Ram Dakota lug nut torque
The Ram Dakota takes a lug nut torque of 120–160 lb-ft (163–217 N·m) on its wheel nuts; the 2010–2011 manuals all say the same. Tighten them in a star pattern with a torque wrench.
Sources checked
Wheel nut torque
120–160lb-ft163–217N·m
The manual gives a range: any setting inside it is within spec.
- As printed
- “The correct nut tightness is 120 to 160 ft lbs (163 to 217 N·m).”
Ram Dakota lug nut torque by model year
| Model year | Torque | Manual page |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 120–160 lb-ft (163–217 N·m) | Jacking and Tire Changing, PDF page 346 |
| 2010 | 120–160 lb-ft (163–217 N·m) | Jacking and Tire Changing, PDF page 342 |
Read on Ram’s own site on October 22, 2026. Years not listed haven’t been checked yet, or their manual prints no value; check your own manual.
How to tighten them
- Clean any dirt or rust off the studs, the nuts and the wheel’s mounting face. Don’t oil them unless the manual says to.
- Thread every nut on by hand until it seats against the wheel.
- Lower the vehicle so the tire takes its weight, and set a torque wrench to 120–160 lb-ft (163–217 N·m).
- Tighten the nuts in a star pattern, going around two or three times, until the wrench clicks on every nut.
- Check the torque again after a short drive if your manual says to.
What the Ram manual adds
- Using the wheel wrench, finish tightening the nuts in a crisscross pattern.
- If in doubt about the correct tightness, have them checked with a torque wrench by your authorized dealer or at a service station.
More detail, including how many passes to make: how to torque lug nuts. Setting and using the wrench: how to use a click torque wrench. Nuts or bolts, car by car: lug nuts vs wheel bolts.
Other Ram models
- Ram 1500129 or 130 lb-ft, by year and version, 2010–2018, 2020–2027
- Ram 1500 Classic130 lb-ft (176 N·m), 2019, 2021–2024
- Ram 2500129, 130, 134–149 or 135 lb-ft, by year and version, 2010–2026
- Ram 3500129, 130, 134–149, 135 or 145 lb-ft, by version, 2010–2026
- Ram ProMaster145 or 146 lb-ft, by model year, 2014–2027
- Ram ProMaster City63 or 89 lb-ft, by version, 2015–2022
Questions
What is the lug nut torque on a Ram Dakota?
120–160 lb-ft (163–217 N·m), as printed in Ram’s owner’s manuals (2010–2011).
Can I use an impact wrench?
Not to finish. An impact wrench can’t set a torque and easily overshoots it, which stretches studs. Run the nuts down by hand or lightly, then finish with a torque wrench in a star pattern.
Should I oil the studs?
Not unless the manual says so. Torque values assume clean, dry threads; oil lets the same torque stretch the stud further. Some manuals, Kia’s and Mazda’s among them, say to keep oil and grease off wheel nuts and bolts altogether.