1994-2013 Dodge Ram 5-Link Coil Spring Identification IDN-121

Dodge first used the 5-Link, Coil Spring front suspension on 1994 model year Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Ram and Ram 3500 4x4 trucks with solid beam front axles. It was also used on 3500 4x2 trucks with tubular beam front axles. This type of suspension utilizes 4 short link arms behind the axle  (2 on each side) and a track bar attached to the front of the axle. All 5 links are anchored to the frame. 

The upper and lower Link Arms may also be referred to as Suspension Arms, Control Arms, or Trailing Arms. Regardless of the name, these four arms are mounted longitudinally behind the axle and they determine the axle's fore and aft position and axle caster setting. An adjustable cam on each lower control arm allows for caster adjustment. Each of the stamped steel arms has a bushing in each end to isolate road shocks from being directly transmitted to the frame. There are two parallel link arms for each side of the axle and they attach to a stamped steel bracket welded to to the back of axle in line with the coil spring. The upper ends pivot on brackets welded to the frame.  The stamped steel link arms are relatively weak and  they can be damaged by large rocks or significant front end impacts. On the plus side, the link arms typically have more ground clearance than a 3-link, radius arm suspension.

The 5th link is called the Track Bar. The Track Bar more or less keeps the axle centered under the vehicle. The lower end attaches to the right side of the axle housing. The upper end attaches to the left side of the frame. As the axle articulates vertically, the axle location will change under the frame due the arc traversed by the track bar, but this is usually imperceptible to the driver. Many steering related complaints arise from tracking bar link wear especially on 1994-2002 trucks with Dana front axles. The ball-stud in the end of the upper end of the track bar is subject to wear.

The Coil Spring- 5 Link Front Suspension was used on the following Dodge and Ram 4x4 front axles:
1994-2001 Ram 1500 Dana 44
1994-1997 Ram 2500 Dana 44
1994-2002 Ram 2500, Ram 3500 Dana 60
2003-2013 Ram 2500 AAM 925 14 Bolt
2003-2012 Ram 3500 AAM 925 14 Bolt
2004-2010 Ram 1500 Mega Cab AAM 925 14 Bolt

Effective with the 2013 Model year for Ram 3500 and 2014 for Ram 2500, the AAM 925 9-1/4" 14 Bolt 5-Link Front Axle was replaced by the AAM 925 12 Bolt 9-1/4" Front Axle with 3-Link, Radius Arm Suspension.