A full steering upgrade kit replaces worn components throughout your truck's steering system to restore responsiveness and reduce play in the wheel
A full steering upgrade kit for a 2012 Ram 1500 typically includes the steering box (also called the steering gearbox), tie rods, drag link, and sometimes the steering shaft or intermediate shaft. These parts wear over time from road use, causing the steering wheel to feel loose, requiring more input to turn, or drifting when you're trying to drive straight. A complete kit addresses all the worn pieces at once rather than replacing them one at a time, which saves labor costs since the mechanic doesn't have to remove and reinstall components multiple times.
The 2012 Ram 1500 uses a recirculating ball steering box, which is common in trucks of that generation. This design is durable but does wear, especially if the truck has high mileage or has been used for towing. When the steering box wears, you'll notice the wheel has more play before the truck responds, or the steering feels notchy rather than smooth.
Key Takeaways
- A full steering upgrade kit includes the steering box, tie rods, drag link, and sometimes the intermediate shaft — all the parts that typically wear together.
- Kits are sold by aftermarket manufacturers like Proforged, Moog, and Rough Country, and prices range depending on whether you choose OEM-equivalent or heavy-duty components.
- Installation requires removing the steering wheel and dropping the steering box, which takes a skilled mechanic four to eight hours of labor.
- You can replace steering components individually as they wear, but replacing everything at once reduces the total labor time and cost.
What parts come in a typical kit
Most full steering kits for the 2012 Ram 1500 include a new steering box, inner and outer tie rods (sometimes called tie rod ends), and a drag link. Some kits also include the intermediate shaft, which connects the steering column to the steering box. A few manufacturers bundle in new fasteners, seals, or a new steering shaft collar.
The steering box is the central component — it's a metal housing that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the side-to-side motion that turns the wheels. The tie rods connect the steering box to the wheel spindles. The drag link is a rod that runs from the steering box to the left spindle on the 2012 Ram 1500's solid front axle. When any of these wear, the steering becomes imprecise.
Aftermarket manufacturers like Moog, Proforged, and Rough Country each offer kits with slightly different component choices. Some kits use OEM-equivalent parts (parts that match the original factory design), while others use heavier-duty components designed for trucks that tow or carry heavy loads. Read the kit description to see which parts are included, since not all kits are identical.
OEM versus aftermarket kit options
An OEM kit uses parts manufactured to the original Ram specifications. These are typically the least expensive option and are a good choice if your truck is stock and you want to restore the steering to how it felt new. OEM parts are available through Ram dealerships or through online retailers that stock OEM components.
Aftermarket kits from manufacturers like Moog or Proforged often use the same design as OEM parts but may have slightly different materials or tolerances. These kits are usually priced between OEM and heavy-duty options. Heavy-duty kits, sometimes labeled for towing or off-road use, use thicker materials or different geometry to reduce wear under stress. If your truck tows regularly or carries heavy loads, a heavy-duty kit may last longer, though it will cost more upfront.
Labor and installation time
Installing a full steering kit requires removing the steering wheel, dropping the steering box from underneath the truck, and disconnecting all the tie rods and drag link. A mechanic with experience on Ram trucks typically needs four to eight hours to complete the job. The time varies depending on whether the truck has been lifted or modified, whether any bolts are seized, and whether the mechanic is replacing just the kit or also addressing other suspension components at the same time.
Some shops bundle steering work with other front-end repairs — for example, replacing the steering kit at the same time as new shocks or ball joints. This can reduce the total labor time because the mechanic doesn't have to remove and reinstall the same components twice. If you're planning other front-end work, ask your mechanic whether doing it all at once will save money.
Cost range for kits and installation
A full steering kit for the 2012 Ram 1500 typically costs between $300 and $800 depending on the manufacturer and whether you choose OEM-equivalent or heavy-duty components. OEM kits are usually on the lower end, while kits from Rough Country or other brands marketed for heavy-duty use are on the higher end. Labor costs vary by region and shop, but expect $400 to $800 for installation.
The total cost of a full steering upgrade — kit plus labor — usually falls between $700 and $1,600. This is less expensive than replacing components individually over time, since each individual replacement requires the mechanic to remove and reinstall the steering box. If you're replacing the steering box alone, labor is similar, but you'll pay for that labor again if a tie rod wears out six months later.
Signs your steering needs an upgrade
The most common sign is excessive play in the steering wheel — you can turn the wheel an inch or more before the truck responds. Another sign is a loose or wandering feeling while driving straight, where the truck drifts slightly and you have to make small corrections. Some drivers notice the steering wheel feels notchy or jerky rather than smooth, or that turning requires more effort than it used to.
If your truck has high mileage (over 150,000 miles) and you haven't replaced the steering components, a full kit is often a good preventive step. Worn steering affects not only comfort but also safety — loose steering makes it harder to react quickly in an emergency. If you're planning to keep the truck for several more years, replacing the steering kit now can prevent more expensive repairs later.
Doing the work yourself versus hiring a mechanic
Replacing a full steering kit is possible for someone with mechanical experience and the right tools, but it's not a beginner job. You'll need a steering wheel puller, a pitman arm puller, a socket set, and a way to safely lift and support the truck. The steering box bolts are often tight and can be difficult to remove, especially if the truck is older or has been exposed to road salt.
Most people choose to have a mechanic do this work because the steering system is critical to safety, and any mistake can affect how the truck handles. If you do decide to do it yourself, consult the Ram service manual for your specific truck year and follow the torque specifications for all bolts. After installation, have the wheel alignment checked, since moving the tie rods changes the alignment angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a new steering kit improve my truck's handling off-road?
A new kit will restore the steering to its original responsiveness, which can make the truck feel more controlled. If you want to improve off-road handling beyond that, you may want a heavy-duty kit designed for that purpose, which uses different geometry or materials. Talk to your mechanic about whether a standard kit or a heavy-duty option makes sense for how you use the truck.
Do I need to replace the steering kit if only one part is worn?
You can replace individual parts, but if the truck has high mileage, other components are likely wearing too. Replacing everything at once costs less in total labor than replacing parts one at a time over the next year. If the truck is newer or has low mileage, replacing just the worn part may be fine.
Will the steering kit work if my truck has been lifted?
A standard kit will work on a lifted truck, but the geometry changes slightly when the truck is lifted, which can affect steering feel and tire wear. Some shops recommend a heavy-duty or adjustable kit for lifted trucks. Tell your mechanic about any suspension modifications before ordering the kit.
How long does a steering kit typically last?
A new steering kit should last 100,000 to 150,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Trucks used for towing, driven on rough roads, or used off-road may see wear sooner. Regular maintenance like checking power steering fluid and having the alignment checked can extend the life of the kit.