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Ram 4500 Track Bar Bushings

Ram 4500 Track bar bushings

Track bar bushings for your Ram 4500 start at $16.95, and AutoBuffy stocks 4 options from Mevotech Supreme, MOOG, and Mevotech Original Grade. The track bar bushing is a rubber or polyurethane sleeve that cushions the track bar's mounting points, keeping the front axle centered under the frame. When it wears out, the axle shifts laterally, causing unpredictable handling and accelerated tire wear.

Signs your Ram 4500 needs new track bar bushings

  • Steering wanders or drifts to one side on straight, flat roads without input
  • A clunking or knocking noise from under the front end when hitting bumps or potholes
  • Noticeable side-to-side 'death wobble' or oscillation at highway speeds
  • Front tires show uneven or feathered wear on one edge despite proper inflation
  • Steering feels loose or vague, requiring constant small corrections to hold a lane
  • Visible cracking, tearing, or complete collapse of the bushing when inspected under the vehicle

Which track bar bushing should you buy for your Ram 4500?

The main decision is material: OE-style rubber bushings restore factory feel and are quieter, while polyurethane bushings last significantly longer and reduce flex but can transmit more NVH. You should also confirm whether you need the frame-side bushing, the axle-side bushing, or a kit that covers both mounting positions.

OE Rubber Replacement
Best for
Daily drivers seeking factory ride quality and quiet operation
What you get
Soft durometer rubber that absorbs vibration and mounts to stock hardware without modification
Polyurethane Upgrade
Best for
Lifted trucks, off-road use, or vehicles with chronic bushing wear
What you get
Firmer material with tighter tolerances that resists tearing and petroleum-based fluids far longer than rubber
Frame-Side Bushing Only
Best for
Partial replacement when axle-side bushing is still serviceable
What you get
Single bushing sized for the frame bracket bore; lower cost when only one end is worn
Complete Kit (Both Ends)
Best for
High-mileage vehicles or any time the track bar is fully removed
What you get
Matched pair covering both mounting points so wear rates stay consistent and no return labor is needed

Track bar bushings brands we stock for your Ram 4500

Mevotech Supreme
2 options · from $20.95
MOOG
1 option · from $16.95
Mevotech Original Grade
1 option · from $21.95

Replacing track bar bushings on a Ram 4500

Moderate⏱ 1–2 hoursFloor jack and jack standsBreaker bar and socket setPry bar or bushing press / C-clampTorque wrenchPenetrating oil

Raise the vehicle safely, support the axle so it hangs at ride height, and remove the track bar bolts at both mounting points. Press or drive out the old bushings using a C-clamp or bushing press, clean the bores, and press in the new bushings before reinstalling the bar with the suspension at ride height to avoid pre-loading the bushings in a bound position. Tighten the mounting hardware to the manufacturer's specification with a torque wrench, then schedule a wheel alignment before extended driving.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace track bar bushings on a Ram 4500?
Parts start at $16.95 at AutoBuffy. DIY replacement keeps costs at the part price alone. A shop will typically add one to two hours of labor. Polyurethane kits cost more upfront but reduce how often you return to this job, making them the better long-term value on vehicles used off-road or in harsh climates.
Can I drive my Ram 4500 with worn track bar bushings?
You can drive short distances, but it is not safe to ignore for long. Worn track bar bushings allow the front axle to shift laterally under the frame, which causes steering wander, unpredictable handling at speed, and can trigger severe wobble. Continued driving also accelerates wear on tires, the track bar itself, and adjacent steering components.
How long do track bar bushings last on a Ram 4500?
OE rubber bushings typically last several years to over a decade depending on road conditions, mileage, and exposure to petroleum products or ozone. Vehicles that are lifted, frequently driven off-road, or operated in extreme climates tend to wear bushings much faster. Polyurethane bushings generally outlast rubber by a significant margin under the same conditions.
Do I need an alignment after replacing track bar bushings on my Ram 4500?
A full four-wheel alignment is strongly recommended after this job. The track bar controls lateral axle centering, and installing new bushings — especially firmer polyurethane ones — can shift the axle's resting position slightly. Even a small change in axle centering affects caster, toe, and steering wheel center, all of which require professional measurement to correct.
Should I replace the track bar itself when replacing the bushings on a Ram 4500?
Inspect the bar carefully while it is removed. If the bar shows bending, surface rust deep enough to compromise the metal, worn or elongated bolt holes, or end joints with measurable play, replacing the complete bar is the smarter choice. Fitting new bushings to a compromised bar often results in the same symptoms returning within a short time.
Are track bar bushings and sway bar bushings the same part on a Ram 4500?
No, they are different parts that serve different purposes. The track bar — also called a Panhard bar — runs laterally to keep the axle centered side-to-side. A sway bar reduces body roll in corners. Their bushings may look similar but differ in bore diameter, durometer, and mounting geometry, so they are not interchangeable.

Shop track bar bushings by year for the Ram 4500

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Track bar bushings for other Ram models

Ram 1500Ram 5500Ram 3500Ram 2500Ram 1500 Classic