Apex Chassis ProLock Tie Rod Kit — Ram 2500/3500 (7075-T6 Anodized Black Aluminum) SKU: KIT381

Verified Fitment

2003–2008 Ram 2500/3500 note: This kit can fit third-generation Ram 2500/3500 (2003–2008) trucks with an upgraded pitman arm, but only as part of the full T-Link upgrade. See Apex KIT380 for that application. Do not order this kit as a standalone tie rod replacement for 2003–2008 trucks without confirming the T-Link upgrade requirement with Apex.

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Included:

• Complete ProLock Tie Rod assembly
• 2" 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 XP172)
• Boot replacements (sold separately, part number XP114 for TR301/TR300)
• Steering stabilizer clamp — OE clamp will not fit; requires DC2.0-Z or DC2.0-B, or 2" ID clamp (sold separately)
• Wrench kit required for installation — KIT522 (WR112 41mm/46mm and WR113 46mm/50mm), 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

• OE steering stabilizer clamp: The OE stabilizer clamp will not fit this tie rod. A DC2.0-Z (zinc) or DC2.0-B (black) universal clamp, or equivalent 2" ID clamp, is required for this aluminum kit.
• 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.
• 2003–2008 Ram 2500/3500: This kit will not work as a standalone tie rod replacement on 2003–2008 trucks with an upgraded pitman arm. The full T-Link upgrade (Apex KIT380) is required for that application.
• Anti-flop bearing: The tie rod ends contain an anti-flop bearing that allows 4 degrees of forward and back rotation. Do not tighten the jam nuts against these bearings. See Installation Notes for the required torquing sequence.
• 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: Always ensure thread engagement is above the minimum engagement mark on the tie rod end threads.
• 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 KIT522 — WR112 41mm/46mm and WR113 46mm/50mm (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)
• High-pressure lithium grease

Installation summary:

1. Before removing the OEM tie rod assembly, 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. 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 assembly.
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. Locate the passenger side of the adjusting sleeve (it will have a cut line toward the end of the sleeve) and the passenger tie rod end (notches in the jam nut). Apply anti-seize to the inside threads of the adjusting sleeve only — not the tie rod end threads. Thread the tie rod ends in the correct direction until each reaches the washer. Wipe off any excess anti-seize.
5. Repeat for the driver's side.
6. Adjust both ends equally to set the grease-fitting-to-grease-fitting (or ball stud center-to-center) distance to match 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 first. Torque the 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, center the wheel by rotating the drag link adjusting sleeve.
10. Tighten all jam nuts on the tie rods and torque to 200 ft-lbs. Anti-flop bearing note: The tie rod ends contain an anti-flop bearing allowing 4 degrees of forward and back rotation. 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.
11. Set and adjust the steering stabilizer, confirming equal travel at full lock in both directions (follow steering stabilizer manufacturer instructions).
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 medium-strength thread locker under the jam nuts. Apply thread locker to all set screws in the jam nuts and torque to 8–10 ft-lbs. Only after alignment is complete.
15. Once installation is complete, use a hammer to tap the ProLock tabs down firmly against the wrench flats to ensure the most secure lock.
16. 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

The KIT381 replaces the factory Ram 2500/3500 (2009–2013) tie rod with a 2" 7075-T6 anodized black aluminum adjusting rod, forged SAE 1045 steel housings, SAE 4140 chromoly ball studs, and Apex's ProLock system. Two installation details specific to this application: the tie rod ends contain anti-flop bearings with 4 degrees of designed rotation that must not be torqued against, and the ProLock tabs are hammered down against the wrench flats as the final mechanical lock after alignment — different from the KIT386 and KIT387 Ninja washer procedure. The OE steering stabilizer clamp is incompatible with this aluminum kit and must be replaced with a DC2.0-Z, DC2.0-B, or equivalent 2" ID clamp before the truck can be driven. The Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer is an explicit incompatibility. For 2003–2008 trucks, do not order this kit as a standalone tie rod — the T-Link upgrade (KIT380) is required for that generation.

This Product Is For You If

• You own a 2009–2013 Ram 2500 or Ram 3500, 4WD.
• 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 black anodized aluminum over DOM steel (other variants available).
• 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 hammering after alignment, and a professional alignment.

This Product Is Not For You If

• Your vehicle is not a 2009–2013 Ram 2500 or Ram 3500, 4WD.
• You own a 2003–2008 Ram 2500/3500 and are not completing the full T-Link upgrade (Apex KIT380).
• 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 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 the DOM steel rod option — other variants are available for this application.

Product Family Reference

The KIT381 ProLock Tie Rod Kit is the aluminum variant for the 2009–2013 Ram 2500/3500 application. For the 2003–2008 generation, see Apex KIT380 (T-Link upgrade required). Confirm specifications for each variant against its own product documentation.

Common Questions

Does this fit 2003–2008 Ram 2500/3500?
Only as part of the full T-Link upgrade. See Apex KIT380 for the correct 2003–2008 application. This kit cannot be used as a standalone tie rod replacement on third-generation trucks with an upgraded pitman arm.

Will my OE steering stabilizer clamp fit?
No. The OE stabilizer clamp will not fit this aluminum kit. A DC2.0-Z (zinc), DC2.0-B (black), or equivalent 2" ID clamp is required and must be purchased separately.

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

What is the anti-flop bearing and why does it matter during installation?
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 jam nuts are tight, approximately 4 degrees of forward and back rotation should remain.

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.

Do I need special tools?
Yes. Apex wrench kit KIT522 — WR112 41mm/46mm and WR113 46mm/50mm — is required and 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, and ProLock tabs are hammered down, 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 are Apex part number XP172, sold separately.

What are the boot replacements?
Boot replacements are Apex part number XP114, for TR301/TR300.

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.