2014 Ram 2500 Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

These specifications are for a 2014 Ram 2500 4x4. Always refer to the specific OEM service information for your exact vehicle configuration.

Adjustability

Understanding which alignment angles are adjustable from the factory is crucial for any technician or owner. On a 2014 Ram 2500 with a solid front axle, the factory provides limited adjustment.

• Front Axle:

  • Caster and Camber: These are not factory-adjustable. The front axle is a solid tube, and the steering knuckles are fixed. If caster or camber are out of specification, it typically indicates bent or damaged components, such as the axle housing itself or the steering knuckles. To correct for minor deviations, aftermarket offset ball joints or eccentric bushings are required.
  • Toe: This is the only directly adjustable angle on the front axle. Adjustment is made by loosening the jam nuts on the tie rod and rotating the adjustment sleeve to lengthen or shorten the tie rod assembly, which pushes or pulls the steering arms on the knuckles.

• Rear Axle:

  • On a solid rear axle vehicle like the Ram 2500, there are no factory provisions for adjusting camber or toe. The wheels are bolted to hubs on a solid axle housing. If rear camber or toe are out of spec, this points to a bent axle housing, a bent wheel flange, or a worn hub/bearing unit. Thrust angle is also non-adjustable and should be zero; a non-zero thrust angle indicates the axle is not perpendicular to the vehicle centerline, which can be caused by bent leaf springs or damaged mounting points.

Recommended adjustment hardware

To bring non-adjustable angles back into specification, several aftermarket solutions are available. The most common method for adjusting caster and camber on the 2014 Ram 2500 front axle is by using offset ball joints or eccentric bushings.

• SPC (Specialty Products Company) Offset Ball Joints: These are a popular choice for gaining adjustability. They replace the stock upper and lower ball joints and allow for a range of camber and caster adjustment by rotating the offset stud within the housing. This is often the preferred method for vehicles that have been lifted or have sustained minor impacts that have thrown the alignment out of the non-adjustable range.
• Eccentric Adjustment Bushings: These can be installed in the control arm mounting points on the axle to allow for minor caster adjustments. They are less common for camber but can be effective for fine-tuning caster after a lift kit installation.

For most stock vehicles, if camber or caster are out, it is essential to first inspect for damaged parts before turning to these kits.

Symptoms of bad alignment

A misaligned vehicle will exhibit several tell-tale signs, with abnormal tire wear being the most obvious.

• Pulling or Drifting: The vehicle may pull to one side while driving on a straight, flat road. A pull is often caused by unequal caster or camber from side to side.
• Off-center Steering Wheel: The steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is driving straight.
• Feathered Tire Wear: This occurs when the tread ribs are worn lower on one side and higher on the other. Running your hand across the tread will feel smooth one way and sharp the other. This is a classic sign of incorrect toe.
• Camber Wear: The inside or outside shoulder of the tire wears down much faster than the rest of the tread. Excessive negative camber wears the inside shoulder, while excessive positive camber wears the outside shoulder.
• Cupping or Scalloping: This appears as random patches of accelerated wear around the tire's circumference. While often caused by worn shocks or imbalanced tires, severe alignment issues can contribute to this pattern.

When to align

Wheel alignment is not just for when you feel a problem. A proactive approach will save you money on tires in the long run. An alignment check is recommended:

• After Installing New Tires: To ensure you get the maximum life out of your investment.
• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any time a part like a ball joint, tie rod end, or control arm is replaced, the alignment is altered.
• After Hitting a Curb or Large Pothole: A significant impact can easily knock the alignment out of specification, especially the toe setting.
• Annually: As a part of regular preventative maintenance. Suspension components wear and settle over time, leading to gradual changes in alignment.

Typical alignment cost

The cost for a wheel alignment on a 2014 Ram 2500 can vary based on location and the type of shop. A standard front-end toe adjustment (the only factory adjustable angle) might cost between $80 to $120. If the vehicle requires the installation of aftermarket kits to adjust camber or caster, the cost will be significantly higher, as it involves the purchase of parts (e.g., offset ball joints at $150-$300 per set) and additional labor for their installation, potentially bringing the total to $400-$700 or more.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.