build against this exclusion before ordering.

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Included:

• Complete ProLock Drag Link assembly
• 2" 7075-T6 anodized black aluminum adjusting rod
• Drag link ends with ProLock keyway machined into threads
• Ninja washers (bent tab style)
• Jam nuts with integrated set screws
• Grade 8 / Class 10.9 hardware, castle nuts
• Zerk fittings (pre-threaded, pre-greased)

Not included:

• Replacement set screws (sold separately, part number XP172)
• Wrench kit required for installation — aluminum assembly requires KIT524 (WR113 46mm/50mm and WR114 46mm/55mm), sold separately
• Thread locker (blue Loctite 243 or blue Permatex 24206 recommended; not included)
• Anti-seize compound (for adjusting sleeve threads; not included)

Critical Compatibility

• AEV Prospector: This kit will NOT fit the AEV Prospector model.
• Minimum engagement mark: The drag link end threads include a minimum engagement mark. If that mark is visible, thread engagement is below the safe minimum. Adjust the sleeve position between the two ends or address lift height as required.
• Ninja washers: Do not use both Ninja washers and Belleville washers simultaneously. Either type may be used in place of the other, but not both together.
• Lifted trucks: A numeric lift-height range is not published by Apex for this kit. On modified-height trucks, confirm steering geometry, drag-link adjustment, and all clearance requirements during professional installation and alignment.

Installation Notes

Safety warning: Steering is a critical safety component. The installer must read and follow the provided installation instructions in full before beginning. Failure to follow these instructions may result in loss of vehicle control, accident, and injury. Failure to use correct installation tools or follow correct procedures may also void the warranty. Installation instructions must be present through the full installation process, including alignment.

Required tools — aluminum assembly (this SKU):
Apex wrench kit KIT524 — WR113 46mm/50mm and WR114 46mm/55mm (sold separately)

Required consumables:

• Medium-strength thread locker (blue Loctite 243 or blue Permatex 24206 or equivalent)
• Anti-seize compound (for inside threads of adjusting sleeve only — do not apply to drag link end threads)
• High-pressure lithium grease

Installation summary:

1. Before removing the OEM drag link, measure from grease fitting to grease fitting (or from ball stud center to ball stud center if no grease fittings are present). Record these measurements for reference.
2. Apply anti-seize to the inside threads of the adjusting sleeve only. Do not apply anti-seize to the drag link end threads. Anti-seize in the jam nut area will reduce jam nut effectiveness.
3. Thread the jam nuts all the way down the drag link ends. Install the bent Ninja washers onto the adjusting sleeve with the bent side facing toward the adjusting sleeve. Belleville washers may be substituted for Ninja washers — do not use both.
4. Rotate the adjusting sleeve to set the length to the recorded grease-fitting-to-grease-fitting measurement. Adjust both ends equally to maintain proper thread engagement.
5. Turn the wheel toward the passenger side for easier access, then remove the OEM drag link assembly.
6. Apply a light layer of grease to the top of the boot before installation to reduce friction between the boot and the joint. Pre-grease the joints before installation as it can be difficult to access afterward.
7. Install the new drag link — pitman arm side first, then the knuckle side. Torque both fasteners to 75–82 ft-lbs. If the castle nut hole does not align, continue tightening until cotter pin installation is possible. Leave the jam nuts loose at this stage.
8. With tires pointing straight ahead, center the steering wheel by rotating the adjusting sleeve. Once straight, tighten the jam nuts and torque to 200 ft-lbs.
9. Test steering lock-to-lock and confirm no interference with wheels or other vehicle components.
10. Install Zerk fittings. Grease with high-pressure lithium grease — ½ to 1 pump per fitting only. Over-greasing will cause the boots to balloon and fail.
11. Have a professional complete a full alignment before driving.
12. After alignment is complete, bend the pointed tabs of the Ninja washers over the jam nut to secure it.
13. Apply thread locker under the jam nuts. Torque all set screws to 8–10 ft-lbs. Only after alignment is complete.
14. Use a paint marker across the jam nuts and center link as a visual indicator of any movement. Check jam nuts for tightness at 500 miles. Continue to check every 5,000 miles or at every oil change.

The Obsidian Take

This black aluminum variant of the KIT387 replaces the factory Ram 2500/3500 (2014–2026) drag link with a forged SAE 1045 steel housing, SAE 4140 chromoly ball studs, and a 2" 7075-T6 anodized black aluminum adjusting rod, assembled around Apex's ProLock system. The ProLock system uses a machined keyway, Ninja washers with bent locking tabs, and a jam nut with integrated set screws — designed to help secure the drag-link connection against loosening. The one platform exclusion specific to this kit is the AEV Prospector build. All fitment exclusions, compatibility restrictions, and installation requirements are identical to the polished aluminum variant. Select this variant for black aesthetics; the underlying specification is the same.

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 model.
• You want to replace worn or underperforming OE drag-link components.
• You want a drag-link assembly with Apex's ProLock system designed to help secure the connection against loosening.
• You prefer black aluminum aesthetics over polished aluminum or DOM steel (other variants available).
• You are prepared for a professional-level installation that includes specific torque requirements, thread locker, anti-seize, Ninja washer tab bending after alignment, and a required post-installation 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 on a modified-height vehicle and have not confirmed steering geometry, drag-link adjustment, and clearance requirements with a qualified installer.
• You do not have the required Apex aluminum wrench kit (KIT524) or are not prepared to obtain one before installation.
• You prefer polished aluminum or DOM steel — other variants are available for this application.

Product Family Reference

The KIT387 is available in multiple adjusting rod materials for the same Ram 2500/3500 2014–2026 4WD application. Confirm specifications for each variant against its own product documentation.

Common Questions

Does this fit the AEV Prospector?
No. The AEV Prospector model is explicitly excluded from this kit's fitment.

I have a lifted truck — does this kit fit?
Apex does not publish a specific lift-height range for this kit. Confirm steering geometry, drag-link adjustment, and clearance during professional installation and alignment on any modified-height application.

What are Ninja washers, and can I substitute something else?
Ninja washers are Apex's bent-tab locking washers that secure the drag link end against the adjusting sleeve. Belleville washers may be used in their place, but do not use both types simultaneously.

Do I need special tools?
Yes. The aluminum assembly (this SKU) requires Apex wrench kit KIT524 — WR113 46mm/50mm and WR114 46mm/55mm — sold separately. Installation also requires medium-strength thread locker, anti-seize compound, and high-pressure lithium grease, none of which are included.

Is a professional alignment required?
Yes. Apex's installation instructions require a professional alignment before the vehicle is driven. The Ninja washer tabs are bent and the set screws are torqued only after alignment is complete.

How often should I check the jam nuts?
At 500 miles after installation, then every 5,000 miles or at every oil change. Use a paint marker across the jam nuts and center link as a visual indicator of any movement.

What are the replacement set screws if mine wear out?
Replacement set screws are Apex part number XP172, sold separately.

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.