Dodge Ram Bolt Pattern Guide Quick Specs
What is the Dodge Ram bolt pattern? It’s key for making sure your wheels match up right. For many recent models, it’s 6×139.7mm (6×5.5 inches).
Knowing your Dodge Ram wheel specs is vital, whether you’re swapping old wheels or upgrading for a better ride. A bad fit can cause a lot of problems, like worse handling and unsafe driving.
Through this guide, learn how to spot your Dodge Ram’s exact bolt pattern, plus maintenance tips. Key actions include cleaning the bolt pattern with a wire brush and using a degreaser.
Don’t forget to apply anti-seize lubricant and check the torque regularly for lasting stability. The guide also touches on popular wheel options for different looks, including the Fuel Off-Road D574 Cleaver and XD Wheels XD825 Buckshot.
If you love DIY or want to know more about tire and wheel upkeep, this guide has you covered. It goes over typical bolt patterns for various models and the need for the right lug nut sizes.
By the guide’s end, you’ll have the knowledge to make smart choices about your Dodge Ram’s wheels.
What’s Wheel Bolt Patterns?
Learning about your Dodge Ram includes knowing about wheel bolt patterns. The bolt pattern definition explains the setup of lug holes on your vehicle’s wheels.
This is key for a perfect fit. Each wheel bolt pattern is described by the number of lug holes and the circle’s diameter they create.
For the Dodge Ram, you’ll mainly find dodge ram lug patterns in 5-lug and 8-lug types. The 5-lug pattern is often 5.5 inches or 139.7 mm wide. The 8-lug type usually spans 6.5 inches or 165.1 mm.
Here are these configurations in detail:
| Model Year | Lug Pattern | Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 1986-1993 Dodge Ram 150/250 | 5 lug | 5.5 inch (139.7 mm) |
| 1986-1993 Dodge Ram 250/350 | 8 lug | 6.5 inch (165.1 mm) |
| 2011-2018 Dodge Ram 1500 | 5 lug | 5.5 inch (139.7 mm) |
| 2019-Present Dodge Ram 1500 | 6 lug | 5.5 inch (139.7 mm) |
Knowing these wheel bolt patterns is crucial for selecting compatible wheels for your Dodge Ram. The correct bolt pattern increases safety and boosts your vehicle’s performance.
Dodge Ram Bolt Pattern Overview
The Dodge Ram offers a range of wheel bolt patterns over time. Knowing these patterns helps pick the right wheels for replacements. A detailed bolt pattern guide covers stud patterns from 1986 to 2014.
The Dodge Ram 150 and 250 models, from 1986 to 1991, kept a consistent stud pattern. They used an 8 lug, 6.5-inch (165.1 mm) standard offset.
This consistency makes it easier for owners to find replacement wheels for those years. The steady bolt pattern over years shows Dodge’s commitment to quality.
The 2014 Ram Laramie, however, introduced a new spec. It came with a 5″ x 5.5″ (5 X 139) bolt pattern, marking a design shift for various driving needs.
Such changes underscore the need to check bolt pattern guides before replacing or upgrading wheels.
Knowing the dodge ram wheel bolt patterns aids in making smart maintenance and modification choices. Always check your vehicle’s specs to ensure wheels fit right.
Common Dodge Ram Lug Patterns
For those who want to change or pick new wheels for their Dodge Ram, knowing the common lug patterns is key.
Different models and years have different patterns. Here’s a quick guide to the usual patterns you’ll see.
| Model Year | Model | Bolt Pattern | Center Bore | Stud Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986-1991 | Dodge Ram 150/250 | 8 x 6.5″ (8 x 165.1 mm) | Standard Offset | 1/2-RH |
| 1994-2014 | Dodge Ram 1500 | 5 x 5.5″ (5 x 139.7 mm) | 77.8 mm | 1/2-RH |
| 1993 | Dodge Ram 2500 | 8 x 6.5″ (8 x 165.1 mm) | 165.1 mm | M12 X 1.5 |
| 1979-1993 | Dodge 1/2 & 3/4 Ton Trucks | 5 x 5.5″ (5 x 139.7 mm) | 77.8 mm | M12 X 1.5 |
| 1949-1970 | Dodge 1/2 Ton Pickup & Van | 5 x 4.5″ (5 x 114.3 mm) | 71.5 mm | 1/2-RH |
| 1992-2003 | Dodge D-50 & RAM-50 (Turbo Diesel) | 6 x 5.5″ (6 x 139.7 mm) | 108 mm | M12 X 1.5 |
If you’re thinking about using bolt pattern adaptors, knowing these specifications is crucial. Lug nut sizes usually are about 22mm.
The recommended torque for them is between 130 to 135 ft-lb. Being familiar with these details helps your vehicle perform better and keeps you safe on the road.
Specific Dodge Ram Wheel Bolt Patterns by Model Year
Here, we take a close look at the bolt patterns for various Dodge Ram models. Knowing these specs is key to picking the right wheels for your truck.
You’ll see details for the Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models through the years below.
Dodge Ram 1500 Specifications
| Year | Bolt Pattern |
|---|---|
| 2003-2016 | 5-139.7 |
Dodge Ram 2500 Specifications
| Year | Bolt Pattern |
|---|---|
| 1986-1991 | 8-165.1 |
| 1994 | 8-165.1 |
| 2003-2016 | 8-165.1 |
Dodge Ram 3500 Specifications
| Year | Bolt Pattern |
|---|---|
| 1986-1991 | 8-165.1 |
| 2003-2016 | 8-165.1 |
Using this guide helps you make smart choices about wheel changes or upgrades. Matching the right specs, like those for Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500, boosts your truck’s performance. And, it keeps you safe on the road.
Dodge Ram Lug Nut Sizes
Knowing the right lug nut size for your Dodge Ram is key for wheel care. Different models need specific lug nut sizes to fit right and work well. It’s important to use the correct sizes for safety and to keep your wheels stable.
| Model Year | Bolt Pattern | Lug Nut Size | Center Bore |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994–2001 | 5×139.7mm | 1/2″-20 | 77.8mm |
| 2002–2008 | 5×139.7mm | 14mm x 1.5 | 77.8mm |
| 2009–2018 | 5×139.7mm | 14mm x 1.5 | 77.8mm |
| 2019–Present | 6×139.7mm | 14mm x 1.5 | 78.1mm |
From 2013 on, the lug nuts are mostly M14 x 1.5. Models from 2011 to 2012 use 9/16” – 18 UNF. Keeping the right torque is key to durability.
For 2011–2018, the target torque is 160–200 Nm. For 2019 and newer, aim for 176 Nm. Regular checks help keep your Dodge Ram’s wheels in top shape for longer.
Measuring Your Dodge Ram Wheel Bolt Pattern
Measuring your Dodge Ram’s wheel bolt pattern correctly is key for getting new aftermarket wheels or tires. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Count how many bolts your wheel has.
- Measure the bolt circle diameter:
- If your wheel has 4, 6, or 8 bolts, measure from one bolt’s center across to the opposite bolt’s center.
- With wheels that have 5 bolts, measure from one bolt’s center to the center of a bolt next to it.
- Turn your measurement into the standard notation. For example, a diameter of 114.3mm with five bolts is shown as 5×114.3.
- Double-check your measurements by taking them in several spots and averaging them for more accuracy.
Dodge Ram vehicles often come with these bolt patterns:
- 5×114.3 (5×4.5): Seen on mid-sized and large vehicles, including some SUVs.
- 6×139.7 (6×5.5): Appears on a mix of trucks and SUVs, common to many Dodge Ram vehicles.
- 8×165.1 (8×6.5): Mainly found on heavy-duty trucks, including specific Dodge models.
Here’s how to understand bolt pattern notations:
- The first number tells you how many bolt holes are there.
- The second number is the circle diameter formed by these holes, in millimeters.
Importance of Correct Dodge Ram Wheel Fitment
Having the right wheels on your Dodge Ram is crucial for safety and performance. The right fit keeps the wheels firmly attached, lowering accident risks.
It also makes your ride smoother. On the other hand, the wrong wheel fit can cause big problems, like:
- Poor handling: If your wheels don’t fit right, your Ram might be tough to steer and control.
- Increased wear and tear: Wheels that don’t fit properly can make your tires wear out unevenly. This means you might have to replace them sooner than expected.
- Brake issues: Improper fit can mess with your brakes, making it risky during quick stops.
- Enhanced rubbing: If your tires are too big, they might rub against parts of your truck. This can affect how well you can drive and stay safe.
Choosing the correct wheels is key for the best performance. For trucks lifted 2-3 inches, go for wheels with a +18mm offset and 5.5-6 inches of backspace.
These specs fit 35-37 inch tires with little need for trimming. If you’re after a more striking look, picking wheels with a 0mm to -12mm offset and 4.5-5 inches backspace works for 37″x12.5″ tires.
Though, be ready for some moderate trimming. Wider wheels, especially those 10”-12” wide with a -24mm offset, suit 35” tires with slight trimming.
However, choosing big tires may require extra changes. These prevent the tires from hitting the control arms when you turn the steering wheel all the way.
For instance, installing high clearance or longer control arms can give more space for bigger tires.
For Dodge Rams that haven’t been lifted, tire sizes between 285-295 are usually the best choice to avoid too much trimming.
Making sure your wheels fit right not only makes your truck drive better and safer. It also keeps it looking good.
Conclusion
This guide has given you crucial info on Dodge Ram bolt patterns, lug sizes, and why accurate measurements matter.
Knowing the differences in specs across models ensures you pick the right wheels. This improves how your truck drives and keeps it safe.
The RAM 2500 usually has an 8×6.5-inch bolt pattern. This is key for getting the wheels to fit right, especially since these trucks can tow up to 12,750 pounds in the newer models.
With the correct wheels, your truck can handle heavy loads and still perform well. Being precise with wheel measurements like offset and backspacing helps avoid issues with your truck’s suspension.
This way, your customizations look good and work great. If you have more questions about wheel maintenance, getting help from experts at St. Albert Dodge is a smart move for truck upgrades.
FAQs
What is the bolt pattern for a Dodge Ram?
Dodge Ram trucks have a bolt pattern with either 5 or 8 studs. You’ll find patterns like 5×139.7 mm and 8×165.1 mm, depending on the model and year.
How do I measure the bolt pattern on my Dodge Ram?
To figure out your Dodge Ram’s bolt pattern, first count the lug holes. Then measure the circle that the centers of these holes make. This tells you what you need for wheel fitment.
What is the lug nut size for Dodge Ram?
Most Dodge Ram models use lug nuts that are 13/16 inch (21 mm) or M12x1.75. However, sizes can change with different models and years.
Can I use aftermarket wheels on my Dodge Ram?
You can put aftermarket wheels on your Ram. Just make sure they match your truck’s bolt pattern, lug nut size, offset, and spacing for a good fit.
How does wheel offset affect my Dodge Ram’s performance?
Wheel offset decides where the wheel sits in relation to the suspension and fender. Getting it right ensures good handling, enough clearance, and nice looks. The wrong offset can cause tire problems or uneven wear.
What is the difference between lug pattern and stud pattern?
“Lug pattern” and “stud pattern” mean the same thing. They describe how lug holes on the wheel are arranged. This arrangement is key for the wheel to fit your vehicle correctly.
What issues arise from improper wheel fitment on a Dodge Ram?
If your wheels don’t fit right, you might feel vibrations, notice poor handling, get tire damage, or face safety risks like wheels coming off while you’re driving.
How can I find the right wheel specifications for my Dodge Ram?
Find your Ram’s wheel specs in the owner manual, online, or by using a bolt pattern gauge. This ensures you get the measurements right for a perfect fit.
