Apex ProLock T-Link Steering Kit — SKU: KIT380 — 7075-T6 Polished Aluminum | Dodge Ram 2500/3500 2003–2013 4WD | T-Link Replacement Kit, No Pitman Arm

Overview

This kit replaces the factory tie rod and drag link on the 2009–2013 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 with a matched set of Apex ProLock T-Link assemblies — 2" 7075-T6 highly polished, raw aluminum tie rod and 2" 7075-T6 highly polished, raw aluminum drag link — using forged steering ends, mechanical ProLock keyway and tab retention, and serviceable grease fittings. On 2003–2008 trucks already fitted with the 2009–2013-style Mopar pitman arm upgrade, this same kit converts the factory Y-Link steering to the T-Link system. No pitman arm is included with this SKU.

Before ordering: This kit is the direct-fit T-Link tie rod and drag link for 2009–2013 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 4WD. For 2003–2008 trucks (3rd Gen, Y-Link), this kit fits only if the 2009–2013-style Mopar pitman arm upgrade is already installed — if it is not, order KIT380P instead, which includes the pitman arm. 2003–2008 trucks running an aftermarket drop pitman arm must replace it with the newer 2009–2013-style drop pitman arm (sourced from your lift supplier) before this kit will fit. 2013 Ram 3500 was a split production year: early-production trucks use T-style steering (drag link attached to the tie rod) and are compatible; late-production trucks use crossover steering (drag link attached to the knuckle) and are not compatible with this kit. Confirm your steering style before ordering. Not compatible with the Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer.

Required separately for installation: Apex KIT522 wrench kit (WR112 41mm/46mm, WR113 46mm/50mm); medium-strength blue thread locker (Loctite 243 or Permatex 24206); anti-seize for adjusting-sleeve internal threads only; a 2" ID stabilizer clamp (DC2.0-Z or DC2.0-B — the OE clamp will not fit); and a professional alignment. Steering stabilizer, replacement set screws, and boot replacements are not included.

2003–2008 trucks without the pitman arm upgrade: Order KIT380P instead, or source the required 2009–2013-style drop pitman arm from your lift supplier if replacing an existing aftermarket drop pitman arm.

Verified Fitment

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Included:

• Complete ProLock Tie Rod assembly — 2" 7075-T6 polished raw aluminum rod
• Complete ProLock Drag Link assembly — 2" 7075-T6 polished raw aluminum rod (ends DL310 and DL311)
• ProLock keyway washer and tabs
• Jam nuts with integrated set screws (both assemblies)
• Grade 8 / Class 10.9 hardware, castle nuts
• Zerk fittings (pre-threaded, pre-greased)

Not included:

• Pitman arm (see KIT380P if a pitman arm is needed)
• Replacement set screws (XP172, sold separately)
• Tie rod boot replacement (XP114, for TR300/TR301, sold separately)
• Drag link boot replacement (XP104, for DL310/DL311, sold separately)
• Apex wrench kit KIT522 — WR112 41mm/46mm and WR113 46mm/50mm (required, sold separately)
• Thread locker (blue Loctite 243 or blue Permatex 24206 recommended)
• Anti-seize compound (for adjusting sleeve threads only)
• 2" ID stabilizer clamp — DC2.0-Z or DC2.0-B (required, sold separately)
• Steering stabilizer (sold separately)
• Replacement 2009–2013-style drop pitman arm (required for 2003–2008 trucks with an aftermarket drop pitman arm, sourced from lift supplier)

Critical Compatibility

• 2003–2008 trucks: Compatible only if the 2009–2013-style Mopar pitman arm upgrade is already installed. Without it, order KIT380P instead.
• 2003–2008 trucks with an aftermarket drop pitman arm: Must be replaced with the newer 2009–2013-style drop pitman arm, sourced from your lift supplier, before this kit fits.
• 2013 Ram 3500 split production year: Early-production trucks use T-style steering (drag link attached to the tie rod) and are compatible. Late-production trucks use crossover steering (drag link attached to the knuckle, not the tie rod) and are not compatible with this kit. Confirm your steering style before ordering.
• Stabilizer clamp: The OE steering stabilizer clamp will not fit this tie rod. This aluminum kit requires a DC2.0-Z, DC2.0-B, or equivalent 2" ID clamp.
• Dual steering stabilizers: Due to oversized tie rod ends, dual stabilizer kit tie rod end brackets may require modification.
• Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer: Not compatible.
• PSC gearbox replacement: Fully compatible with this steering kit.
• 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.
• Finish care: Polished raw aluminum is uncoated and will oxidize/dull with exposure unless periodically maintained; this is a cosmetic characteristic of the raw finish, not a defect.

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 KIT380 polished aluminum assembly: Apex wrench kit KIT522 (WR112 41mm/46mm and WR113 46mm/50mm); medium-strength blue thread locker (Loctite 243 or Permatex 24206); anti-seize compound for the internal adjusting-sleeve threads only; and a 2" ID stabilizer clamp (DC2.0-Z or DC2.0-B).

Set toe with jam nuts loose, then torque castle nuts to 75–82 ft/lbs and jam nuts to 200 ft/lbs, taking care not to torque the tie rod jam nuts against the anti-flop bearings. Before operating the vehicle, verify correct application, steering geometry, adequate thread engagement, stabilizer clamp compatibility, and full lock-to-lock clearance. After alignment, apply thread locker and torque jam-nut set screws to 8–10 ft/lbs, then hammer the ProLock tabs down firmly against the wrench flats per 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 KIT380 Polished Aluminum is Apex's ProLock T-Link tie rod and drag link kit for the 2009–2013 Dodge Ram 2500/3500, 4WD — the direct-fit replacement for trucks that already run T-Link steering from the factory, finished in raw polished aluminum rather than black anodizing. Both assemblies use ProLock keyway and tab retention as the mechanical locking system, and installation requires the Apex KIT522 wrench kit plus a professional alignment. Confirm these application conditions before ordering: 2003–2008 trucks need the pitman arm upgrade already installed, or KIT380P instead; a 2013 Ram 3500 needs its steering style confirmed, since only the early-production T-style trucks are compatible; and the Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer is not supported. The OE stabilizer clamp will not fit — a 2" ID clamp is required — and the tie rod's anti-flop bearing needs the correct torque sequencing described in Installation Notes.

This Product Is For You If

• You own a 2009–2013 Dodge Ram 2500 or Ram 3500, 4WD.
• You own a 2003–2008 Ram 2500/3500 that already has the 2009–2013-style Mopar pitman arm upgrade installed.
• You want to replace both the tie rod and drag link as a complete matched set.
• You prefer a raw, polished aluminum appearance over black anodizing.
• You are prepared to replace the OE stabilizer clamp with a 2" ID clamp (DC2.0-Z or DC2.0-B).
• You are prepared for a professional-level installation requiring KIT522, anti-flop bearing torque sequencing, ProLock tab installation, and a professional alignment.

This Product Is Not For You If

• You own a 2003–2008 Ram 2500/3500 and have not confirmed the pitman arm upgrade is already installed — see KIT380P instead.
• You own a late-production 2013 Ram 3500 with crossover steering (drag link attached to the knuckle, not the tie rod).
• 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 are not prepared to replace the OE stabilizer clamp with a compatible 2" ID clamp.
• You do not have or are not prepared to obtain Apex wrench kit KIT522 before installation.
• You prefer a black finish — see KIT380-BLK (anodized black aluminum).
• You only need to replace the tie rod on an already-T-Link-equipped 2009–2013 truck — see KIT381 (tie rod only).

Product Family Reference

Need only a tie rod? For 2009–2013 Ram 2500/3500 trucks that only need the tie rod replaced (T-Link already present, no drag link needed), see Apex KIT381.

Need the pitman arm included? For 2003–2008 trucks without the pitman arm upgrade already installed, see Apex KIT380P.

Common Questions

Does this fit my 2003–2008 Ram 2500/3500?
Only if the 2009–2013-style Mopar pitman arm upgrade is already installed on your truck. If it isn't, order KIT380P, which includes the pitman arm.

I have a 2013 Ram 3500 — how do I know if this fits?
2013 was a split production year. Early-production trucks use T-style steering (drag link attached to the tie rod) and are compatible. Late-production trucks use crossover steering (drag link attached to the knuckle) and are not compatible. Check your truck's steering configuration before ordering.

Is this compatible with a Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer?
No. This kit is explicitly not compatible with the Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer.

Will my OE steering stabilizer clamp fit?
No. This aluminum kit requires a DC2.0-Z, DC2.0-B, or equivalent 2" ID clamp, purchased separately.

Is a PSC gearbox compatible?
Yes. A PSC gearbox replacement is fully compatible with this steering kit.

Does the polished finish need maintenance?
The polished aluminum is a raw, uncoated finish and may oxidize or dull with exposure over time. If you prefer a coated finish, see KIT380-BLK (anodized black).

What is the anti-flop bearing and why does it matter?
The tie rod ends include an anti-flop bearing allowing approximately 4° of forward/back rotation. Tighten the passenger side jam nut first, then center the flop while tightening the driver's side, so roughly 4° of rotation remains once both jam nuts are torqued.

What tools and consumables are required?
Apex wrench kit KIT522 (WR112 41mm/46mm, WR113 46mm/50mm), blue medium-strength thread locker, anti-seize for adjusting sleeve internal threads only, and a 2" ID stabilizer clamp. 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, set-screw torque, and ProLock tab installation are completed only after alignment.

What are the replacement part numbers for service?
Replacement set screws are XP172 (tie rod and drag link). Tie rod boot replacement is XP114 (for TR300/TR301). Drag link boot replacement is XP104 (for DL310/DL311).

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.