Apex Chassis ProLock Tie Rod Kit — Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty (7075-T6 Anodized Black Aluminum) SKU: KIT372

Verified Fitment

2005–2007 application note: Compatible with 2008+ trucks without additional components. On 2005–2007 trucks, this kit will not work with a stock steering stabilizer — a lower steering stabilizer mount or dual stabilizer kit (Apex KIT178) is required.

Confirm your axle is a standard-track unit before ordering.

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Included:

• Complete ProLock Tie Rod assembly
• 2.125" 7075-T6 anodized black aluminum adjusting rod
• Tie rod ends with ProLock keyway machined into threads
• ProLock keyway washers
• 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 XP171)
• Steering stabilizer clamp — aluminum assembly requires DC2.125-B, DC162 (Carli), or equivalent 2.125" ID clamp (sold separately)
• Wrench kit required for installation — KIT512 (WR108 50mm/52mm and WR110 55mm/57mm), sold separately
• Thread locker (blue Loctite 243 or blue Permatex 24206 recommended; not included)
• Anti-seize compound (for adjusting sleeve threads; not included)
• For 2005–2007 trucks: lower steering stabilizer mount or dual stabilizer kit KIT178 (sold separately — required for this year range)

Critical Compatibility

• Wide track: This kit is NOT compatible with wide-track axle configurations. Confirm standard-track before ordering.
• 2005–2007 trucks: This kit will not work with a stock steering stabilizer on 2005–2007 F-250/F-350. A lower steering stabilizer mount or Apex dual stabilizer kit KIT178 is required for these model years.
• Dual steering stabilizers: Due to the tie rod ends being 1/8" larger in diameter than OE, modifications may need to be made to dual stabilizer kit tie rod end brackets to achieve fitment.
• Stabilizer clamp — aluminum kit: Requires DC2.125-B, DC162 (Carli), or an equivalent 2.125" ID clamp. Do not use steel-assembly clamps (DC2.0-Z or DC2.0-B) on this variant.
• Thread direction: The passenger side tie rod end uses left-hand threads, identified by notches in the jam nut. The adjusting sleeve has a machined ring near the flats on the left-hand thread side. Confirm thread direction before installation.
• Minimum engagement: Observe the minimum engagement mark on the tie rod end threads at all times. If the mark is visible, thread engagement is insufficient.
• Lifted trucks: A numeric lift-height range is not published by Apex for this kit. On modified-height trucks, confirm steering geometry, tie rod 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:
Apex wrench kit KIT512 — WR108 50mm/52mm and WR110 55mm/57mm (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 tie rod end threads; if applied in error, clean completely with BrakeKleen or equivalent solvent before proceeding)
• High-pressure lithium grease

Installation summary:

1. Before removing the OEM tie rod assembly, measure from the center of the ball studs on each side and record those measurements. Note: the passenger side tie rod end is an eye, not a ball stud — measure from the inner edge of the eye to the opposite ball stud.
2. 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.
3. Identify thread direction: the passenger side tie rod end has notches in the jam nut indicating left-hand thread. The adjusting sleeve has a machined ring near the flats on the left-hand thread side. Confirm thread direction before threading ends into the sleeve.
4. Apply anti-seize to the inside threads of the adjusting sleeve only. Do not apply anti-seize to the tie rod end threads. If applied in error, clean completely with BrakeKleen or equivalent solvent. Thread the tie rod ends into the adjusting sleeve in the correct direction until each reaches the jam nut. Wipe off any visible anti-seize.
5. Repeat for the driver's side.
6. Adjust both ends equally to set the ball stud center-to-center (or eye inner edge to ball stud) distance to the OEM measurement recorded in Step 1.
7. Apply a light layer of grease to the top of each boot before installation to reduce friction between the boot and the joint.
8. Install the tie rod assembly. The passenger side tie rod attaches to the long ball stud on the drag link under the knuckle. Torque castle nuts to 75–82 ft-lbs. Leave the jam nuts loose. Use a tape measure to set toe to factory specifications.
9. Once toe is set, slide the ProLock keyway washers onto the adjusting rod. Rotate the rod slightly if needed to install the washers on the adjusting sleeve. Tighten the tie rod/adjusting sleeve to the closest wrench flat to fully seat the washer against the adjusting sleeve.
10. Tighten all jam nuts on the tie rods and torque to 200 ft-lbs.
11. Test steering lock-to-lock and confirm no interference with wheels or other vehicle components.
12. Have a professional complete a full alignment before driving.
13. After alignment is complete, apply medium-strength thread locker under the jam nuts. Torque all set screws in the jam nuts to 8–10 ft-lbs. Only after alignment is complete.
14. Use a paint marker across the jam nuts and adjusting sleeve 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 KIT372 replaces the factory Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty (2005–2026) tie rod with a 2.125" 7075-T6 anodized black aluminum adjusting rod, the same forged SAE 1045 steel housings, SAE 4140 chromoly ball studs, and ProLock system shared across all KIT372 variants. The aluminum rod diameter (2.125") is larger than the DOM steel variant (2"), which means the stabilizer clamp requirement differs — this variant uses DC2.125-B, DC162 (Carli), or equivalent, not the DC2.0 clamps used with the steel kit. On 2005–2007 trucks, the stock stabilizer is still incompatible regardless of rod material. All other compatibility restrictions and the installation procedure are identical to the other KIT372 variants. Select this variant for anodized black aesthetics.

This Product Is For You If

• You own a 2005–2026 Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty, 4WD, standard-track configuration.
• You want to replace worn or underperforming OE tie rod components.
• You want a tie rod assembly with Apex's ProLock system designed to help secure the connection against loosening.
• You prefer anodized black aluminum aesthetics over DOM steel or polished aluminum (other variants available).
• On 2005–2007 trucks: you are prepared to add a lower steering stabilizer mount or Apex dual stabilizer kit KIT178.
• You are prepared to source the correct aluminum-assembly stabilizer clamp (DC2.125-B, DC162, or equivalent).
• You are prepared for a professional-level installation requiring KIT512, toe-setting, thread locker after alignment, and a professional alignment.

This Product Is Not For You If

• Your Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty has a wide-track axle configuration.
• Your vehicle is not a 2005–2026 Ford F-250 or F-350 Super Duty, 4WD.
• You own a 2005–2007 truck and are not prepared to address the stock steering stabilizer incompatibility.
• You are running a 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 wrench kit KIT512 before installation.
• You prefer DOM steel or polished aluminum — other variants are available for this application.

Product Family Reference

The KIT372 ProLock Tie Rod Kit is available in multiple adjusting rod materials for the same Ford F-250/F-350 2005–2026 4WD, standard-track application. Confirm specifications and clamp requirements for each variant against its own product documentation.

Common Questions

What is wide track, and how do I know if my truck has it?
Wide-track axles have a wider-than-standard front track width. Confirm your axle track designation with your dealer or a qualified shop before ordering.

I have a 2005–2007 truck — what do I need to know?
This kit will not work with the stock steering stabilizer on 2005–2007 F-250/F-350. You will need a lower steering stabilizer mount or Apex dual stabilizer kit KIT178, regardless of which rod material variant you choose.

What stabilizer clamp do I need for the black aluminum kit?
This aluminum variant requires a DC2.125-B, DC162 (Carli), or equivalent 2.125" ID clamp. Do not use the steel-assembly clamps (DC2.0-Z or DC2.0-B) — they are sized for the smaller DOM steel rod diameter.

How do I identify the left-hand thread side?
The passenger side jam nut has notches indicating left-hand thread. The adjusting sleeve has a machined ring near the flats on the left-hand thread side.

Why does the passenger side measurement use an eye instead of a ball stud?
The passenger side tie rod end on this application is an eye-style end. Measure from the inner edge of the eye to the center of the opposite ball stud when recording your OEM reference dimension.

Do I need special tools?
Yes. Apex wrench kit KIT512 — WR108 50mm/52mm and WR110 55mm/57mm — sold separately.

Is a professional alignment required?
Yes. Set toe to factory specifications before torquing the jam nuts, then have a professional complete a full alignment before driving. Thread locker and 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 adjusting sleeve as a visual indicator of any movement.

What are the replacement set screws?
Replacement set screws for the tie rod are Apex part number XP171, 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.