Dodge Ram Truck 1500-2500-3500. Manual — part 1908

For static balancing, find the location of the heavy
spot (1) causing the imbalance (5). Counter balance
wheel directly opposite the heavy spot. Determine
weight required to counter balance the area of imbal-
ance (4). Place half of this weight on the inner rim
flange (3) and the other half on the outer rim flange
(3).

For dynamic balancing (3), the balancing equipment is
designed to locate the amount of weight to be applied
to both the inner and outer rim flange (2).

TIRE ROTATION

Tires on the front and rear axles operate at different loads and perform different steering, driving, and braking func-
tions. For these reasons, the tires wear at unequal rates. They may also develop irregular wear patterns. These
effects can be reduced by rotating the tires according to the maintenance schedule in the Owners Manual. This will
improve tread life, traction and maintain a smooth quiet ride.

The recommended method of tire rotation for single
rear wheel is. Other methods can be used, but may
not provide the same tire longevity benefits.

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TIRES/WHEELS

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CAUTION: 3500 Dual rear tires have a new tire
rotation pattern. This is to accommodate the out-
lined white letter (OWL) tires. When replacing a
flat, the spare tire may have to be remounted on
the rim or installed at a different location to main-
tain the correct placement of the outlined white
letter (OWL) tires.

The recommended method of tire rotation for dual rear
wheel is. Other methods can be used, but may not
provide the same tire longevity benefits.

TIRES

DESCRIPTION

TIRES

Tires are designed and engineered for each specific vehicle. They provide the best overall performance for normal
operation. The ride and handling characteristics match the vehicle’s requirements. With proper care they will give
excellent reliability, traction, skid resistance, and tread life.

Driving habits have more effect on tire life than any other factor. Careful drivers will obtain in most cases, much
greater mileage than severe use or careless drivers. A few of the driving habits which will shorten the life of any tire
are:

•

Rapid acceleration

•

Severe brake applications

•

High speed driving

•

Excessive speeds on turns

•

Striking curbs and other obstacles

Radial-ply tires are more prone to irregular tread wear. It is important to follow the tire rotation interval (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCEDURE). This will help to achieve a greater tread life.

TIRE IDENTIFICATION

Tire type, size, aspect ratio and speed rating are
encoded in the letters and numbers imprinted on the
side wall of the tire. Refer to the chart to decipher the
tire identification code.

Performance tires have a speed rating letter after the
aspect ratio number. The speed rating is not always
printed on the tire sidewall. These ratings are:

•

Q up to 100 mph

•

S up to 112 mph

•

T up to 118 mph

•

U up to 124 mph

•

H up to 130 mph

•

V up to 149 mph

•

Z more than 149 mph (consult the tire manufac-

turer for the specific speed rating)

An All Season type tire will have either M + S, M & S or M–S (indicating mud and snow traction) imprinted on the
side wall.

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TIRES/WHEELS

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TIRE CHAINS

Tire snow chains may be used on certain models. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for more information.

SPARE / TEMPORARY TIRE

The temporary spare tire is designed for emergency use only. The original tire should be repaired or replaced at the
first opportunity, then reinstalled. Do not exceed speeds of 50 M.P.H. when using the temporary spare tire. Refer to
Owner’s Manual for complete details.

RADIAL – PLY TIRES

Radial-ply tires improve handling, tread life and ride quality, and decrease rolling resistance.

Radial-ply tires must always be used in sets of four. Under no circumstances should they be used on the front only.
They may be mixed with temporary spare tires when necessary. A maximum speed of 50 MPH is recommended
while a temporary spare is in use.

Radial-ply tires have the same load-carrying capacity as other types of tires of the same size. They also use the
same recommended inflation pressures.

The use of oversized tires, either in the front or rear of the vehicle, can cause vehicle drive train failure. This could
also cause inaccurate wheel speed signals when the vehicle is equipped with Anti-Lock Brakes.

The use of tires from different manufactures on the same vehicle is NOT recommended. The proper tire pressure
should be maintained on all four tires.

TIRE PRESSURE FOR HIGH SPEEDS

For proper tire pressure specification refer to the Owners Manual.

REPLACEMENT TIRES

The original equipment tires provide a proper balance of many characteristics such as:

•

Ride

•

Noise

•

Handling

•

Durability

•

Tread life

•

Traction

•

Rolling resistance

•

Speed capability

It is recommended that tires equivalent to the original equipment tires be used when replacement is needed.

Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect the safety and handling of the vehicle.

The use of oversize tires may cause interference with vehicle components. Under extremes of suspension and
steering travel, interference with vehicle components may cause tire damage.

WARNING: FAILURE TO EQUIP THE VEHICLE WITH TIRES HAVING ADEQUATE SPEED CAPABILITY CAN
RESULT IN SUDDEN TIRE FAILURE.

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TIRES/WHEELS

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TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES

WARNING: OVER OR UNDER INFLATED TIRES
CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND TREAD
WEAR. THIS MAY CAUSE THE TIRE TO FAIL SUD-
DENLY, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CON-
TROL.

Under inflation will cause rapid shoulder wear (1), tire
flexing, and possible tire failure.

Over inflation will cause rapid center wear (1) reduc-
tion in the tire’s ability to cushion shocks.

Improper inflation can cause:

•

Uneven wear patterns

•

Reduced tread life

•

Reduced fuel economy

•

Unsatisfactory ride

•

Vehicle drift

For proper tire pressure specification refer to the vehicles Owners Manual.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

PRESSURE GAUGES

A quality air pressure gauge is recommended to check tire pressure. After checking the air pressure, replace valve
cap finger tight.

TIRE NOISE OR VIBRATION

Radial-ply tires are sensitive to force impulses caused by improper mounting, vibration, wheel defects, or possibly
tire imbalance.

To find out if tires are causing the noise or vibration, drive the vehicle over a smooth road at varying speeds. Note
the noise level during acceleration and deceleration. The engine, differential and exhaust noises will change as
speed varies, while the tire noise will usually remain constant.

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TIRES/WHEELS

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