Rotate tires on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD to promote even tire wear and extend tire life. Includes proper torque specifications for wheel lug nuts.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, firm surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Mark each tire's current position with chalk (LF, RF, LR, RR) to track rotation pattern
4. Loosen all lug nuts on all four wheels approximately one turn while vehicle is on the ground
5. Check owner's manual for any specific rotation pattern requirements based on tire type (directional vs non-directional)

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Using the hydraulic floor jack, raise the front of the vehicle at the front axle differential housing or frame rail jack point. Place jack stands under the frame rails behind the front wheels. Lower vehicle onto jack stands. Repeat process for the rear, raising at the rear axle housing and placing jack stands under the frame rails ahead of the rear wheels. Ensure vehicle is stable before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove all four wheels
   Remove the lug nuts completely from all four wheels. Remove each wheel and set aside in an organized manner corresponding to their marked positions. Inspect brake components, rotors, and wheel hubs for any visible damage or excessive wear while wheels are off.
3. 3

   Rotate tires per pattern
   For 4WD trucks with non-directional tires: Move left rear to right front, right rear to left front, right front to left rear, and left front to right rear (cross-rotation pattern). For directional tires: Move front left to rear left, front right to rear right, rear left to front left, and rear right to front right (front-to-back pattern only). Ensure tires are mounted in correct rotation direction if directional.
4. 4

   Install wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts
   Mount each wheel onto its new position. Thread all lug nuts by hand onto the wheel studs to prevent cross-threading. Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern until the wheel is snug against the hub.
5. 5

   Torque lug nuts to specification
   Using a torque wrench, tighten lug nuts in a star (criss-cross) pattern. For alloy wheels, torque to 130 Nm (96 lb-ft). For steel wheels, torque to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft). Make at least two complete passes in the star pattern to ensure even torque distribution and proper wheel seating.
   Torque spec

   Lug Nuts - Alloy Wheels130 Nm (96 lb-ft)

   Lug Nuts - Steel Wheels140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Lower vehicle
   Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the hydraulic jack to unload the jack stands. Remove all four jack stands. Slowly lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Remove the jack and wheel chocks.
7. 7

   Final torque verification
   With the vehicle on the ground and full weight on the wheels, perform a final torque check on all lug nuts in a star pattern using the torque wrench. Verify each lug nut achieves the proper specification for the wheel type installed.
   Torque spec

   Lug Nuts - Alloy Wheels130 Nm (96 lb-ft)

   Lug Nuts - Steel Wheels140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Check and adjust tire pressures
   Use a tire pressure gauge to check all four tires. Adjust pressure to the recommended PSI listed on the driver's door jamb placard. Tire pressures should be checked when tires are cold for accurate readings.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all lug nuts are torqued to proper specification based on wheel type
2. Store jack, jack stands, and tools properly
3. Record tire rotation in vehicle maintenance log with current mileage

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and listen for any unusual noises or vibrations
• Verify steering feels normal and vehicle tracks straight
• For alloy wheels, recheck and retorque all lug nuts after 50 miles of driving
• Monitor tire pressures after rotation to ensure no leaks at bead seating

More procedures for this vehicle