2014–2025 Ram 2500 & 3500 Radius Arm Drop Brackets

Installation Guide | Apoc Industries | SKU: 9-252 | Lift Range: 2"–4" | Bolt-On | Install Time: 1–2 Hours | One 1/2" Frame Drill Required Per Side

Pre-Install Checklist

Required Tools

• Floor jack (minimum 3-ton capacity)
• Torque wrench
• Power drill with 1/2" metal drill bit
• Socket set — metric and standard, 3/8" and 1/2" drive
• Marker or center punch (for marking drill location)
• Safety glasses, gloves, face shield, and steel-toed boots (PPE)

Vehicle Preparation

• Park vehicle on a flat, level, hard surface
• Engage parking brake fully
• Chock all wheels
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning work

Safety Warnings

⚠ Wear safety glasses and gloves at all times. Keep bystanders clear of the work area. A 1/2" hole must be drilled through the frame on each side — wear a face shield during this step and clear all metal shavings before reassembly.

Verify Fitment Before Starting

• Confirm vehicle year is 2014–2025 Ram 2500 or Ram 3500
• Confirm vehicle has a 2"–4" suspension lift kit installed
• Confirm SKU 9-252 is in your order

Parts Checklist

Verify all items against your packing slip before beginning installation.

• 2x CNC-cut steel radius arm drop brackets — powder-coated finish
• 2x New 3/4" bolts (supplied) — used in the upper hole of the drop bracket (factory pivot location)
• 2x 1/2" bolts (supplied) — used in the newly drilled rear frame hole
• Factory radius arm pivot bolts — retained and reused in the lower drop bracket hole

Hardware Reference

Step-by-Step Installation Sequence

Note: Both radius arms are attached to the same axle and move together — both frame-side pivot bolts must be removed at the same time to allow the axle to rotate and create clearance for the drop brackets. Both sides are installed simultaneously.

Step 1 — Remove Both Frame-Side Radius Arm Pivot Bolts

• Locate the frame-side radius arm pivot bolt on both the driver and passenger side — this is where the rear of each radius arm attaches to the factory frame bracket, as the pivot point is the most rearward part of the radius arm
• Remove both pivot bolts at the same time and set aside — these factory bolts will be reused
• Removing both allows the axle to rotate freely so the radius arms drop down and clear the factory frame brackets
• Place a floor jack under one radius arm and slowly lower it to bring both radius arms down out of the factory frame brackets, creating clearance to install the drop brackets — both arms will move together as the axle rotates
• Lower only enough to clear the factory brackets

Step 2 — Slide the Drop Brackets into the Factory Frame Brackets

• Slide each APOC drop bracket up inside the factory radius arm frame bracket on both sides — the drop bracket is designed to nest inside the factory bracket
• Align each drop bracket so its holes line up with the factory bracket
• Install the new supplied 3/4" bolt through the upper hole of the drop bracket — this is the factory pivot bolt location in the frame. Hand-tighten only at this stage

Step 3 — Jack the Radius Arms Back Up and Bolt Into the Drop Brackets

• Using the floor jack, raise the radius arm back up on one side — both arms will rise together as the axle rotates
• Align both radius arms with the lower hole of their respective drop brackets
• Install the factory radius arm bolt (reused) through the lower drop bracket hole to hold the radius arm in place — hand-tighten only at this stage

Step 4 — Drill the 1/2" Frame Hole (Both Sides)

⚠ Important: With the drop brackets installed and the radius arms bolted in place, drill through the frame using the drop bracket as your guide — leave the bracket in place while drilling to ensure perfect hole alignment.

• With the drop bracket fully seated and secured by the hand-tight hardware, position your drill through the bracket's rear hole and use it as a guide to drill directly through the frame
• Start with a small pilot hole, then step up to the full 1/2" drill bit — keep the bracket in place throughout
• Drill completely through both walls of the frame rail
• Deburr all edges thoroughly and clean all metal shavings from inside the frame before installing the bolt — shavings left inside the frame can cause long-term corrosion
• Install the new supplied 1/2" bolt through the bracket and the newly drilled frame hole — hand-tighten only
• Repeat on the opposite side

Step 5 — Torque All Fasteners

Torque all fasteners with the vehicle at ride height. Using a calibrated torque wrench, torque to the following specifications:

• Factory radius arm bolt (lower drop bracket hole): 258 ft-lbs
• New supplied 3/4" bolt (upper hole — factory pivot location): 200 ft-lbs
• New supplied 1/2" bolt (drilled rear frame hole): 75 ft-lbs

• Mark all torqued fasteners with a torque stripe for visual verification

Step 6 — Inspect

• Bounce the front suspension several times to settle the geometry
• Visually inspect both brackets and all hardware for proper seating
• Check that no components contact the frame, body, or brake lines through full suspension travel

Step 7 — Road Test and Re-Check Torque After 50–100 Miles

• Perform an initial low-speed road test — listen for unusual noises and check for vibration or wandering steering
• After 50–100 break-in miles, re-torque all fasteners to specification
• Inspect all hardware for loosening or movement

Post-Install Notes

• While a front-end alignment is not required after this installation, it is always recommended to have an alignment performed any time suspension components are serviced
• Inspect all hardware for loosening at each oil change interval
• These brackets are designed for 2"–4" lift kits — do not use with lifts outside this range

Safety Disclaimers

This installation guide is provided for reference purposes. Apoc Industries assumes no liability for improper installation, use of incorrect torque values, or failure to follow all safety procedures. Suspension modifications affect vehicle handling characteristics. Always have suspension work inspected by a qualified mechanic and comply with all local laws regarding vehicle modifications and lift height limits.

Apoc Industries | apocindustries.com | SKU: 9-252 | Document Version: v1.0