The fourth generation of the Dodge Ram 1500 introduced in 2009 was not that different than previous models except for the introduction of a four corner air ride suspension. But for service providers, the combination of different suspension components in this truck can make the alignment procedure challenging.
Alignment Angles
The Ram 1500 comes with cam adjusters on the lower control arms at the subframe. If you need more camber or caster on a lifted or lowered truck, you can install an offset ball joint in the upper control arm. This modification can yield plus-or-minus 2.25 degrees of camber or caster. You should perform the final adjustments with the factory cams.
Moving the front or rear position of the lower control arm in or out will change the caster angle and camber angle significantly. To maintain the camber angle while adjusting caster, move one pivot bolt of the lower control arm in or out. Then move the other pivot bolt of the lower control arm in the opposite direction.
To increase positive caster angle, move the rear position of the lower control arm inward (toward the engine). Move the front of the lower control arm outward (away from the engine) slightly until the desired camber angle is obtained.
Move both pivot bolts of the lower control arm together in or out. This will change the camber angle significantly and have little effect on the caster angle. After the adjustment is made, tighten the lower control arm nuts to proper torque specification.
For 2009, Dodge introduced a multilink coil spring rear suspension. This live-axle setup weighs 40 pounds less than a leaf-spring configuration. Nothing is adjustable.
For 2013, an air suspension system was an option. The system is tuned by a computer for optimal ride and aerodynamic performance. The system has a load-leveling capability, which detects if there is a trailer attached.
The air suspension system features five height setting that operate automatically or can be controlled manually using controls on the console.
They are:
- Normal Ride Height (NRH): 220.9 mm (8.7 inches) of clearance (measured from the base of the door sill) is the default load-leveled ride height. This is the mode that should be active when performing an alignment.
- Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle 27.9 mm (1.1 inches) from NRH.
- Off-road 1: Lifts the vehicle 30.4 mm (1.2 inches) from NRH.
- Off-road 2: This mode increases ground clearance by 50.8 mm (2 inches over NRH).
- Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 50.8 mm (2 inches) from NRH.
Compressor Diagnostics
The Dodge air system can’t measure wear in the compressor. As a compressor runs, the ring wears, and the compressor is unable to generate enough pressure to operate the system. The control module can’t measure the wear on the ring. Also, air-ride systems can’t detect the location of leaks in the system. However, what the air-ride systems can measure is compressor run time for a correction.
The control module will not immediately turn on the compressor when the engine is started and will trim the suspension from the air in the reservoir. In some cases, the compressor will not run until the vehicle is moving.
The Dodge system trims the ride height even if it is parked and the key is out of the ignition. This is because as the truck cools, the air volume and pressure in the bladders and reservoir will decrease. The system will trim the ride height to make sure the truck is not sitting on the ground when the driver returns to the truck in the morning. Also, some systems will keep a level ride height if the truck is parked on an uneven surface, or the vehicle is unlocked and a load is placed in the trunk. But, the systems will never turn on the compressor to make a key-off correction.
Most systems have fail-safe modes that preserve the system until it can be serviced. This means that the control module will not allow a compressor meltdown if there is a leak. Also, most units will maintain minimum pressure or height in order to prevent a bladder from fully compressing and the suspension from bottoming out.
Steering
In 2012, Electric Power Steering (EPS) was made standard on the 1500, while larger 2500 and 3500 models retain hydraulic power steering. The system provides variable assist for steering maneuvers using several sensor inputs. The Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) measures the position of the steering wheel and the rate of movement. The vehicle’s speed input comes from the anti-lock brake system. EPS steering gear has a torque sensor.
The only serviceable parts are inner and outer tie rods and tie rod bellows.
The SAS is “self-calibrating” according to the OEM.
To reset the SAS, perform the following procedure:
- Turn the ignition on and turn the steering wheel all the way to the left until lock is reached.
- Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right until full lock is reached.
- Return the steering wheel to center.
- Cycle the ignition.
Even after this procedure is performed, the ESP light might still be on. Go for a short test drive to allow the system to use the yaw and lateral accelerometers to carry out the final calibrations.
The other option is to use a scan tool to verify the readings from the SAS and clear the codes in the 2009-2015 Dodge Ram.
