What a full steering upgrade kit does for a 2012 Ram
A full steering upgrade kit for a 2012 Ram replaces worn or failing steering components all at once rather than fixing them one at a time. The kit typically includes a new steering gearbox (or reconditioned unit), new tie rods, new drag link, new steering damper, and sometimes new pitman arm and idler arm — essentially every part that connects your steering wheel to your wheels and absorbs road shock.
The reason to buy a kit instead of replacing parts individually is cost and labor. A shop has to drop the steering column, disconnect the front axle, and access the gearbox anyway. Once that work is done, replacing a tie rod costs almost nothing extra in labor. Buying parts separately means paying for that same labor multiple times.
A 2012 Ram with high mileage — typically 150,000 miles or more — often needs most or all of these parts at the same time. If you're already at the shop for a gearbox replacement, a kit saves money compared to discovering a bad tie rod six months later and paying labor again.
Key Takeaways
- A full steering kit bundles the gearbox, tie rods, drag link, damper, and related hardware into one purchase to reduce total labor costs.
- Kits are most economical when your 2012 Ram has worn multiple steering components, which typically happens above 150,000 miles.
- You can buy OEM (Mopar) parts, remanufactured units, or aftermarket alternatives, and the choice affects both cost and warranty coverage.
- Installation requires dropping the front axle and disconnecting the steering column, so this is not a DIY job for most owners.
- A shop should inspect your steering before quoting a kit, because you may need only some components, not all.
What parts come in a typical 2012 Ram steering kit
The core components are the steering gearbox, tie rods (inner and outer), and drag link. The gearbox is the sealed unit that converts your steering wheel rotation into side-to-side motion at the wheels. The tie rods connect the gearbox output to the steering knuckles on each wheel. The drag link runs from the gearbox to the pitman arm on the front axle and is specific to Ram's solid-axle design.
Most kits also include a new steering damper (a shock absorber for the steering system that reduces vibration and bump steer), new hardware like bolts and cotter pins, and sometimes a new pitman arm or idler arm if those are worn. Some kits are "complete" and include every part; others are "partial" and leave out the gearbox or damper to lower the price.
Before ordering, confirm what your kit includes. A $400 kit and a $900 kit for the same truck model may differ only in whether the gearbox is new, remanufactured, or rebuilt. Ask the seller or your shop what warranty covers each part and for how long.
OEM, remanufactured, and aftermarket options
OEM (Mopar) parts are made by Chrysler and carry the longest warranty — typically three years or 36,000 miles on a gearbox. They cost the most but fit perfectly and are may provide to work. If you plan to keep the truck long-term and want no surprises, OEM is the safest choice.
Remanufactured parts are used units that have been disassembled, inspected, worn parts replaced, and reassembled to like-new condition. They cost 40 to 60 percent less than OEM and usually carry a one- or two-year warranty. Remanufactured gearboxes are common and reliable; many shops prefer them because the warranty is solid and the price is reasonable.
Aftermarket parts are made by third-party manufacturers like Moog or Dorman. Tie rods and drag links are often aftermarket because they're straightforward parts. Gearboxes are rarely aftermarket for the 2012 Ram; most aftermarket steering kits use a remanufactured gearbox paired with new aftermarket tie rods and damper. Aftermarket parts are the cheapest option but warranties vary widely — read the fine print before buying.
Cost and labor time for installation
A full steering kit for a 2012 Ram costs between $500 and $1,500 depending on whether you choose OEM, remanufactured, or aftermarket parts. A remanufactured gearbox with new tie rods and damper typically runs $700 to $1,000 for parts alone.
Labor time is usually 4 to 6 hours at a shop, which translates to $400 to $900 in labor depending on your region and the shop's rate. Some shops charge flat rates for steering work; others charge hourly. A few shops include labor in a package price, so ask what's included before you commit.
Total out-of-pocket cost for a full steering kit installed is typically $1,200 to $2,400. If you're replacing only some components — say, tie rods and damper but not the gearbox — the cost drops to $600 to $1,200 installed.
When you need a full kit versus individual parts
You need a full kit when your truck has worn multiple steering components and you're already paying for the labor to access them. A shop inspection will show this: if the gearbox has play, the tie rods are loose, and the damper is leaking, a kit makes sense. You're paying labor once instead of three times.
You may need only individual parts if the problem is isolated. A bad tie rod with a healthy gearbox means you don't need a kit — just replace the tie rod. However, if the gearbox is failing, the shop will recommend replacing everything because they're already inside the steering system and the cost of additional parts is small compared to the labor they've already quoted.
Ask your shop to show you the worn parts or take photos. Don't assume you need a full kit just because one component failed. A good shop will recommend only what the truck actually needs.
DIY installation is not practical for most owners
Steering work on a 2012 Ram requires dropping the front axle, disconnecting the steering column at the U-joint, and removing the gearbox from the frame. This is not a bolt-on job. You need a lift, jack stands, a torque wrench, and knowledge of steering geometry and alignment.
After installation, the truck must be aligned. Improper alignment will cause uneven tire wear and poor handling. A shop alignment costs $100 to $200 and is not optional after steering work.
If you have a lift, a torque wrench, and experience with suspension work, you may be able to do this yourself. Most owners should take the truck to a shop. The cost of a mistake — a loose tie rod, misaligned wheels, or a leaking gearbox — far exceeds the labor you'd save.
What to ask a shop before ordering a kit
Before your shop orders parts, ask these questions: What parts are actually worn, and what does the kit include? Is the gearbox new, remanufactured, or rebuilt, and what's the warranty? Are tie rods and damper new or remanufactured? Does the quote include alignment after installation? What happens if a part fails within the warranty period?
Also ask whether the shop can source the kit or if you need to order it yourself. Some shops have preferred suppliers and can get better pricing. Others will install a kit you bring in, though they may charge a small fee for using non-shop parts.
Get the quote in writing, including parts, labor, alignment, and any other fees. Ask how long the work takes and whether they'll call if they find additional problems during disassembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the gearbox and leave the tie rods alone?
Yes, if the tie rods are tight and the damper is not leaking. However, if you're already paying for the labor to drop the axle and access the gearbox, replacing worn tie rods at the same time is usually cheaper than doing it later. Have the shop inspect all steering components before deciding.
What's the difference between a remanufactured and rebuilt gearbox?
Remanufactured means the unit was completely disassembled, worn parts replaced, and reassembled to factory specs. Rebuilt usually means internal seals and gaskets were replaced but the core unit was not fully taken apart. Remanufactured is the better choice and carries a longer warranty.
Do I need alignment after a steering kit installation?
Yes. Alignment is not optional after steering work. Even if the shop is careful, new tie rods and a new gearbox change the geometry slightly. Alignment ensures your wheels point straight and your truck handles correctly.
How long does a steering kit last?
A quality steering kit should last 100,000 to 150,000 miles under normal driving. Rough roads, towing, and off-road use wear components faster. The warranty on the gearbox is usually 1 to 3 years, so budget for replacement if you keep the truck beyond that period.
Can I use a steering kit from a different Ram year?
Not reliably. Steering components changed between model years, and using the wrong gearbox or tie rod length can cause poor handling or damage. Always order parts for your specific year and model. A shop can confirm compatibility before ordering.