A ripper assembly is disclosed. The ripper assembly may include a ripper cross-member defining at least a first ripper shank pocket. The ripper cross member may include a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The front wall may connect to the rear wall, to define a perimeter of the at least first ripper shank pocket, the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall, and to also define a longitudinal axis and a free end disposed along the longitudinal axis adjacent the perimeter of the at least first ripper shank pocket. At least one of the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall and the second side wall may define a retention boss aperture and a retention mechanism pocket in communication with the retention boss aperture.