2020 Ram 1500 Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick Reference: 2020 Ram 1500 Alignment Specs

These specifications are for the 2020 Ram 1500 (5th Generation DT platform) and should be used as a guideline. Always refer to a professional alignment technician with access to the most current manufacturer data for your specific vehicle configuration.

Adjustability

Understanding which alignment angles can be adjusted on your 2020 Ram 1500 from the factory is key to diagnosing and correcting issues.

• Front Axle: On a stock 2020 Ram 1500, the only directly adjustable angle is Toe. This is adjusted by turning the inner and outer tie rod ends. From the factory, Camber and Caster are not adjustable. The position of the upper and lower control arms and the steering knuckle are fixed. If your Ram has camber or caster readings outside of the acceptable range, it often indicates that a component is bent or worn out. To make these angles adjustable, you will need to install aftermarket parts.

• Rear Axle: The 2020 Ram 1500 utilizes a solid rear axle with a multi-link coil spring setup. On this type of suspension, rear Camber and Toe are not adjustable. These angles are set by the geometry of the axle housing and suspension mounting points. If rear readings are out of spec, it typically points to a bent axle housing, bent wheel, or damaged suspension links, often as a result of an impact or overloading. The Thrust Angle, which is the direction the rear axle points relative to the vehicle's centerline, is also non-adjustable. A bad thrust angle indicates the rear axle is no longer square to the frame.

Recommended Adjustment Hardware

To correct front camber or caster angles that are out of specification, you will need to install aftermarket components. This is a common requirement for trucks that have been leveled or lifted, or to correct for component wear or minor frame deviations.

• Front Camber/Caster: The most common solution is to install aftermarket offset ball joints or eccentric bushings in the control arm mounting locations. Brands like SPC (Specialty Products Company) offer heavy-duty adjustable upper ball joints for the Ram 1500 that provide a significant range of camber and caster adjustment. These kits replace the stock, non-adjustable ball joints, allowing a technician to dial in the alignment precisely.

Symptoms of Bad Alignment

A misaligned vehicle will almost always provide clues through its handling and tire wear.

• Vehicle Pulls to One Side: While driving on a flat, straight road, you have to hold the steering wheel slightly off-center to keep the truck going straight. This is often a sign of a camber or caster issue.
• Crooked Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is driving straight. This is a clear indicator of a toe issue.
• Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear: This is the most common and costly symptom. Inspect your tires for these patterns:
  • Inside or Outside Edge Wear: If the inside shoulder of the tire is wearing down, you have too much negative camber. If the outside shoulder is wearing, you have too much positive camber. This is called camber wear.
  • Feathered/Scalloped Wear: If you run your hand across the tread and it feels like saw teeth, this indicates a toe issue. The direction of the feathering tells the technician if the tire is toed-in or toed-out.

When to Get a Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment should be considered a part of regular maintenance, not just a repair. You should have your alignment checked:

• After installing new tires: To protect your investment and ensure they wear evenly from the start.
• After replacing any steering or suspension parts: This includes ball joints, tie rods, control arms, idler/pitman arms, or struts/shocks.
• After any significant impact: Hitting a curb, a large pothole, or being in a minor collision can easily knock your alignment out of spec.
• Whenever you notice symptoms: If your truck starts pulling or you see unusual tire wear, get it checked immediately.

Typical Alignment Cost

The cost for a professional four-wheel alignment on a 2020 Ram 1500 typically ranges from $120 to $250. The price can vary based on the shop's labor rate, location, and the type of equipment they use. If your truck requires the installation of aftermarket kits to adjust camber or caster, you should expect to pay additional costs for both the parts and the labor to install them. This can add several hundred dollars to the total bill, but it is essential for restoring proper handling and preventing premature tire wear.

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