Shock Absorber Sets
Front and rear shock sets for the whole truck.
2018 Ram 2500 4WD Suspension Diagram
This interactive diagram shows the front suspension, steering, driveline and rear suspension of the 2018 Ram 2500 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.
2018 Ram 2500 4WD Suspension Diagram (Full Chassis)
2018 Ram 2500 4WD Front Suspension and Steering Diagram
2018 Ram 2500 4WD Rear Suspension Diagram
We carry parts for it Not stocked yet Hover or tap any part.
The 2014 to 2018 Ram 2500 4WD uses a solid front axle on coil springs, located by a long radius arm on each side and a track bar. The steering gear drives a three piece drag link to the passenger side knuckle, and the tie rod joins the two knuckles. The rear is a solid axle on coil springs, located by upper and lower control arms on each side and a track bar behind the axle, with the sway bar on top of the axle.
We carry replacement parts for 33 of the 50 components on this diagram, 86 parts in all. See every part for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD.
Packages and kits
Leveling and Lift Kits
Spacers on the front coil springs that raise the front to level the truck, and lift kits.
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 yoke, and its stud points up into the knuckle.
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 and caster and camber pins are sold in degree steps for leveled or lifted trucks. Replace both sides and get an alignment.
See all Front Upper Ball Joint parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
2 Lower Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The lower ball joint is the bottom pivot of the steering knuckle, pressed into the lower ear of the axle yoke below the axle shaft U-joint.
Signs of wear: Clunks, loose steering, or play at the bottom of the tire with the front lifted.
Tip: Upper and lower joints are usually replaced together, because the knuckle has to come off for both.
See all Front Lower Ball Joint parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
3 Radius Arm (driver and passenger side)
Each side of the front axle is held by one long forged radius arm. Its forked front end bolts to the axle at two bushings, one above and one below the tube, and its rear end bolts to a bracket on the frame under the cab. The arms locate the axle front to back and hold its caster.
Signs of wear: A clunk on takeoff or braking, steering that pulls, or caster that will not stay in spec, usually from worn bushings.
Tip: The arm's bushings are sold separately. Lift kits of 4 inches or more often replace the arms to correct caster.
We don't carry a radius arm for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
4 Radius Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
Each radius arm has three rubber bushings: two at the axle end and one at the frame end. The same bushing is used in all three places on trucks without the disconnecting sway bar.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, a shimmy after bumps, or cracked and torn rubber at the arm ends.
Tip: Trucks with the disconnecting front sway bar (Power Wagon) use a different bushing. Check the fit notes on each listing.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
5 Alignment Cam Bolts
Eccentric cam bolts and washers through the lower radius arm bushings at the axle. Turning them rotates the axle to set the caster and pinion angle.
Signs of wear: Caster that cannot be set, a pull after a leveling kit, or seized and rusted cam bolts.
Tip: Replacement cam bolts with more offset add caster range after a level or lift.
See all Front End Alignment Kit parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
6 Steering Knuckle (driver and passenger side)
The cast knuckle turns on the ball joints at the end of the axle. It carries the hub, the brake caliper and the steering arm that the tie rod and drag link bolt to.
Signs of wear: Rarely wears out. Replace it after damage, or if a tapered ball joint or tie rod hole is worn.
We don't carry a steering knuckle for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
7 Front Axle Housing
The solid front drive axle (AAM 9.25 in) with the differential toward the driver side. The radius arms, coil springs, shocks, track bar, sway bar links and steering damper 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 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
8 Front Coil Spring (driver and passenger side)
A coil spring sits on a bracket behind the axle tube at each side and pushes up into a tower on the frame. It carries the front of the truck. The shock is separate, just behind 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 with a spacer on top of the coil. Our leveling kits are listed with the kits.
We don't carry a front coil spring for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
9 Front Shock Absorber (driver and passenger side)
The front shock stands just behind the coil spring. Its lower eye bolts to the radius arm near the axle and its stem bolts to the frame tower.
Signs of wear: Bouncing after bumps, nose dive when braking, leaks, or cupped tires.
See all Front Shock Absorber parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
10 Front Sway Bar
A torsion bar across the front of the truck under the frame rails. Its arms reach back to links on the axle and resist body roll in turns.
Signs of wear: Body lean in turns, or clunks from the bar's bushings and links.
Tip: Power Wagon trucks have an electronic disconnecting bar. Its bushings and links differ.
We don't carry a front sway bar for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
11 Front Sway Bar Bushing
Two rubber bushings in brackets under the frame rails hold the sway bar. The bar is 32 mm on most trucks and 30 mm on some.
Signs of wear: Clunks or squeaks over bumps and on turn in, or a bar that has moved sideways.
Tip: Measure the bar and match the bushing size: 30, 32 or 33 to 34 mm.
See all Front Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
12 Front Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side)
A link from the end of each sway bar arm down to a bracket on the front of the axle.
Signs of wear: Rattles or clunks over small bumps, or a broken link.
See all Front Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
13 Track Bar
The track bar runs ahead of the axle from a bracket on the driver side frame rail down to the passenger end of the axle. It keeps the axle centered 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: 2014 trucks were recalled to inspect and reinforce the frame bracket (recall 15V541). Check the bracket welds when replacing the bar.
We don't carry a track bar for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
14 Track Bar Bushing
Bushings in the eyes at each end of the track bar.
Signs of wear: A clunk or side to side shift felt when turning the wheel with the truck parked.
Tip: Some bushings fit only the Power Wagon's bar. Check the fit notes.
See all Front Track Arm Bar Bushings parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
Steering
15 Pitman Arm
The forged arm on the steering gear's output shaft. It points back from the gear and swings to push and pull the drag link.
Signs of wear: Play between the steering wheel and the wheels, or a worn tapered hole.
16 Drag Link
The drag link runs from the pitman arm to the top of the passenger side knuckle arm. It is three pieces: an inner end, an outer end, and a turnbuckle between them that sets the steering wheel straight.
Signs of wear: Loose steering, a crooked steering wheel, or a loose jam nut at the turnbuckle.
Tip: Recall 19V021 covers loose turnbuckle jam nuts on these trucks. The complete drag link replaces all three pieces.
17 Drag Link End at Pitman Arm
The inner end of the drag link. Its ball stud points up into the pitman arm.
Signs of wear: Play or clunks felt in the steering wheel, or a torn boot.
18 Drag Link Outer End
The outer end of the drag link. Its ball stud points up through the top of the passenger side knuckle arm.
Signs of wear: Play in the steering, wandering, or a torn boot.
19 Tie Rod
The tie rod runs across the front of the axle, the lowest of the steering links, and joins the two knuckle arms so both wheels steer together.
Signs of wear: Toe that will not hold, uneven tire wear, or play at either end.
We don't carry a tie rod for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
20 Tie Rod Adjuster Sleeve
The threaded sleeve near the driver end of the tie rod, held by two clamps. Turning it sets the toe.
Signs of wear: Rusted, seized or bent sleeves, or toe that will not hold.
Tip: Heavy duty adjuster sleeves replace the factory sleeve on leveled and lifted trucks.
See all Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeve parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
21 Steering Damper
A shock absorber for the steering. Its body bolts to a bracket on the axle and its rod bolts to a clamp on the tie rod near the passenger knuckle.
Signs of wear: Shimmy or wobble 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.
22 Steering Gear
The recirculating ball steering gear bolted to the inside of the driver side frame rail ahead of the axle.
Signs of wear: Play in the steering, leaks, or a gear that has loosened on the frame.
We don't carry a steering gear for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
Driveline
23 Front Axle Shaft U-Joint (driver and passenger side)
The U-joint in each front axle shaft, at the steering knuckle. It lets the wheel turn while the axle drives it.
Signs of wear: Clicking or binding when turning in four wheel drive, a squeak, or rust dust around the caps.
Tip: Both sides use the same joint. The hub comes off to reach it.
We don't carry a front axle shaft u-joint for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
24 Front Driveshaft
The front driveshaft runs from the transfer case to the front differential on the driver side.
Signs of wear: Vibration in four wheel drive, or clunks from a worn joint.
We don't carry a front driveshaft for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
25 Front Driveshaft U-Joint at Axle
The U-joint at the front differential end of the front driveshaft.
Signs of wear: A clunk when shifting into four wheel drive, or vibration.
26 Rear Driveshaft
The rear driveshaft. Long wheelbase trucks like the one drawn have a two piece shaft with a center support bearing.
Signs of wear: Vibration on takeoff or at speed.
We don't carry a rear driveshaft for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
27 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Transmission
The front U-joint of the rear driveshaft, at the transfer case.
Signs of wear: Vibration or a clunk on takeoff.
28 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Support Bearing Not on every vehicle
The middle U-joint, just behind the center support bearing, on two piece shafts.
Not on every vehicle: Only on trucks with the two piece rear driveshaft.
Signs of wear: Vibration that comes and goes with load.
29 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.
Signs of wear: A rumble or vibration at speed, or a torn rubber mount.
We don't carry a center support bearing for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
30 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Rear Axle
The U-joint at the rear axle pinion.
Signs of wear: A clunk when shifting into gear, or vibration.
Rear Suspension
39 Rear Axle Housing
The solid rear axle (AAM 11.5 in, full floating). The control arms, coil springs, shocks, track bar and sway bar all mount to it.
Signs of wear: Leaks at the cover or hub seals, or gear whine.
We don't carry a rear axle housing for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
40 Rear Upper Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
A short arm from a bracket on top of the axle tube forward to a frame hanger. With the lower arm it keeps the axle square and sets the pinion angle.
Signs of wear: Clunks on takeoff or braking, or torn bushings.
Tip: The arm comes with new bushings and cam bolts.
41 Rear Lower Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
A long boxed arm from a bracket under the axle tube forward to the frame hanger. It carries the axle's pull and braking loads.
Signs of wear: Clunks on takeoff or braking, or a rear end that steers on bumps.
42 Rear Upper Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
The bushings in each end of the upper arm.
Signs of wear: Clunks or a squeak from the rear.
We don't carry a rear upper arm bushing for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
43 Rear Lower Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
The bushings in each end of the lower arm.
Signs of wear: Clunks or a squeak from the rear.
See all Rear Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
44 Rear Coil Spring (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
A coil spring on a seat on top of the axle tube on each side, close to the differential and inboard of the frame rail.
Not on every vehicle: Trucks with the rear air suspension have air springs here instead of coils.
Signs of wear: Sagging, a broken coil, or a hard bottoming thud.
We don't carry a rear coil spring for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
45 Rear Shock Absorber (driver and passenger side)
The rear shock stands near the brake, from a bracket ahead of the axle tube up to the frame.
Signs of wear: Bouncing, a floaty ride with a load, leaks, or cupped tires.
Tip: Trucks with rear air suspension take a different shock. Check the fit notes.
46 Rear Track Bar
The rear track bar runs behind the axle from a tall bracket on the driver side of the axle to the passenger side frame rail. It keeps the axle centered.
Signs of wear: A rear end that shifts side to side, or a clunk in turns.
We don't carry a rear track bar for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
47 Rear Track Bar Bushing
The bushings in each end of the rear track bar.
Signs of wear: A clunk in turns or over bumps.
See all Rear Track Arm Bar Bushings parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
48 Rear Sway Bar
The rear sway bar sits in bushings on top of the axle tube, with its arms running back to links up to the frame.
Signs of wear: Body roll, or clunks from the bushings or links.
We don't carry a rear sway bar for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
49 Rear Sway Bar Bushing (driver and passenger side)
The bushings that clamp the rear sway bar to the top of the axle tube.
Signs of wear: Clunks or squeaks from the rear.
Tip: Coil spring trucks use the 21.3 mm bushing; air suspension trucks a 26.4 mm bushing, and the Power Wagon a 19 mm one.
See all Rear Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
50 Rear Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side)
A link from the end of each rear sway bar arm up to a bracket on the frame.
Signs of wear: Rattles or clunks over small bumps.
Tip: Trucks with the electronic rear locker use a different link.
See all Rear Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
Brakes and Hubs
31 Front Wheel Hub and Bearing (driver and passenger side)
The sealed hub and bearing bolts to the knuckle. The axle shaft splines into it and the wheel bolts to its eight studs.
Signs of wear: A growl or hum that changes in turns, play at the wheel, or an ABS light.
See all Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly parts for the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD
32 Front Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
The 360 mm vented front rotor, clamped by the caliper.
Signs of wear: Pulsing in the pedal, grooves, or a rotor under its minimum thickness.
33 Front Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
The two piston floating caliper at the rear of each front rotor.
Signs of wear: Pulling when braking, uneven pad wear, or leaks.
34 Front Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
The pads inside the front caliper, one each side of the rotor.
Signs of wear: Squeal, grinding, or a long pedal.
35 Rear Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
The 358 mm vented rear rotor. Its hat is also the drum for the parking brake.
Signs of wear: Pulsing in the pedal or grooves.
36 Rear Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
The two piston rear caliper, behind the axle at the top of the rotor.
Signs of wear: Pulling or uneven pad wear.
37 Rear Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
The pads inside the rear caliper.
Signs of wear: Squeal or grinding.
38 Parking Brake Shoes (driver and passenger side)
Small drum brake shoes inside the rear rotor hat, worked by the parking brake cable.
Signs of wear: A parking brake that will not hold, or a scraping noise from the rear.
Questions about the 2018 Ram 2500 4WD suspension
Does the 2018 Ram 2500 have coil springs or leaf springs in the rear?
Coil springs. From 2014 the Ram 2500 rear axle sits on coil springs and is held by upper and lower control arms and a track bar. Trucks with the optional rear air suspension have air springs in place of the coils, and some rear parts, such as the shocks and sway bar bushings, are different for them.
What are radius arms?
Each side of the front axle is held by one long forged arm that bolts to the axle at two points and runs back to the frame under the cab. The arms hold the axle in place front to back and set its caster. Their three bushings per side are the usual wear item.
What causes the front end shake on a 2014 to 2018 Ram 2500?
A violent shake after a bump usually comes from worn steering or track bar parts: the drag link ends, the tie rod ends, the track bar bushings, and the ball joints. A new steering damper can hide it for a while, but check those parts first.
Do I need an alignment after replacing front end parts?
Yes. Replacing the tie rod, the drag link, ball joints or radius arm bushings changes the alignment. Toe is set at the tie rod sleeve, the steering wheel is centered at the drag link turnbuckle, and caster is set with the cam bolts at the axle end of the radius arms.
Which years share this suspension?
The 2014 to 2018 Ram 2500 4WD share this layout. The Power Wagon, trucks with rear air suspension, and early 2014 trucks built before November 4, 2013 have some different parts, so the parts shown here are the ones listed for the 2018 4WD truck. The 2013 truck has rear leaf springs and a different front.
Printable 2018 Ram 2500 4WD suspension diagrams
Numbered diagrams to print or save for the shop. The numbers match the numbered parts on the interactive diagram.
