2016 Ram 3500 Wheel Alignment Specifications

Maintaining proper wheel alignment on your 2016 Ram 3500 is crucial for optimal handling, tire longevity, and overall driving safety. This guide provides detailed alignment specifications, insights into adjustability, common issues, and when to seek professional alignment services.

Quick reference

Adjustability

On a stock 2016 Ram 3500, front caster and total toe are factory adjustable. Caster adjustments are typically made using eccentric bolts or shims on the control arms. Front camber is not directly adjustable from the factory. If your front camber falls outside the acceptable range, it often indicates worn suspension components, bent parts, or a need for aftermarket solutions. Specialized eccentric cam bolts (such as those from SPC or Moog) can be installed in the control arms to provide camber adjustability.

For the rear axle, total toe and thrust angle are generally not adjustable on a solid axle design like the Ram 3500. Any discrepancies in these angles usually point to a bent axle housing, damaged leaf springs, or worn bushings. While rear camber is also non-adjustable from the factory, axle shims can sometimes be used to correct minor issues, though extensive rear camber problems often signify significant component damage.

Recommended adjustment hardware

Given the non-adjustable nature of front camber on the 2016 Ram 3500, many owners and technicians turn to aftermarket solutions for proper alignment. SPC Performance adjustable camber/caster bushings/cam bolts are a popular choice for gaining adjustability in the front. These kits typically replace the factory control arm bolts with eccentrics that allow for camber and additional caster correction. For vehicles with lifted suspensions, adjustable control arms can also provide a wider range of adjustability for both camber and caster.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Misaligned wheels can manifest in several ways, impacting your driving experience and wallet. Here are common symptoms:

• Uneven tire wear: This is the most prevalent sign. Different alignment issues cause distinct wear patterns:
  • Feathered wear: Tires show a feathered edge across the tread, with one side of the tread block being higher or more rounded than the other. This often indicates excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • Camber wear (one-sided wear): The inside or outside edge of the tire wears significantly faster than the rest. This is a classic sign of excessive positive or negative camber.
  • Cupping or scalloping: Irregular dips or scoops appear around the circumference of the tire, often linked to worn shocks, unbalanced tires, or severe toe issues.
• Vehicle pulling or drifting: The truck constantly wants to steer to one side, requiring you to hold the steering wheel off-center to drive straight.
• Loose or wandering steering: The steering feels vague, and the vehicle constantly needs small steering corrections to stay in its lane.
• Steering wheel off-center: Even when driving straight on a level road, the steering wheel is not centered.
• Squealing tires: Tires may squeal, especially during turns, even at low speeds.

When to align

Regular wheel alignments are vital for your Ram 3500, but certain events necessitate an immediate check:

• After suspension or steering component replacement: Any work involving tie rods, ball joints, control arms, steering gears, or other suspension parts requires an alignment.
• After new tires: To protect your investment and ensure optimal performance, always align your vehicle when installing new tires.
• After an impact: Hitting a significant pothole, curb, or being involved in a minor accident can throw your alignment off.
• Suspension modifications: Lifting or lowering your truck drastically alters suspension geometry and requires a professional alignment.
• Every 12 months or 12,000 miles: Even without specific events, an annual or scheduled alignment is good preventative maintenance.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2016 Ram 3500 can vary depending on your location, shop rates, and whether any adjustments require specialized parts or extensive labor. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $250. If aftermarket components like cam bolts are needed for camber correction, the total cost will be higher due to parts and installation.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.