Wheel Alignment Specifications & Adjustment Procedures: Other Dodge Pickup R2500

CAMBER

Camber is inward or outward tilt of top of tire and wheel assembly. (Scheme 1) Camber is measured in degrees of angle relative to a true vertical line. Camber is a tire wearing angle and can cause the following wear

1. Excessive negative camber will cause tread wear on inside of tire.
2. Excessive positive camber will cause tread wear on outside of tire.

Scheme 1

CROSS CAMBER

Cross camber is difference between left and right camber. To achieve cross camber reading, subtract right side camber reading from left. For example, if left camber is plus 0.3 degrees and right camber is 0.0 degrees, cross camber would be plus 0.3 degrees.

CASTER

Caster is forward or rearward tilt of steering knuckle in reference to position of upper and lower ball joints. Caster is measured in degrees of angle relative to a true vertical center line. This line is viewed from side of tire and wheel assembly. (Scheme 1)

1. Forward tilt (upper ball joint ahead of lower) results in a negative caster angle.
2. Rearward tilt (upper ball joint trailing lower) results in a positive caster angle.

Although caster does not affect tire wear, a caster imbalance between 2 front wheels may cause vehicle to lead to side with least positive caster.

CROSS CASTER

Cross caster is difference between left and right caster.

TOE

Toe is inward or outward angle of wheels as viewed from above vehicle. (Scheme 1)

1. Toe-in is produced when front edges of wheels on same axle are closer together than rear edges.
2. Toe-out is produced when front edges of wheels on same axle are farther apart than rear edges.
3. Toe-in and toe-out can occur at front wheels and rear wheels. Toe is measured in degrees or inches. The measurement identifies amount that front of wheels point inward (toe-in) or outward (toe-out). Toe is measured at spindle height. Zero toe means front and rear edges of wheels on same axle are equally distant.

TOE-OUT ON TURNS

Toe-out on turns is relative positioning of front wheels while steering through a turn. (Scheme 2) This compensates for each front wheel's turning radius. As vehicle encounters a turn, outboard wheel must travel in a larger radius circle than inboard wheel. The steering system is designed to make each wheel follow its particular radius circle. To accomplish this, front wheels must progressively toe outward as steering is turned from center. This eliminates tire scrubbing and undue tire wear when steering a vehicle through a turn.

Scheme 2

STEERING AXIS INCLINATION (S.A.I.)

Steering axis inclination is angle between a true vertical line starting at center of tire at road contact point and a line drawn through center of upper ball joint (or strut) and lower ball joint. (Scheme 3) S.A.I. is built into vehicle and is not an adjustable angle. If S.A.I. is not within specifications, a bent or damaged suspension component may be cause.

Scheme 3

INCLUDED ANGLE

Included angle is sum of S.A.I. angle plus or minus camber angle, depending on whether or not wheel has positive or negative camber. (Scheme 3) If camber is positive, add camber angle to S.A.I. angle. If camber is negative, subtract camber angle from S.A.I. angle. Included angle is not adjustable, but can be used to diagnose a frame misalignment or bent suspension component (spindle, strut).

THRUST ANGLE

Thrust angle is averaged direction rear wheels are pointing in relation to vehicle's center line. (Scheme 4) The presence of negative or positive thrust angle causes rear tires to track improperly to left or right of front tires (dog tracking) in the following manner

1. Negative thrust angle means rear tires are tracking to left of front tires.
2. Positive thrust angle means rear tires are tracking to right of front tires.

Improper tracking can cause undue tire wear, a lead or pull and a crooked steering wheel.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

STANDARD PROCEDURE

Note. Before starting a wheel alignment on this vehicle, following inspection and necessary corrections must be completed to ensure proper wheel alignment.

1. The passenger and luggage compartments of vehicle should be free of any load that is not factory equipment. Check tires on vehicle. The tires are to be inflated to recommended air pressure. All tires must be correct size and in good condition, with about same tread wear.
2. Check front and rear wheels for excessive radial and lateral runout, and imbalance. Inspect front and rear hub and bearing assemblies for wear and noise. Inspect all suspension components for wear. Check components for correct torque. Inspect rubber bushings on all suspension components for signs of wear or deterioration.
3. Inspect control arm ball joints and steering linkage for leaking seals, looseness, roughness, binding or a sticking condition. Inspect front and rear shock assemblies for leaks or any sign of damage. Jounce front and rear of vehicle to determine if shock absorbers dampen vehicle motion properly.

FRONT SUSPENSION HEIGHT (4WD LIGHT DUTY)

Vehicle front suspension height must be measured and adjusted before performing wheel alignment on 4WD light duty vehicles. Procedure must also be performed when front suspension components are replaced. Measurement is taken on both sides with vehicle supporting it's own weight.

Measurement Procedure

1. Remove any load within passenger and luggage compartments that is not factory equipment. Place vehicle on wheel alignment rack or drive-on lift per equipment manufacturer's recommendations. Check all tires for proper inflation pressure and adjust as necessary.
2. Jounce front of vehicle several times. Measure and record distance between center of lower suspension arm rear mounting bolt and surface front tire is sitting on. Measure and record distance between center of front wheel and surface front tire is sitting on. (Scheme 7)
3. Subtract first measurement from second measurement. Difference between 2 measurements should be 2.28" (58 mm), plus or minus.118" (3.00 mm). If front suspension height is not within specification, go to «ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE»(ref-167761-S07212058392004102100000).

To adjust front suspension height, turn torsion bar adjustment bolt clockwise to raise vehicle, or counterclockwise to lower vehicle. Jounce front of vehicle several times, then recheck front suspension height.

Scheme 7

FLOOR JACK

Raise front end by placing floor jack under vehicle as shown. (Scheme 8) To raise rear end, place floor jack under rear axle, next to leaf spring mount. Support vehicle with jack stands at front and rear ends of frame.

Scheme 8

EMERGENCY JACKING

Place scissor jack under front frame rail behind wheel. Locate jack as far forward as possible on straight part of frame. When changing rear tire, place jack under axle between spring and shock absorber. Always block opposite wheels, and jack on level surface.

BUMPER JACK

HOIST

Frame Contact Hoist

Frame contact hoist must be equipped with proper adapters to support vehicle in correct locations. If using swiveling arm hoist, position lifting pads evenly on subframe rails. Hoist must be equipped with proper adapters so vehicle will be supported at marked points.

Vehicle may be raised on single or twin post swiveling arm type hoists. If using swiveling arm hoist, ensure lifting arms, pads or ramps are positioned evenly on frame rails, and adequate clearance is maintained for transfer case (4WD models) or skid plate. All hoists must be equipped with adapters to properly support vehicle. (Scheme 8)

Axle Contact Hoist

DO NOT use axle contact hoist. Damage to axle tube or aluminum differential will occur.

CAMBER & CASTER ANGLE (WITHOUT LINK/COIL SUSPENSION)

Note. On 4WD light duty vehicles, front suspension height must be checked and adjusted to preferred specifications prior to performing wheel alignment.

Note. When upper control arm pivot bolts are loosened, upper control arm will normally go inward automatically with weight of vehicle.

Loosen pivot bolt attaching nuts. Using appropriate alignment tool, move ends of upper control arm either in or out to obtain proper camber and caster angles. (Scheme 9) For wheel alignment specifications (Scheme 13)and (Scheme 14). Tighten pivot bolt retaining nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 9

CAMBER & CASTER ANGLE (WITH LINK/COIL SUSPENSION)

Note. Camber is preset at the factory and is not adjustable.

Scheme 10

1. Check caster for correct angle. Ensure axle is not bent or twisted. Road test vehicle and make left and right turn. Observe steering wheel return-to-center position. Low caster will cause poor steering wheel return on turns.
2. Caster may be adjusted by rotating adjustment cams located on lower control arms. (Scheme 10) For wheel alignment specifications (Scheme 13)and (Scheme 14). After adjustment is made, tighten lower control arm nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-167761-S07874452592004102100000).

FRONT TOE (WITHOUT LINK/COIL SUSPENSION)

Note. On 4WD light duty vehicles, front suspension height must be checked and adjusted to preferred specifications prior to performing wheel alignment.

Note. Set each front wheel at 1/2 of total toe specification. On vehicles equipped with power steering, set wheel toe position with engine running.

Center steering wheel and hold with steering wheel clamp. Loosen tie rod lock nuts. Rotate tie rods to set toe to specification. (Scheme 11) For wheel alignment specifications (Scheme 13)and (Scheme 14). Tighten tie rod lock nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at tie rod. Remove steering wheel clamp. Road test vehicle to verify steering wheel is straight and vehicle does not wander or pull.

Scheme 11

FRONT TOE (WITH LINK/COIL SUSPENSION)

Note. Set each front wheel at 1/2 of total toe specification.

Start engine and turn wheels both ways, then center steering wheel and hold with steering wheel clamp. Turn engine off. Loosen tie rod adjustment sleeve nuts. Rotate tie rod sleeves to set toe to specification. (Scheme 12) For wheel alignment specifications (Scheme 13)and (Scheme 14). Tighten tie rod sleeve nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Remove steering wheel clamp. Road test vehicle to verify steering wheel is straight and vehicle does not wander or pull.

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 14