2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Alignment Specs.

[Steve G]

Some while back someone posted alignment specs and I can't find it at all. Does someone have this info?



Thanks,

Steve

 

[WyoJim]

Here you go!!

In a previous posting written by ???? (don't remember), they were complaining about a shimmy in their

Ram 4x4 after striking bumps in the road.

I suggested that the front end alignment has either too little or too much caster, thus causing a caster

shimmy. He did not like my response and changed his concern from a "shimmy" to a "bounce" (big

difference), and insisted it was the shocks. Maybe it is, I haven't driven it. He also said the alignment

"checked out". Here's the problem:

Alignment programs (and service manuals I believe), give a wide acceptable range for front caster on

the 4x4 Rams. I believe the range is 2 degrees to 5 degrees (if that's not correct, it's pretty close). The

problem occurs when the alignment tech (independent or dealer) tells you that the measurements

"checked out fine", just because they were in this broad range of acceptance.

Caster readings that fall on either end of the scale are subject to caster shimmy, even though they are

"acceptable". I had to align some 30 trucks and attend a 9 hour "Dodge Ram Chassis Dynamics

Diagnostics" training session (fancy name, ehh?), before finding out that 3 degrees to 4 degrees is the

optimal caster setting for 4x4 Rams that eliminates caster shimmy.

Below I will post what specifications I set Ram trucks to. First I want to give a little more info on correct

Ram alignments so you can see if you had a job well done,

The eccentrics on the lower control arms ARE NOT for individual wheel caster adjustments (even though

our alignment machine says they are). The eccentric sleeves in the upper ball joints are for adjusting

individual camber and total cross caster (difference in caster between two front wheels). This is why

replacement eccentrics are positionable in eight different ways.

Once camber and cross caster are attained with the eccentrics, the lower control arm eccentrics are

then used to swing the caster readings into specifications. The two eccentrics must be swung in the

SAME direction in EQUAL amounts. If they are not, it will create a setback condition (one front wheel

further forward than the other).

FYI - Comparing between the two front wheels, caster will cause a pull to the smaller value and camber

will cause a pull to the larger value. A truck set up with caster pulling in one direction and camber

pulling in the other direction, can lead to a wandering truck; even though it is "in specifications"!!!!!!

If the eccentrics on the lower control arms of your truck are not pointing the same direction, the

alignment was done incorrectly and the axle was "twisted" or "forced" into position to attain the

acceptable values (seen them from the factory this way, go figure).

A correct alignment will set the truck up with a slight negative cross caster (truck has slight pull to left)

to compensate for right hand road crown. Camber will be equal side to side slightly on the negative

side. This will help maintain acceptable camber when hauling heavy loads, as the truck tends to lift in

the front when towing. Camber will then fall slightly positive when towing.

Just because the alignment shop says "it's in specifications", that does not mean it is set up for proper

performance and handling!!!!!!!!!



Specifications (my personal settings for every Ram I align): all specs below are in degrees.





Left Wheel Right Wheel

-------------- ----------------



Caster 3. 2 3. 5

Cross Caster -. 3



Camber -. 10 -. 10

Cross Camber 0. 0



Toe - standard specs, (maybe a little out if you tow a lot, they will pull in as the front end lifts up).



Brent

ASE Certified

Gold Certified Chrysler tech

 

[TRFD]

Will the specs listed here help my tire wear problem? The out sides of my tires are wearing out. I've tried the dealer and and alignment shop and NO ONE can get it right. Is my front end out of wack or are the techs unable to do the job correctly. At this piont I'm going to have to replace 2 tires.

 

[IWeiny]

Originally posted by WyoJim



FYI - Comparing between the two front wheels, caster will cause a pull to the smaller value and camber

will cause a pull to the larger value. A truck set up with caster pulling in one direction and camber

pulling in the other direction, can lead to a wandering truck; even though it is "in specifications"!!!!!!





Brent

ASE Certified

Gold Certified Chrysler tech

Brent,



I just had my alignment checked. When you say the "truck will pull to the larger camber does that mean larger negative or just larger. For example if they are -0. 16 L and -0. 28 R would that be left or right? -0. 16 > -0. 28 but 0. 28 > 0. 16. does this make sense?



Thanks,

 

[SEmerson]

Where do I get these?

replacement eccentrics with 8 positions.

 

[SEmerson]

Anyone?

 

[scotmartin]

I have the 8 position eccentrics on my 99. I bought them at the local parts house. Axle Plus in Lodi or Stockton CA. They are placed around the the upper ball joint.



Remember... . Turning these, will adujust the camber and caster at the same time. So you will need to recheck your caster adjustment, which is changed be lengtheneing or shortening the lower trailing arm eccentric.



Scot

 

[SEmerson]

One more thing. To check the caster how much do I turn the wheel? I have ammco turntables, camber guage and towlights but have never used them on a ram.



Thanks