Hood Strut

Replace worn or failed hood struts (gas springs) that support the hood in the open position on a 1992 Dodge Viper.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hood strut (gas spring) × 2 — OEM Mopar or aftermarket equivalent for 1992 Viper

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Open hood fully and verify current strut condition (weak support, leaking gas, or no support).
3. Locate both hood struts—one on each side connecting the hood underside to the fender structure.
4. Obtain a suitable hood prop rod or sturdy wooden dowel (approximately 36-40 inches long) to safely support hood during strut removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the hood
   With the hood fully open, position your prop rod or have an assistant support the hood weight. Place the prop rod between the front of the hood structure and a stable point on the radiator support or fender well, ensuring the hood cannot fall. Verify the support is secure before proceeding.
2. 2

   Identify strut attachment method
   Examine the strut end fittings at both the hood and body attachment points. Examine the strut end fittings at both the hood and body attachment points to determine the actual attachment method used on your vehicle (ball-and-socket with spring clips, or bolt-on/pin retained). Verify the retention type before attempting removal. Note the orientation of the strut—the piston rod (thinner end) typically attaches to the hood, with the cylinder body attached to the body/fender.
3. 3

   Release upper strut connection
   Starting with one strut, locate the spring clip (C-clip) securing the upper attachment point at the hood. Using a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool, carefully pry the clip away from the ball socket while pulling the strut end away from the mounting point. The clip may be stiff—apply steady pressure until it releases. Remove the clip completely and set aside if reusing. Pull the strut ball stud straight out of the socket.
4. 4

   Release lower strut connection
   With the upper end disconnected, move to the lower attachment point at the fender or body structure. Repeat the clip removal process: pry the spring clip away from the socket, remove it, and pull the strut ball stud free. Remove the first strut completely from the vehicle. Ensure the hood remains securely propped.
5. 5

   Remove second strut
   Verify that the hood support is still secure and stable. Repeat the removal process for the second strut: release the upper clip and ball stud, then release the lower clip and ball stud. Remove the second strut. The hood is now supported only by your prop rod or assistant—do not leave unattended.
6. 6

   Install new strut—first side
   Take one new strut and verify correct orientation: the piston rod (thinner, extends and retracts) should point toward the hood; the cylinder body (thicker, contains compressed gas) points toward the body/fender. Insert the lower ball stud into the body-side socket first, pressing firmly until it seats. Install the spring clip by snapping it over the ball stud and into the socket groove—you should feel or hear it click into place. Tug gently to confirm it is secure.
7. 7

   Connect upper end—first strut
   Extend the strut to reach the hood-side mounting socket. Press the upper ball stud into the hood socket until fully seated, then install the spring clip by snapping it into the groove around the ball stud. Verify the clip is fully engaged and the strut cannot be pulled free without removing the clip.
8. 8

   Install second strut
   Repeat the installation process for the second strut: insert lower ball stud into body socket and secure with spring clip, then connect upper ball stud to hood socket and secure with clip. Verify both clips are fully seated and both struts are firmly attached at all four connection points.
9. 9

   Test strut function and remove prop
   With both new struts installed, carefully remove the prop rod while supporting the hood manually. Slowly lower the hood partway and release—the struts should support the hood weight smoothly without sagging. Open the hood fully and verify it stays up securely with no strut leakage or slippage. Close and reopen the hood several times to confirm proper operation.

Reassembly

1. No additional reassembly required—this is a standalone component replacement.

Verification

• Open hood fully and verify it stays up without assistance or prop rod support.
• Hood should remain stable in the open position without sagging or slowly lowering over time.
• Inspect all four strut connection points—clips should be fully seated with no gaps or looseness.
• Cycle the hood through several open/close operations to confirm smooth strut operation and secure attachment.
• Check for any signs of gas leakage (oily residue) around the piston rod seal on new struts.

More procedures for this vehicle