2017 Ram 3500 Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

These are the alignment specifications for a 2017 Ram 3500 truck. Note that 4x4 and 4x2 models have slightly different caster and camber specs for the front axle.

Adjustability

The 2017 Ram 3500, like most heavy-duty trucks with a solid front axle, has limited factory alignment adjustments.

• Front Axle: Only Caster and Toe are adjustable from the factory. Caster is adjusted via the eccentric bolts on the lower control arms at the axle. Toe is adjusted by loosening the jam nuts on the tie rod and rotating the adjuster sleeve.
• Front Camber is not factory adjustable. The axle is built with a preset camber angle. If the camber is out of specification, it typically indicates that a component is bent or worn, such as the axle housing itself or the ball joints. To correct for minor camber issues, aftermarket adjustable ball joints or offset bushings must be installed.
• Rear Axle: On a solid rear axle like the one in the Ram 3500, no alignment angles (Camber, Toe) are adjustable. If rear alignment readings are out of spec, this points to a bent axle housing, bent wheel flange, or damaged leaf spring components, which should be inspected and replaced. The Thrust Angle is determined by the position of the rear axle in relation to the frame; a bad thrust angle is usually caused by worn leaf spring bushings or a shifted axle.

Recommended adjustment hardware

If your Ram 3500's front camber is out of spec and you have ruled out bent components, the most common solution is to install aftermarket adjustable ball joints. Several companies, such as SPC (Specialty Products Company) and Moog, offer adjustable ball joints that provide a range of camber (and sometimes caster) adjustment, often up to ±1.5° or more. These replace the original equipment ball joints and allow a technician to dial in the correct camber angle.

For caster adjustments beyond what the factory eccentrics can provide, offset control arm bushings are also available.

Symptoms of bad alignment

A misaligned vehicle will exhibit several noticeable symptoms, most commonly in the steering feel and tire wear.

• Vehicle pulls to one side: This is a classic sign of misalignment. A pull to the right could be caused by too much positive camber or too little caster on the left side, or vice-versa.
• Steering wheel is off-center: If your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight, your toe adjustment is likely off.
• Feathered tire wear: When the tread blocks are worn down on one edge and are sharp on the other, this is a tell-tale sign of a bad toe setting. The tires are essentially scuffing sideways as they roll forward.
• Edge wear (Camber wear): Excessive wear on the inside or outside shoulder of the tire indicates a camber issue. Too much positive camber wears the outside edge, while too much negative camber wears the inside edge.
• Cupping or scalloping: This type of wear, which looks like dips or scoops in the tread, is often a sign of worn-out shocks or struts but can be aggravated by bad alignment.

When to align

It is good practice to have your vehicle's alignment checked annually, but an alignment is absolutely essential under the following circumstances:

• After installing new tires: To protect your investment and ensure they wear evenly from the start.
• After replacing suspension or steering components: Any time a part like a ball joint, tie rod, control arm, or hub bearing is replaced, the alignment will be affected.
• After a significant impact: Hitting a large pothole, curb, or road debris can easily knock your alignment out of specification.
• When you notice symptoms of bad alignment: If you feel a pull or see uneven tire wear, get an alignment check immediately to prevent further damage.

Typical alignment cost

The cost for a wheel alignment on a 2017 Ram 3500 can vary based on your location and the type of shop. A standard four-wheel alignment for a heavy-duty truck typically costs between $120 and $250. This price can increase if aftermarket kits, like adjustable ball joints, need to be installed to correct for camber, as this adds significant labor time.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.