2018 Ram 1500 Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

For the 2018 Ram 1500 (4th Generation), front-end alignment is partially adjustable from the factory. Front toe is the primary adjustment, set by turning the tie rod ends. Caster is also adjustable via the upper control arm mounting bolts, which are in slotted holes, allowing for fore and aft movement.

Front camber, however, is not factory-adjustable. It is a fixed angle determined by the manufacturing tolerances of the steering knuckle and control arms. If your Ram 1500's front camber is out of spec, it often indicates a bent or worn component, like a knuckle, ball joint, or control arm. To correct out-of-spec camber, aftermarket offset ball joints or eccentric bushings are required.

For the rear axle, since it is a solid axle design, camber and caster are not adjustable. Rear toe is also not individually adjustable. The primary concern for the rear is ensuring the axle is square to the frame, which is measured by the thrust angle. A non-zero thrust angle indicates the axle is not perpendicular to the vehicle's centerline, which can happen due to worn leaf spring bushings or bent mounting hardware, causing the truck to "dog track."

Recommended adjustment hardware

To correct front camber on a 2018 Ram 1500, the most common solution is to install aftermarket offset upper ball joints. These have a built-in offset that physically moves the top of the tire inward or outward to change the camber angle. Brands like SPC and Moog offer popular kits that provide up to ±1.5° of camber change, which is typically sufficient to bring a vehicle with minor component wear back into specification.

For caster adjustments beyond what the factory slots allow, aftermarket eccentric bushings for the upper control arms can provide a wider range of adjustment. These are often used on lifted trucks where the suspension geometry has been significantly altered.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Misalignment will almost always manifest in predictable tire wear patterns and steering issues.

• Feathering/Scuffing: Caused by incorrect toe. When you run your hand over the tread blocks, they will feel sharp in one direction and smooth in the other, like a saw blade. Excessive toe-in wears the outside edges of the tires, while toe-out wears the inside edges.
• Inside or Outside Edge Wear: This is a classic sign of a camber issue. If the top of the tire is tilted too far inward (negative camber), the inside edge of the tire will wear down. If it’s tilted too far outward (positive camber), the outside edge will wear prematurely.
• Pulling to one side: While this can be caused by tire pressure or a "radial pull" in a tire, it's often due to unequal caster or camber from side to side. The vehicle will pull towards the side with less positive caster.
• Off-center steering wheel: If you have to hold the steering wheel crooked to drive straight, your total toe is off. This is one of the most common alignment complaints.

When to align

Getting a wheel alignment is not just for when you feel a problem. It should be considered routine maintenance. You should get your Ram 1500's alignment checked:

• After installing new tires to protect your investment.
• Any time suspension or steering components are replaced (e.g., ball joints, control arms, tie rods, struts/shocks).
• After a significant impact with a curb, pothole, or other road hazard.
• If you notice any of the tire wear patterns or steering symptoms mentioned above.
• As a general check every 1-2 years or 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and road conditions.

Typical alignment cost

For a 2018 Ram 1500, a standard front-end alignment (which includes setting front toe and caster) typically costs between $100 and $150. A four-wheel alignment, which includes checking the rear axle and thrust angle, may cost slightly more, from $120 to $200. Prices can vary significantly based on your location and the shop's labor rates. If your truck requires aftermarket kits to adjust camber, expect to pay for the parts plus an additional hour or two of labor for installation.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.