ADJUSTMENTS
Note. Prior to performing wheel alignment, perform visual and mechanical inspection of wheels, tires and suspension components. See PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT THEORY/OPERATION article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.
FRONT WHEEL CAMBER & CASTER ADJUSTMENT
| CAUTION | DO NOT adjust caster by heating or bending suspension components. If caster angle is incorrect, replace component(s) causing incorrect angle. |
With Independent Front Suspension
Loosen pivot bar attaching bolts, and move ends of upper control arm either in or out to obtain proper camber and caster angles. (Scheme 1) See ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. Tighten pivot bar retaining bolts. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Scheme 1
With Link/Coil Suspension
Camber is factory set and is not adjustable. To adjust caster, rotate adjuster cam on lower control arm. See ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. (Scheme 2)
Scheme 2
FRONT WHEEL TOE ADJUSTMENT
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.
2WD
Center steering wheel and hold with steering wheel clamp. Loosen tie rod lock nuts. Rotate rods to set toe to specifications. See ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. Tighten tie rod lock nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at tie rod. Remove steering wheel clamp. (Scheme 3)
Scheme 3
4WD
Center steering wheel and hold with steering wheel clamp. Loosen tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp bolts. Rotate adjustment sleeve to align toe to specifications. See ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. Position sleeve clamps on underside of sleeve so clamp ends are not over sleeve slot, and tighten adjustment sleeve clamp bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Remove steering wheel clamp. (Scheme 4)
Scheme 4
REAR WHEEL CAMBER & TOE ADJUSTMENT
Note. Rear wheel alignment is set at the factory. No adjustments procedures are provided by the manufacturer.
| Application | Preferred | Range | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camber (1) | ||||
| Ram 1500 | ||||
| 2WD Short Bed | 0.5 | 0 To 1 | ||
| 4WD Short Bed | (4) | (4) | ||
| 2WD Long Bed | 0.5 | 0 To 1 | ||
| 4WD Long Bed | (4) | (4) | ||
| Ram 1500 Club Cab | ||||
| 2WD Short Bed | 0.5 | 0 To 1 | ||
| 4WD Short Bed | (4) | (4) | ||
| 2WD Long Bed | 0.5 | 0 To 1 | ||
| 4WD Long Bed | (4) | (4) | ||
| Ram 2500 Long Bed | ||||
| 2WD 7500 GVW | 0.5 | 0 To 1 | ||
| 4WD 7500 GVW | (4) | (4) | ||
| 2WD 8800 GVW | 0.5 | 0 To 1 | ||
| 4WD 8800 GVW | (4) | (4) | ||
| Ram 2500 HD Club | ||||
| Cab Short Bed (2WD/4WD) | (4) 0.5 | (4) 0 To 1 | ||
| Ram 2500 HD Club Cab Long Bed | ||||
| 2WD 8800 GVW | 0.5 | 0 To 1 | ||
| 4WD 8800 GVW | (4) | (4) | ||
| Caster (1) | ||||
| Ram 1500 | ||||
| 2WD Short Bed | 3.65 | 2.65 To 4.65 | ||
| 4WD Short Bed | 3.35 | 2.35 To 4.35 | ||
| 2WD Long Bed | 3.8 | 2.8 To 4.8 | ||
| 4WD Long Bed | 3.45 | 2.45 To 4.45 | ||
| Ram 1500 Club Cab | ||||
| 2WD Short Bed | 3.7 | 2.7 To 4.7 | ||
| 4WD Short Bed | 3.4 | 2.4 To 4.4 | ||
| 2WD Long Bed | 3.85 | 2.85 To 4.85 | ||
| 4WD Long Bed | 3.55 | 2.55 To 4.55 | ||
| Ram 2500 Long Bed | ||||
| 2WD 7500 GVW | 3.55 | 2.55 To 4.55 | ||
| 4WD 7500 GVW | 3 | 2 To 4 | ||
| 2WD 8800 GVW | 3.45 | 2.45 To 4.45 | ||
| 4WD 8800 GVW | 3.1 | 2.1 To 4.1 | ||
| Ram 2500 HD Club Cab Short Bed (2WD/4WD) | (5) | (5) | ||
| Ram 2500 HD Club Cab Long Bed | ||||
| 2WD 8800 GVW | 3.65 | 2.65 To 4.65 | ||
| 4WD 8800 GVW | 3.25 | 2.25 To 4.25 | ||
| 1996 | ||||
| Toe-In (2) | 0.12 (3) | 0 To 0.24 (0 To 6) | ||
| Toe-In (1) | 0.25 | 0 To 0.5 | ||
| 1997 | ||||
| Toe-In (2) | 0.05 (1.5) | 0 To 0.1 (0 To 2.5) | ||
| Toe-In (1) 1997 | 0.1 | 0 To 0.2 | ||
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). (3) Specification is for P205/75R14 & P215/65R15 tires. For P205/75R15 & P215/65R16 tires, specification is 0.05" preferred, - 0.35 To 0.45" range. (4) Camber not set on 4WD models. (5) Information not available at time of publication. | ||||
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (3) | Specification is for P205/75R14 & P215/65R15 tires. For P205/75R15 & P215/65R16 tires, specification is 0.05" preferred, - 0.35 To 0.45" range. |
| (4) | Camber not set on 4WD models. |
| (5) | Information not available at time of publication. |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Ft. Lbs. (N.m) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pivot Bar-To-Frame Bolts | ||
| Wax Coat Frame | 150 (203) | |
| E-Coat Frame | 200 (271) | |
| Tie Rod Adjustment Sleeve Bolts | (1) | |
| Wheel Lug Nuts | ||
| 5 Stud Wheel | 95 (129) | |
| 8 Stud Wheel | 135 (183) | |
| 8 Stud Dual Wheel | 145 (197) | |
| (1) Information not available at time of publication. | ||
| (1) | Information not available at time of publication. |
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS