The Ram 1500 is a capable truck right out of the box, but the factory rear sway bar end links are one of the weakest links in the suspension. They are made from thin stamped steel — roughly a quarter inch thick — and they flex, rattle, and eventually fail under load. Core 4x4 builds a direct replacement from 3/4-inch cold rolled steel that bolts right in and dramatically reduces body roll on and off the road.
In this video, Spence from Core 4x4 installs a pair of Track Series sway bar end links on the shop’s own Ram 1500. This truck already has a supercharger, adjustable upper control arms, and Race Series rear control arms with a panhard bar — the end links are the final piece to round out the build. The install is a two-bolt-per-side job that takes about 15 minutes total.
Fitment: Ram 1500 (4th gen, 2009–2018 Classic)
Why Upgrade Your Sway Bar End Links
Your sway bar end links connect the frame to the rear sway bar. Their job is to transfer force between the two so the sway bar can resist body roll during cornering, lane changes, and off-camber terrain. When those links are flimsy, the sway bar cannot do its job efficiently — the truck leans more than it should and the rear end feels loose.
The factory Ram 1500 end links are stamped from thin steel stock and use a ball joint on the sway bar side. Over time, especially on lifted trucks or trucks that tow, these develop play and start clunking. Replacing them with a solid 3/4-inch cold rolled steel link eliminates that slop and gives the sway bar a rigid connection to work against.
Product Overview: Track Series End Links
Each kit includes a pair of rear sway bar end links with:
- 3/4-inch cold rolled steel construction — a massive upgrade over the roughly 1/4-inch factory stamped steel
- Direct bolt-on design — replaces the factory ball joint connection with a solid bolt-through mount
- Included spacer — offsets the end link to account for the ball joint removal and achieve the correct alignment between the frame and sway bar
- All necessary hardware — frame-side bolt and sway bar bolt included
- Lifetime replacement guarantee — if you break it, Core 4x4 replaces it
Key point: The Core 4x4 end links switch the sway bar connection from a ball joint to a direct bolt-on. The included spacer compensates for the change in geometry so the end link sits at the correct angle when the truck is at ride height.
Tools Required
This is one of the simplest suspension upgrades you can do. You only need:
- Socket set with appropriate sockets for the frame-side and sway bar bolts
- Ratchet or impact wrench
- Torque wrench (65 ft-lbs capacity)
- Grease and grease gun (if your end links have grease fittings)
- Vehicle lift or jack and jack stands
Removal: Taking Off the Factory End Links
With the truck in the air:
- Locate the sway bar end link — it runs vertically between the frame rail and the sway bar at the rear axle
- Remove the top bolt at the frame mount
- Remove the bottom bolt at the sway bar ball joint
- Pull the factory end link out — the ball joint pops free once the hardware is off
The factory hardware is two bolts per side. If they are corroded, hit them with penetrating oil and give it a few minutes before breaking them loose.
Installation: Bolting On the Core 4x4 End Links
- Position the spacer between the sway bar and the end link — this offsets the end link to account for the ball joint removal
- Thread the sway bar bolt through the sway bar, spacer, and end link
- Thread the frame-side bolt through the frame bracket and end link
- Hand-tighten both bolts to verify alignment before torquing
- Torque both bolts to 65 ft-lbs
- Grease the end links if applicable
- Repeat on the other side
Torque Specs
| Component | Torque Spec |
|---|---|
| End link mounting bolts (frame side and sway bar side) | 65 ft-lbs |
Re-torque reminder: Like all suspension hardware, come back and re-torque after a settling period of 100 to 200 miles. This is standard practice for any new suspension component.
What to Expect After Install
When you first look at the end links with the truck in the air, they may appear to sit slightly offset from vertical. This is normal. Once the truck is back on the ground and the weight of the vehicle compresses the suspension, the track bar pushes the axle back into position and the end links will sit straight. Do not try to adjust anything while the truck is still on the lift.
The immediate difference you will feel on the road is a firmer rear end with noticeably less body roll. Cornering feels more planted, lane changes are more controlled, and the rear end no longer wallows over bumps or uneven pavement. It is a simple upgrade that makes a noticeable difference in how the truck handles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Content
- Why You Need Control Arms — educational overview of what control arms do and why upgrades matter for the Ram platform
- Watch the Full Install Video — see the complete end link install on the Ram 1500
Shop Ram 1500 Parts
Fitment: Ram 1500 2009–2018 Classic (4th gen). Questions? sales@core4x4.com | (385) 375-2104
