Apex Chassis ProLock Steering Kit — Ram 2500/3500 (7075-T6 Polished Aluminum) SKU: KIT385

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 Tie Rod assembly — 2.125" 7075-T6 polished aluminum rod
• Complete Drag Link assembly — 2" 7075-T6 polished aluminum rod
• ProLock keyway washers (for tie rod ends)
• Ninja washers, bent tab style (for drag link ends)
• TR203 OE location damper bracket
• Jam nuts with integrated set screws
• Grade 8 / Class 10.9 hardware, castle nuts
• Zerk fittings (pre-threaded, pre-greased)

Not included:

• Tie rod replacement set screws (sold separately, part number XP171)
• Drag link 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.
• Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer: Not compatible with this kit.
• Other dual stabilizer kits: Due to the oversized tie rod ends, modifications may need to be made to dual stabilizer kit tie rod end brackets to achieve fitment.
• Anti-flop bearing — tie rod: The tie rod ends contain an anti-flop bearing allowing 4 degrees of forward and back rotation. Do not tighten the jam nuts against these bearings. See Installation Notes for the required torquing sequence.
• Ninja washers vs. Belleville washers — drag link: Do not use both Ninja washers and Belleville washers simultaneously on the drag link. Either type may be used in place of the other, but not both together.
• Locking system differs by component: The tie rod uses ProLock keyway washers. The drag link uses Ninja washers with bent locking tabs. These are not interchangeable — install each in the correct assembly.
• Replacement set screw part numbers differ: Tie rod set screws are XP171; drag link set screws are XP172. Order the correct part number for the assembly being serviced.
• Minimum engagement mark: 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.
• Lifted trucks: A numeric lift-height range is not published by Apex for this kit. On modified-height trucks, confirm steering geometry, 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 sleeves only — do not apply to rod end threads)
• High-pressure lithium grease

TIE ROD INSTALLATION

1. Before removing the OEM tie rod assembly, measure from grease fitting to grease fitting on both sides (or from ball stud center to ball stud center if no grease fittings are present). Record these measurements.
2. Apply anti-seize to the inside threads of the adjusting sleeve only. Do not apply anti-seize to the tie rod end threads. Wipe off any excess after threading.
3. Thread the jam nuts all the way down the tie rod ends. Install the ProLock keyway washer onto the tie rod end keyway with the bent side facing toward the adjusting sleeve.
4. Thread the tie rod ends into the adjusting sleeve in the correct direction until each reaches the washer. Repeat for the driver's side.
5. Rotate the adjusting sleeve to set the grease-fitting-to-grease-fitting (or ball stud center-to-center) distance to the OEM measurement. Adjust both ends equally.
6. Remove the steering stabilizer from the axle and passenger side clamp.
7. Remove the OEM tie rod assembly.
8. Apply a light layer of grease to the top of each boot before installation to reduce friction between the boot and the joint.
9. Install the tie rod. Torque the tension nuts on the ball studs to 63–67 ft-lbs. Leave the jam nuts loose. Use a tape measure to set toe to factory specifications.
10. Once toe is set, slide the ProLock keyway washers onto the adjusting rod. Rotate the rod slightly if needed to seat the washers against the adjusting sleeve.
11. Tighten all tie rod jam nuts and torque to 200 ft-lbs. Anti-flop bearing note: Do not tighten against these bearings. Tighten the passenger side jam nut first, then center (level) the flop in the bearing while tightening the driver's side jam nut. When both jam nuts are tight, approximately 4 degrees of forward and back rotation should remain.
12. Test steering lock-to-lock and confirm no interference with wheels or other vehicle components.
13. Have a professional complete a full alignment before driving.
14. After alignment is complete, apply thread locker under the jam nuts. Apply thread locker to all tie rod set screws and torque to 8–10 ft-lbs. Only after alignment is complete.
15. Set and adjust the steering stabilizer, confirming equal travel at full lock in both directions. After alignment and torquing, tap ProLock keyway washers onto the adjusting sleeve with a hammer.
16. Use a paint marker across the jam nuts and adjusting sleeve as a visual indicator of movement. Check jam nuts at 500 miles, then every 5,000 miles or at every oil change.

DRAG LINK INSTALLATION

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.
2. Apply anti-seize to the inside threads of the drag link adjusting sleeve only — not the drag link end threads.
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 — do not use both.
4. Rotate the adjusting sleeve to set the length to the recorded measurement. Adjust both ends equally.
5. Turn the wheel toward the passenger side for easier access. Remove the OEM drag link assembly.
6. Apply a light layer of grease to the top of each boot before installation. Pre-grease joints before installation as it can be difficult afterward.
7. Install the drag link — pitman arm side first, then the knuckle side. Torque both fasteners to 75–82 ft-lbs. Leave the jam nuts loose.
8. With tires pointing straight ahead, center the steering wheel by rotating the drag link 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.
13. Apply thread locker under the jam nuts. Torque all drag link set screws to 8–10 ft-lbs. Only after alignment is complete.
14. Use a paint marker across the jam nuts and the center link as a visual indicator of movement. Check jam nuts at 500 miles, then every 5,000 miles or at every oil change.

The Obsidian Take

The KIT385 Polished Aluminum is Apex's complete steering replacement for the 2014–2026 Ram 2500/3500 — a matched set of ProLock tie rod and drag link built around different aluminum rod diameters (2.125" tie rod, 2" drag link), different locking systems per component (ProLock keyway washers on the tie rod, Ninja washers with bent locking tabs on the drag link), and different set screw part numbers (XP171 tie rod, XP172 drag link). The TR203 OE location damper bracket is included. Each component has its own installation sequence and post-alignment finishing step — the tie rod's ProLock keyway washers are hammered onto the adjusting sleeve, while the drag link's Ninja tabs are bent over the jam nut. Both require a professional alignment before driving. AEV Prospector and Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer are documented incompatibilities.

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 both the tie rod and drag link as a complete matched set.
• You want polished aluminum aesthetics over black aluminum or DOM steel (other variants available).
• 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 separate installation sequences for each component, specific torque values, 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 running a Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer.
• You are running another dual stabilizer kit and have not confirmed that the tie rod end brackets will clear the oversized Apex ends.
• 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.
• You prefer black aluminum or DOM steel — other variants are available for this application.
• You only need to replace the tie rod (see KIT386) or drag link (see KIT387) individually.

Product Family Reference

The KIT385 is a complete steering kit combining the KIT386 tie rod and KIT387 drag link for the Ram 2500/3500 2014–2026 4WD application. Individual kits are also available if only one component requires replacement. All variants share the same fitment exclusions. 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.

Is this compatible with a dual steering stabilizer?
The Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer is not compatible. Other dual stabilizer kits may require modification to their tie rod end brackets due to the oversized Apex ends. Confirm clearance before ordering.

The tie rod and drag link use different locking systems — how do I know which is which?
The tie rod uses ProLock keyway washers, which are tapped onto the adjusting sleeve with a hammer after alignment. The drag link uses Ninja washers, whose pointed tabs are bent over the jam nut after alignment. Install each in the correct assembly — they are not interchangeable.

The replacement set screws have different part numbers — why?
Tie rod set screws are XP171. Drag link set screws are XP172. Order the correct part number for the assembly being serviced.

What is the anti-flop bearing and how does it affect jam nut torquing?
The tie rod ends contain an anti-flop bearing allowing 4 degrees of forward and back rotation. Do not tighten the jam nuts against these bearings. Tighten the passenger side jam nut first, then center the flop while tightening the driver's side. When both are tight, approximately 4 degrees of rotation should remain.

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. Thread locker, anti-seize compound, and high-pressure lithium grease are also required and not included.

Is a professional alignment required?
Yes. For both the tie rod and the drag link, set toe to factory specifications before torquing the jam nuts, then have a professional complete a full alignment before driving. Both components' set screws are torqued and locking hardware is finalized 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 adjusting sleeve on each component as a visual indicator of any movement.

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.