1. Safety First:
* Park on a level surface: This is crucial for stability. Engage the parking brake firmly.
* Chock the wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that *aren't* being removed to prevent the truck from rolling.
* Gather your tools: You'll need a lug wrench (preferably a breaker bar for extra leverage if the lug nuts are tight), a jack, and jack stands. A wheel chock is highly recommended. Gloves are also a good idea.
* Consult your owner's manual: Your owner's manual will specify the correct jack points and any specific instructions for your Dodge Ram model and year.
2. Locate the Jack Points:
Your Dodge Ram's owner's manual will show the designated jack points on the frame. Never jack up the vehicle on anything other than these points. Using the wrong point can damage your truck's frame or undercarriage.
3. Raise the Vehicle:
* Position the jack securely under the designated jack point.
* Slowly and steadily raise the vehicle until the tire is a few inches off the ground. Do not rely solely on the jack; proceed to the next step immediately.
4. Secure with Jack Stands:
* Place jack stands under the frame near the jack point, ensuring they are stable and firmly supporting the vehicle's weight.
* Lower the jack slightly so the weight is entirely on the jack stands. This is extremely important for safety. The jack is only for lifting, the jack stands are for support.
5. Remove the Wheel:
* Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Turn them counterclockwise. Do not remove them completely yet. Just break them free.
* Once loose, completely remove the lug nuts and keep them together in a safe place (e.g., in a container or your pocket).
* Carefully pull the wheel off the hub. It might require a bit of wiggling.
6. Reinstallation (Reverse Order):
* When reinstalling the wheel, follow these steps in reverse order:
* Align the wheel onto the studs.
* Hand-tighten the lug nuts.
* Lower the vehicle slowly using the jack until the tire just touches the ground.
* Then, tighten the lug nuts firmly using the lug wrench in a star pattern (opposite nuts tightened alternately) to ensure even pressure.
* Fully lower the vehicle using the jack.
* Finally, double-check that the lug nuts are very tight.
7. Important Considerations:
* Torque Specification: Your owner's manual will specify the proper torque for your lug nuts. Using a torque wrench ensures they're tightened to the correct specification, preventing damage and ensuring safety. Over-tightening can strip the threads, and under-tightening can lead to the wheel coming loose.
* Flat Tire: If you're changing a flat tire, remember to dispose of the flat properly.
* Different Models: The specific location of jack points can vary slightly depending on the year and model of your Dodge Ram. Always refer to your owner's manual.
If you are unsure about any of these steps, it is best to consult a qualified mechanic. Changing a tire is relatively straightforward, but safety is paramount. Improper jacking or tightening can lead to serious injury or damage.
