A 2017 leaner...

[KRSmitty]

Had my new 2017 2500 4x4 for a few weeks when I noticed that the passenger side of the truck sits higher than the driver side. Approximately 1" to 1.5" difference. I would assume that should not be normal? Taking it to the dealer tomorrow to have them look at.

 

[AEdelheit]

Its actually very common and usually caused by too much cross caster. The way these radius arms are designed cross caster will cause one side of the truck to be pulled down while pushing up on the other side as it is trying to twist the axle, specify you want .5 deg of cross caster or less and loosen the upper and lower radius arm mounting bolts on the axle when adjusting.

 

[KRSmitty]

Just got home from the dealer...according to them it is the springs. They have to order them, so will find out then.

 

[Bob4x4]

Just got home from the dealer...according to them it is the springs. They have to order them, so will find out then.

That will not change anything, AEdelheit is correct.

 

[BarryG]

I noticed that on my truck last week. I had noticed my 5th hitch head would be leaning a bit. I assumed it wAs trailer and was going to check it out next time I used it but on a whim decided to check truck and the front was just shy of a inch difference the rear was even more. Funny thing was the front and rears were opposite the other i.e. Left front high right rear high. Neighbor was there has a ram 2016 2500 his was off also

 

[KRSmitty]

That will not change anything, AEdelheit is correct.

I will find out...Parts are in and made an appointment to take the truck back in this coming Friday. After they put the new springs on, they will do a front end alignment. I will bring up the castor idea.

Now, I am not saying anyone is right or wrong. Just commenting on what I have been told! I have several close friends who are mechanics and been in the business for over 20 years. They say it is not castor. It is the springs or something along that line. Like I said earlier, will find out Friday.

 

[AEdelheit]

The thing is 20+ years of experience does not apply to these trucks, it is the way Ram designed this radius arm setup specifically so unless someone has experience with a 2013+ ram it does not help or apply in this case. The only way to know if it was the coil would be if they do an alignment before touching the truck then after which they wont, they will toss the new coil in then fix the caster and say it was the coil. I deal with this situation about 5 times a week and have yet to see a bad coil.

 

[Bob4x4]

easy enough to see how it works for yourself.mark your adjustment,then move the cam and watch the body rise and fall as you rotate

 

[BarryG]

Bob4x4, Aedelheit or anyone else for that matter. Had my 01 for 16 years and familiar with that one and the specs I used worked great but the new one just getting my feet wet with it though I already have 18k on it since December
What would be the best alignment specs 2017 3500 4x4. Not even sure on what is or isn't adjustable on the new one. And secondarily would the dealer set it to those specs or do I need to find an independent who will set it to whatever wanted?
Thanks in advance for the info

 

[AEdelheit]

Bob4x4, Aedelheit or anyone else for that matter. Had my 01 for 16 years and familiar with that one and the specs I used worked great but the new one just getting my feet wet with it though I already have 18k on it since December
What would be the best alignment specs 2017 3500 4x4. Not even sure on what is or isn't adjustable on the new one. And secondarily would the dealer set it to those specs or do I need to find an independent who will set it to whatever wanted?
Thanks in advance for the info

I go with 0.00-0.05 total toe in and 3.7-4.2 deg caster, less then .5 deg of total cross caster and make sure both upper and lower radius arm bolts on the axle are loosened when adjusting cross caster. Some dealers and alignment shops will set it to any spec you want while others wont, that part is very hit and miss.

The 94-13 trucks has a 4 link front suspension so cross caster would not create a lean as there was more deflection but the way ram designed the radius arms on the 2013+ trucks when putting in cross caster which on a solid axle is basically trying to twist the axle it essentially pulls down the side with more caster and raises the side with less creating a lean.

 

[KRSmitty]

Picked up the truck from the dealer a few hours ago. They seemed to have fixed the problem. There is now only a 1/4" difference now between the driver/passenger sides. According to the dealer the left front coil spring was bad. They replaced the spring and did a front end alignment on it.

 

[GrantP]

The only way to know if it was the coil would be if they do an alignment before touching the truck then after which they wont, they will toss the new coil in then fix the caster and say it was the coil.

Well I think you nailed that one. :-laf