Alignment Question and part #'s FYI

[E7mack96]

Does anyone know, off hand, the Alignment spec for a 2003 ram 3500 4 wheel drive?



I am specifically looking for the toe-in.



I replaced the entire steering linkage setup, and put it all together with a toe in of 3/16 for starters. (it is what we set our front end toe on the semi trucks)



It feels good to do a job and save a bundle and to know it is all fixed right. I bought all parts from NAPA with a lifetime warranty. Both tie rod ends were shot, as was the connecting joint between both tie rod arms.



Parts breakdown, FYI



269-6102 tie rod end/arm $130. 39

269-6103 tie rod end/arm $109. 39

269-1123 tie rod adjuster $ 30. 69 each (2 of these)

SC-2964 Steering stabilizer $ 45. 39

269-3257 Tie rod end $ 40. 99

269-3256 Tie rod end $ 57. 39



Total of $444. 93



Coulda got 'em cheaper at rock auto, but needed them now.



Tony

 

[EDankievitch]

I'm assuming that you replaced the old linkage with what your truck came with. Not that it's a bad system but Dodge has come out with a update for our trucks. The update is a new drag link and crossover bar. Like the system Ford uses, when you set the Toe-in it stays set unlike the old system where as the truck bounces the Toe-in changes. Now that said the setting that seems to work and not tare up the tires too bad is 1/16" read from the inside of the rim bead at the same hight compaired front to back of the axel. When setting the Toe-in I'd support the truck off the tires unless you have a rack that allows the tires to move with out pressure on the linkage. Suppout the truck just off the ground with both tires the same hight... .

 

[E7mack96]

Yep, those part #'s are for what was on the truck, no difference at all in the parts. I will keep in mind the "NEW" parts that are available. are they a dodge item only?



As for toe, I drove it about 200 miles yesterday, and checked the tires every 50 miles, and am gonna adjust the toe to the 1/16 setting. There is a very light feathering starting and I gotta nip that in the bud.



Thanks for replying, and if you have the Dodge part #s, please reply with them for our future reference.



Tony

 

[WoodChuck]

Try this link.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...cussions/205860-08-steering-upgrade-pics.html

This is inverted T versus the inverted Y steering that your truck has now, the parts are twice as beefy as what it replaces.

 

[MickeyMiller]

'03 and '08 alignment specs the same? I (actually, Left Coast Diesel) updated my '03 with the '08 steering parts and Carli ball joints. I had the truck aligned. I'm sure the alignment shop set it up to '03 specs. Are the '03 and '08 alignment specs the same? Front end is REAL tight now and dramatically better than the worn out '03 but the truck has a little 'wonder' now. I'll probably try a little more toe in...

 

[EDankievitch]

I found that with the New steering linkage the truck likes less toe-in than with the old set up... . Less slop in the new stuff so you need less toe -in.