2015 Ram 1500 Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick Reference: 2015 Ram 1500 Alignment Specs

Note: These values are for a stock 2015 Ram 1500 (4x2 and 4x4) with standard suspension. Lifted or modified trucks will require different specifications.

Adjustability

Not all alignment angles are created equal, and on the 2015 Ram 1500, not all are easily adjustable from the factory.

• Front Axle: On the front of a '15 Ram 1500, caster and camber are NOT factory adjustable. The upper control arm is fixed. The only factory adjustment is front toe, which is adjusted via the tie rod ends. To adjust front camber or caster, you must install an aftermarket kit, such as an offset upper control arm bushing kit.
• Rear Axle: The rear axle on a 2015 Ram 1500 is a solid axle design. As such, there are no factory provisions for adjusting rear camber or toe. If the rear alignment is out of specification, it typically indicates a bent axle tube, a damaged wheel bearing, or other component failure that must be addressed. The thrust angle is corrected by adjusting the front toe.

Recommended Adjustment Hardware

To properly align the front end and bring camber and caster into the preferred range, especially on a truck that has seen some use, aftermarket parts are necessary. The most common and effective solution is an offset ball joint or offset upper control arm bushing kit. Specialty Products Company (SPC) is a well-regarded brand that makes kits (e.g., part #86320) which replace the stock upper control arm bushings with an eccentric design. This allows a technician to shift the top of the steering knuckle inward or outward to adjust camber and forward or backward for caster, providing a range of adjustment that is not possible with the factory setup.

Symptoms of Bad Alignment

Your truck will often tell you when its alignment is off. Look and listen for these common signs:

• Vehicle Pulls to One Side: While driving on a flat, straight road, you may need to hold the steering wheel off-center to keep the truck going straight. This is often a sign of a caster or camber issue.
• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most classic symptom. Inspect your tires for specific patterns:
  • Feathering: When the tread blocks are worn smooth on one side and sharp on the other, it's a classic sign of incorrect toe.
  • Camber Wear: Wear on the extreme inside or outside edge of the tire indicates a camber problem. Positive camber wears the outside edge, while negative camber wears the inside edge.
  • Caster Wear: While less common, extreme caster issues can cause a diagonal wear pattern across the tire.
• Crooked Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel is not centered when you are driving straight, your toe adjustment is off.
• Audible Distress: Squealing tires during normal, low-speed turns can indicate that the toe setting is fighting the direction of the turn.

When to Get an Alignment

An alignment check is a wise investment for protecting your tires and ensuring vehicle safety. You should have your alignment checked:

• After installing new tires. This ensures your investment isn't immediately scrubbed away by poor alignment.
• After replacing any suspension or steering components. This includes shocks, struts, ball joints, control arms, and tie rod ends. Any change to these parts will alter the alignment.
• After a significant impact. Hitting a large pothole, a curb, or any other road hazard can easily knock your alignment out of spec.
• Every 1-2 years as preventative maintenance. Even with perfect roads, suspension components can settle and bushings can wear, causing gradual changes in alignment.

Typical Alignment Cost

The cost for a four-wheel alignment on a 2015 Ram 1500 can vary based on location and shop labor rates. A standard front-end toe adjustment will typically cost between $80 and $120. However, if your truck requires the installation of a camber/caster adjustment kit, you should expect to pay for the parts (typically $100-$200) plus additional labor for the installation, which could bring the total cost to $300-$500 or more.

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