Front End Steering Rebuild Kits
Package kits bundle the wearing steering parts and ball joints.
1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD Suspension Diagram
This interactive diagram shows the front suspension, steering linkage, driveline and rear suspension of the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. Hover over or tap any part to see what it does, the signs that it is worn, and the replacement parts we carry that fit your truck, down to the side and position. Two steering dampers are listed for 1997, matching two factory part numbers; the one shown bolts to the stud mount on the drag link.
1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD Suspension Diagram (Full Chassis)
1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD Front Suspension and Steering Diagram
1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD Rear Suspension Diagram
We carry parts for it Not stocked yet Hover or tap any part.
The 1994 to 1997 Ram 1500 4WD uses a solid Dana 44 front axle on coil springs, located by upper and lower control arms and a track bar. The steering is a Y style linkage: a rod runs from the passenger knuckle to the pitman arm, and the driver tie rod plugs into it near the passenger side. On these years the steering damper bolts to a stud mount on the long drag link end next to the pitman arm. The rear is a solid axle on leaf springs with staggered shocks and drum brakes.
We carry replacement parts for 35 of the 52 components on this diagram, 128 parts in all. See every part for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD.
Packages and kits
Shock Absorber Sets
Front and rear shock sets for the whole truck.
Complete Suspension Bushing Kits
Kits with the suspension bushings for the whole truck or the front end.
U-Joint Packages
Sets of the U-joints for this truck.
Leveling and Lift Kits
Leveling kits raise the front by adding a spacer on the coil spring.
Front Suspension
1 Upper Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The upper ball joint is the top pivot of the steering knuckle. It is pressed into the upper ear of the axle C and lets the knuckle turn.
Signs of wear: Wandering, a clunk over bumps, uneven tire wear, or play when the tire is rocked top to bottom with the front lifted.
Tip: Offset upper joints are sold in degree steps to correct camber and caster on leveled trucks. Replace both sides and get an alignment.
See all Front Upper Ball Joint parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
2 Lower Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The lower ball joint is pressed into the lower ear of the axle C and carries the bottom of the knuckle.
Signs of wear: Play at the bottom of the tire, clunks when turning, or a torn boot.
Tip: Lower joints usually wear first. Do both sides together.
See all Front Lower Ball Joint parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
3 Upper Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
Each upper control arm runs back from a bracket on top of the axle tube to a bracket on the frame. With the lower arm it holds the axle in place front to back and sets the caster.
Signs of wear: Clunks on take off or braking, or torn bushings at either eye.
See all Front Control Arm parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
4 Lower Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
Each lower control arm runs back from a bracket under the axle tube to a frame bracket behind the axle. The cam bolt at its axle end adjusts caster.
Signs of wear: Clunks on take off or braking, a front end that wanders, or cracked bushings.
See all Front Control Arm parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
5 Upper Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Rubber bushings in both eyes of each upper control arm.
Signs of wear: Cracked or split rubber, or a clunk over bumps.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
6 Lower Control Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Rubber bushings in both eyes of each lower control arm.
Signs of wear: Cracked or split rubber, or the axle shifting under braking.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
7 Lower Arm Cam Bolts
Eccentric cam bolts through the axle end of the lower control arms. Turning them sets the caster and the front pinion angle.
Tip: Mark the cam position before removing a lower arm, then get an alignment.
See all Front End Alignment Kit parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
8 Steering Knuckle (driver and passenger side)
The knuckle turns on the two ball joints and carries the hub and bearing and the caliper. The steering arm on top takes the tie rod ends.
We don't carry a steering knuckle for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
9 Front Axle Housing
The solid Dana 44 front axle, with the differential toward the driver side. The coil springs, control arms and track bar all mount to it.
Signs of wear: Leaks at the axle seals or the differential cover, or noise from the differential.
We don't carry a front axle housing for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
10 Front Coil Spring (driver and passenger side)
A coil spring sits on a seat on top of the axle at each side and holds up the front of the truck. The shock runs up through the middle of it.
Signs of wear: A front end that sits low or leans, a broken coil end, or a hard thud over bumps.
Tip: Leveling kits raise the front by adding a spacer on the coil.
We don't carry a front coil spring for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
11 Coil Spring Isolator (driver and passenger side)
A rubber isolator on top of each coil, held up in the frame tower by a three bolt ring.
Signs of wear: Squeaks or a clunk from the top of the spring.
See all Front Coil Spring Isolator Pads parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
12 Front Bump Stop (driver and passenger side)
Rubber bump stops in cups on the frame just behind each coil. They stop the axle hitting the frame at full compression.
Signs of wear: Cracked or missing stops, or a hard bang when the front bottoms out.
See all Front Bump Stops parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
13 Front Shock Absorber (driver and passenger side)
One shock per side, inside the coil spring. The lower end bolts into the axle spring seat and the upper stem goes through the frame tower into a bracket under the hood.
Signs of wear: Bouncing after bumps, leaks, or worn mounts.
Tip: The upper nut is reached from the engine bay.
See all Front Shock Absorber parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
14 Front Sway Bar
The front sway bar crosses ahead of the axle in two frame bushings. Its ends run back to links that stand on the axle in front of the coils.
We don't carry a front sway bar for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
15 Front Sway Bar Bushing
Two bushings in clamps bolted under the frame hold the bar. 30 mm and 32 mm bars were fitted, so check the bar size.
Signs of wear: A knock over bumps, or the bar moving in its clamps.
See all Front Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
16 Front Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side)
Each link bolts through the end of the bar with bushings and drops a ball stud into a bracket on the axle in front of the coil.
Signs of wear: Rattles over small bumps, or loose joints you can move by hand.
Tip: Trucks built through 3/2/95 use a straight stud link; later trucks use a tapered stud.
See all Front Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
17 Track Bar
The track bar runs across the truck from a ball stud in a tab under the driver frame rail to a bushed eye at the passenger end of the axle. It keeps the axle centred under the truck.
Signs of wear: Wandering, a clunk when turning the wheel with the truck parked, or a hard shake after a bump.
Tip: Trucks built before 2/7/94 have an earlier bar with a smaller stud.
See all Front Track Bar parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
18 Track Bar Bushing
The bushing in the axle end eye of the track bar. The frame end is a ball stud, not a bushing.
Signs of wear: A clunk at the axle end, or cracked rubber.
See all Front Track Arm Bar Bushings parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
Steering
19 Connecting Rod (Passenger Tie Rod End)
The rod from the passenger steering arm toward the pitman arm (Moog DS1309 on 1994-1997 trucks). The driver tie rod plugs into the tapered hole in its boss near the passenger end.
Signs of wear: Wandering steering, a clunk when turning, or play felt when the tire is rocked side to side.
Tip: Set the toe and centre the steering wheel after replacing it.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
20 Drag Link End at Pitman Arm
The long end whose ball stud comes up through the bottom of the pitman arm (Moog ES3249RT on 1994-1997 trucks). It threads into the sleeve on the connecting rod, and the boss in its shank carries the steering damper stud.
Signs of wear: Play between the pitman arm and the rod with the engine running and a helper rocking the wheel.
See all Tie Rod Drag Link parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
21 Drag Link Adjusting Sleeve
The threaded sleeve between the connecting rod and the pitman arm end. Turning it centres the steering wheel.
See all Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeve parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
22 Driver Tie Rod (Inner)
The long driver side tie rod (Moog DS1308T on 1994-1997 trucks). Its inner ball stud drops into the connecting rod near the passenger steering arm.
Signs of wear: Play at the inner joint, or wandering.
See all Front Inner Tie Rod End parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
23 Driver Tie Rod End (Outer)
The short end at the driver steering arm, threaded into the left sleeve.
Signs of wear: Play at the joint, uneven tire wear, or a torn boot.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
24 Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeve
The threaded sleeve on the driver tie rod. Turning it sets the toe.
See all Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeve parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
25 Pitman Arm
The pitman arm is splined to the steering box under the driver frame rail. It is a dropped forging, and the drag link end comes up into it from below.
Signs of wear: Play at the ball end, or a bent arm after an impact.
26 Steering Damper
A shock absorber for the steering. On 1994-1997 trucks its rod end carries a tapered stud that bolts into the boss on the drag link end near the pitman arm, and its body end bolts to a frame mount.
Signs of wear: Shimmy after bumps, kickback through the wheel, or a leaking damper.
Tip: A damper hides worn steering and track bar parts. Check those first when chasing a wobble.
See all Steering Damper parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
Driveline
27 Front Axle Shaft U-Joint (driver and passenger side)
The U-joint in each front axle shaft at the steering knuckle, so the wheel can turn and still be driven.
Signs of wear: A clicking or binding feel when turning in four wheel drive.
28 Front Driveshaft
The front driveshaft runs from the transfer case on the driver side to the front differential.
We don't carry a front driveshaft for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
29 Front Driveshaft U-Joint at Axle
The single U-joint at the front differential pinion.
We don't carry a front driveshaft u-joint at axle for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
30 Front Driveshaft CV at Transfer Case
The double cardan CV joint at the transfer case end of the front driveshaft.
31 Rear Driveshaft
The rear driveshaft from the transfer case to the rear axle. The quad cab short bed has a one piece shaft.
We don't carry a rear driveshaft for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
32 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Transfer Case
The U-joint at the front of the rear driveshaft. Our catalog lists it as at the transmission; on a 4WD truck it is the transfer case output.
We don't carry a rear driveshaft u-joint at transfer case for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
33 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Support Bearing Not on every vehicle
The U-joint behind the center support bearing on two piece shafts.
Not on every vehicle: Only on trucks with the two piece rear driveshaft: club and quad cabs with the 8 ft bed (154.7 in wheelbase). The quad cab short bed and the regular cabs have a one piece shaft.
We don't carry a rear driveshaft u-joint at support bearing for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
34 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Rear Axle
The U-joint at the rear axle pinion.
We don't carry a rear driveshaft u-joint at rear axle for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
35 Center Support Bearing Not on every vehicle
Holds the middle of the two piece rear driveshaft to a crossmember.
Not on every vehicle: Only on trucks with the two piece rear driveshaft: club and quad cabs with the 8 ft bed (154.7 in wheelbase). The quad cab short bed and the regular cabs have a one piece shaft.
Signs of wear: A rumble or vibration at speed, or a torn rubber mount.
We don't carry a center support bearing for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
Rear Suspension
42 Rear Axle Housing
The solid 9.25 in rear axle, its cover facing rearward.
We don't carry a rear axle housing for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
43 Rear Leaf Spring (driver and passenger side)
Each rear leaf spring sits on a block on top of the axle and is held by two U-bolts. The front eye bolts to a frame hanger and the rear eye hangs on a shackle. The short leaf at the bottom is the overload leaf.
Signs of wear: Sagging, a broken leaf, or the truck leaning to one side.
We don't carry a rear leaf spring for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
44 Leaf Spring Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Rubber bushings in the spring eyes and the shackle.
Signs of wear: Squeaks, clunks, or the spring shifting.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Bushings parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
45 Leaf Spring Shackle (driver and passenger side)
The link at the rear of each spring that lets the spring grow longer as it flexes.
Signs of wear: Squeaks, a clunk, or a worn or cracked shackle.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Shackles parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
46 U-Bolts and Plate (driver and passenger side)
Two U-bolts per side bend over the spring and run down past the block and axle to a plate under the tube, with the nuts at the bottom.
Tip: Always fit new U-bolts and nuts when the spring is removed, and torque them again after a few hundred miles.
We don't carry a u-bolts and plate for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
47 Rear Shock Absorber (driver and passenger side)
Staggered rear shocks: the passenger shock is ahead of the axle and the driver shock is behind it.
Signs of wear: Bouncing, leaks, or a clunk at the mounts.
See all Rear Shock Absorber parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
48 Rear Bump Stop (driver and passenger side)
A rubber stop under the frame over each end of the axle.
Signs of wear: Cracked or missing stops, or a hard bang at full compression.
We don't carry a rear bump stop for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
49 Rear Sway Bar Not on every vehicle
A rear sway bar behind the axle, on some trucks.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted to some 4WD trucks. The factory parts listing names a 4WD rear sway bar, and we list its bushings and links for 1997 to 2001, but not every truck has one.
We don't carry a rear sway bar for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
50 Rear Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
Each link ties a bar end to the axle.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted to some 4WD trucks. The factory parts listing names a 4WD rear sway bar, and we list its bushings and links for 1997 to 2001, but not every truck has one.
See all Rear Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
51 Rear Sway Bar Bushing (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
Two bushings hold the rear bar to the frame.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted to some 4WD trucks. The factory parts listing names a 4WD rear sway bar, and we list its bushings and links for 1997 to 2001, but not every truck has one.
See all Rear Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
Brakes and Hubs
36 Front Wheel Hub and Bearing (driver and passenger side)
A sealed hub and bearing unit bolted to the knuckle with three bolts. The axle shaft passes through its centre.
Signs of wear: A hum or growl that changes with speed or in turns, or play in the wheel.
Tip: 1994-1999 trucks use one hub; 2000-2001 hubs split by ABS type.
See all Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
37 Front Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
The front brake rotor fits over the hub studs.
Signs of wear: Pulsing in the pedal, or deep grooves.
See all Front Brake Rotor parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
38 Front Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
The single piston front caliper straddles the rotor at the rear of the knuckle.
Signs of wear: Pulling to one side, or a sticking caliper.
See all Front Brake Caliper parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
39 Front Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
The pads inside the caliper, one each side of the rotor.
Signs of wear: Squealing or grinding, or a long pedal.
See all Front Brake Pads parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
40 Rear Brake Drum (driver and passenger side)
These trucks have drum rear brakes. The drum slides over the axle studs.
Signs of wear: A pulsing pedal when stopping gently, or scoring inside the drum.
We don't carry a rear brake drum for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
41 Rear Brake Shoes (driver and passenger side)
Two shoes per side on the backing plate inside the drum. They also serve as the parking brake.
Signs of wear: A low or soft pedal, a weak parking brake, or grinding from the rear.
See all Rear Brake Shoes parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
Body and Mounts
52 Body Mounts Not on every vehicle
Rubber mounts between the frame and the cab and bed. Kits are sold by cab style.
Not on every vehicle: The number of body mounts and where they sit depend on the cab: the regular cab kit covers 6 mount positions and the club and quad cab kit covers 8. Kits for both cabs are listed here, so choose the one that matches your cab.
Signs of wear: Clunks from the cab over bumps, or a cab that shifts.
See all Body Mount Bushings Kit parts for the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD
Questions about the 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD suspension
Which steering parts fit my 1997 Ram 1500 4x4?
The 1994 to 1997 trucks share one set of rods: a passenger rod with a tapered hole for the driver tie rod, a long driver tie rod, and a long drag link end at the pitman arm with a stud mount for the steering damper. 1998 and later trucks use different rods, so order by year.
What causes the front end shake on a second generation Ram 1500 4x4?
A shake after a bump usually comes from worn steering or track bar parts: the tie rod ends, the track bar ball stud at the frame, the track bar bushing at the axle, and the ball joints. A new steering damper can hide it for a while, but check those parts first.
Does the 1997 Ram 1500 4x4 have a rear sway bar?
Some do. The factory parts listing names a rear sway bar for 4WD trucks, but many trucks have none. Look behind the rear axle for a bar with links running to the frame.
Do I need an alignment after replacing front end parts?
Yes. Replacing tie rods, ball joints or control arms changes the alignment. Toe is set at the tie rod sleeve, and caster is set with the cam bolts at the axle end of the lower control arms.
Which years share this suspension?
The 1994 to 1999 Ram 1500 4WD shares this front axle, arms, ball joints and brakes, but the steering rods and damper shown here are the 1994 to 1997 set. 2000 and 2001 trucks changed the lower ball joints, arms, hubs, brakes and steering. Track bars and sway bar links changed during 1994 and 1995, so check the notes on those parts.
Printable 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4WD suspension diagrams
Numbered diagrams to print or save for the shop. The numbers match the numbered parts on the interactive diagram.
