Introduction:
If you drive a Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500, you know your truck is built for hauling and towing the big stuff. But what if the thing that steers it—a.k.a. your drag link—decides to quit? Unfortunately it can happen, specifically to the 2013-2018 Rams. Let’s break down why this happened, what the Ram drag link recall included, and your options for upgrading to something better (because you know you want to).
Why the Ram Drag Link Recall in the first place?
Imagine cruising down the highway with your trailer in tow, and suddenly your steering feels off. This nightmare scenario wasn’t far-fetched for some Ram owners due to drag link ends that could loosen or separate entirely, leading to a loss of steering control. Yep, terrifying.
The problem boiled down to a design flaw where the drag link jam nuts could back off and loosen due to vibrations and in some cases completely separating. Literally the thing connecting your steering wheel to the wheels falls off causing the driver to have zero control of the vehicle. But this isn’t a drone with a return to home function when your remote control dies.
What did the factory Ram Drag Link Recall include?
To address the issue, Dodge / Ram (now Stellantis) issued a recall that:
- Required dealerships to inspect and, if necessary, replace the drag link components. (with the same faulty components)
- Welding the adjustment sleeve in place as a temporary fix. Because if it’s stuck, it can’t come loose, right? See the dealer's service instructions for this recall.
- The manufacturer's solution came with a side of controversy. Many owners weren’t thrilled about the welding solution because it made future adjustments difficult. The drag link on these trucks is how you straighten the steering wheel so every alignment you would need to break out the grinder, cut the welds, adjust and weld. Thus a more expensive alignment was required any time your wheel was off or you had other repairs performed. Not to mention the weld quality from the dealers were not exactly done by professional welders. Talk about a pain in the a$$…
The recall affected 2013–2018 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks, If your truck falls into this range and hasn’t been serviced yet, you might want to take a peak and look for some welds. We would be happy to take a peak for you and talk about your options.
What's the best fit?
Aftermarket Options: Upgrade Your Steering
For those who want better-than-factory HD reliability, serviceability, and adjustability, the aftermarket world offers some BEEFY solutions.
- Synergy HD Steering - Built to handle extreme use, Synergy’s HD drag link and tie rod assemblies are beefier and always adjustable, making them perfect for lifted trucks or off-road rigs. Comes with greaseable joints for easy maintenance and longevity.
- Kryptonite Death Grip Steering Package - The name says it all—this system is designed to eliminate play and offer unmatched durability. Kryptonite uses premium materials and manufacturing to ensure your truck’s steering system is as tough as the rest of the vehicle.
- Thuren Fabrication Steering Components - A popular choice for Ram owners who want precision handling with heavy-duty reliability. Thuren is known for making these big trucks ride and drive much better than the factory did.
Why upgrade?
- Peace of Mind: Avoid worrying about your drag link failing at the worst possible time.
- Performance: Aftermarket options provide tighter, more responsive steering, especially for modified trucks.
- Durability: Built to last, these upgrades can handle everything from daily driving to extreme off-roading.
- Price: Alignments are not cheap. Not to mention the extra time you would be charged for cutting and welding. Once you factor in that we recommend alignments once a year to ensure you get the most out of your tires. Those expensive alignments would cost you far more than upgrading the drag link would.
Conclusion:
The Dodge Ram drag link recall was a necessary fix to address a serious safety concern. While the factory solution may work for some, upgrading to a heavy-duty aftermarket steering system ensures your truck’s performance and reliability are up to the task. After all, a truck like yours deserves more than just a band-aid fix—it deserves steering you can trust, whether you’re daily driving, towing a camper, or tackling the trails.
