1997 Ram 2500 4WD Cummins

On a beach fishing trip last week this chassis part snapped. (Front passenger-side, the LOWER of 2 horizontal struts connecting chassis to front axle bracket) I had it welded to get home but want to replace it.

Can anybody tell me

1) what the part is called?

2) should (can?) I buy a new part, or get one at a junkyard?

3) does the swap-out require special tools/equipment?

Thanks.
Steve

 

you can find them new or used, but sometimes they can be a bear to get the bolts out if they have been rusted, check ebay, they are called a control arm, or trailing arm

 

lower front control arm

No special tools should be required, but start soaking those bolts with penetrating oil now. If you buy used, make sure the rubber bushings are in good shape. It might be a good time to see about going aftermarket and replace all of them.

 

Thank you gentlemen. Found and ordered the part from EBAY, unstuck the bolts and just waiting now for the arm to arrive.

Not sure how it broke, but maybe the heavy slide-in camper load combined with the steep access ramp from the dock to the little ferry we took out to the island.

Steve