Apex Chassis ProLock Tie Rod Kit — Ram 2500/3500 (DOM Matte Black Powder Coated Steel) SKU: KIT386-STL

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" DOM SAE 1020 steel adjusting rod, matte black powder coat
• Tie rod ends with ProLock keyway machined into threads
• ProLock keyway washers
• Jam nuts with integrated set screws
• TR203 OE location damper bracket
• Grade 8 / Class 10.9 hardware, castle nuts
• Zerk fittings (pre-threaded, pre-greased)

Not included:

• Replacement set screws (sold separately, part number XP171)
• Wrench kit required for installation — steel assembly requires KIT523 (WR112 41mm/46mm 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)
• Steering stabilizer (sold separately)

Critical Compatibility

• AEV Prospector: This kit will NOT fit the AEV Prospector model.
• Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer: This kit is not compatible with the Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer.
• 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.
• Minimum engagement mark: The tie rod 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.
• 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.
• Anti-flop bearing: The passenger side tie rod end contains an anti-flop bearing that allows 4 degrees of forward and back rotation. When torquing the jam nuts, do not tighten against these bearings. See Installation Notes for the correct sequence.

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 — steel assembly (this SKU):
Apex wrench kit KIT523 — WR112 41mm/46mm 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 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 on both sides (or from ball stud center to ball stud center if no grease fittings are present). Record these measurements for reference.
2. Locate the passenger side of the tie rod adjusting sleeve — it will have a cut line toward the end of the rod. Locate the passenger tie rod end that has notches in the jam nut.
3. Apply anti-seize to the inside threads of the adjusting sleeve only. Do not apply anti-seize to the tie rod end threads. Anti-seize in the jam nut area will reduce jam nut effectiveness. Wipe off any excess anti-seize after threading.
4. 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.
5. Thread the tie rod ends into the adjusting sleeve in the correct thread direction until each reaches the washer. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the driver's side.
6. Rotate the adjusting sleeve to set the grease-fitting-to-grease-fitting (or ball stud center-to-center) distance to match the OEM measurements recorded in Step 1. Adjust both ends equally to maintain proper thread engagement.
7. Remove the steering stabilizer from the axle and passenger side clamp.
8. Remove the OEM tie rod assembly.
9. Apply a light layer of grease to the top of the boot before installation to reduce friction between the boot and the joint.
10. Install the new 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.
11. 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.
12. Tighten all jam nuts on the tie rods and torque to 200 ft-lbs. Anti-flop bearing note: The passenger side tie rod end contains an anti-flop bearing that allows 4 degrees of forward and back rotation. When tightening the jam nuts, 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.
13. Test steering lock-to-lock and confirm no interference with wheels or other vehicle components.
14. Have a professional complete a full alignment before driving.
15. 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.
16. Set and adjust the steering stabilizer, confirming equal travel at full lock in both directions (follow steering stabilizer manufacturer instructions). After alignment and torquing, tap ProLock keyway washers onto the adjusting sleeve with a hammer.
17. 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 KIT386-STL replaces the factory Ram 2500/3500 (2014–2026) tie rod with a forged SAE 1045 steel housing, SAE 4140 chromoly ball studs, a 2" DOM SAE 1020 steel adjusting rod, and the TR203 OE location damper bracket, assembled around Apex's ProLock system. The ProLock system uses a machined keyway, ProLock keyway washers, and jam nuts with integrated set screws — designed to help secure the tie rod connection against loosening. A detail specific to this kit: the passenger side tie rod end contains an anti-flop bearing with 4 degrees of designed rotation; torquing against it will damage the bearing. The DOM steel rod is the most rigid variant in the KIT386 family. Installation requires the steel wrench kit (KIT523), toe-setting to factory spec before the jam nuts are torqued, and a professional alignment before the truck is driven. Dual stabilizer owners should confirm bracket clearance before ordering — Rough Country Dual Steering Stabilizer is a documented incompatibility, and other dual stabilizer brackets may require modification.

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 tie rod components.
• You want a tie rod assembly with Apex's ProLock system designed to help secure the connection against loosening.
• You want the most rigid adjusting rod option in the KIT386 family — DOM steel tube.
• You are prepared for a professional-level installation that includes anti-flop bearing sequencing, toe-setting, specific torque requirements, thread locker after alignment, and a required post-installation professional alignment.
• You are running a single steering stabilizer, or have confirmed bracket clearance with your dual stabilizer setup.

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 — this kit is not compatible.
• You are running another dual stabilizer kit and have not confirmed that its tie rod end brackets will clear the oversized Apex tie rod ends.
• You are on a modified-height vehicle and have not confirmed steering geometry, tie rod adjustment, and clearance requirements with a qualified installer.
• You do not have the required Apex steel wrench kit (KIT523) or are not prepared to obtain one before installation.
• You prefer aluminum aesthetics or the aluminum rod option — other variants are available for this application.

Product Family Reference

The KIT386 ProLock Tie Rod Kit 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.

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 tie rod ends. Confirm clearance before ordering.

What is the anti-flop bearing, and why does it matter during installation?
The passenger side tie rod end includes an anti-flop bearing that allows 4 degrees of forward and back rotation. When torquing the jam nuts, do not tighten against this bearing. Tighten the passenger side jam nut first, then center 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.

Do I need special tools?
Yes. The steel assembly (this SKU) requires Apex wrench kit KIT523 — WR112 41mm/46mm and WR114 46mm/55mm — sold separately. Installation also requires medium-strength thread locker, anti-seize compound, and high-pressure lithium grease, which are not included.

Is a professional alignment required?
Yes. Apex's installation instructions require toe to be set to factory specifications before the jam nuts are torqued, followed by a professional alignment before the vehicle is driven. 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 if mine wear out?
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.