Coil Spring - Front

Remove and replace the front coil springs on a 1992 Dodge Viper, requiring suspension disassembly and use of a spring compressor to safely handle compressed spring energy.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring × 2 — Use OEM specification or Mopar equivalent
• Strut mount hardware (if damaged) × 1 — Inspect during disassembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-recommended support points on frame rails
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Apply penetrating oil to all fasteners to be removed and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
7. Verify spring compressor is in good working condition with no damaged threads or worn components

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. Hold the link shaft to prevent rotation (using an Allen key or wrench flats as equipped on this vehicle's links), then remove the upper nut securing the link to the sway bar. Remove the lower nut securing the link to the control arm. Remove the sway bar link completely from both connection points.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Locate the lower ball joint nut securing the lower ball joint stud to the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin if present. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the ball joint nut completely. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to break the taper between the ball joint stud and the knuckle bore. Do not strike the ball joint stud threads with a hammer. Once separated, support the knuckle assembly to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠Using a pickle fork will likely damage the ball joint boot. Have replacement ball joints available if reusing existing components is required.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt that passes through the lower control arm. This is typically a large bolt securing the bottom of the shock to the control arm bracket. Remove the nut and bolt completely. The shock will now be free at the bottom but still attached at the top.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack directly under the lower control arm outer end, near where the spring sits. Raise the jack just enough to contact the control arm and take up slight tension. This will support the spring weight as you proceed. Do not lift the control arm significantly, just support it to prevent sudden drop when fasteners are removed.
5. 5

   Remove shock upper mounting
   Locate the upper shock absorber mounting fastener at the upper shock mount bracket. Note the mounting configuration (single through-bolt or stud/nut) as used on this coil-over-shock suspension, not a MacPherson strut tower. Remove all upper mounting nuts while continuing to support the lower control arm with the floor jack. Carefully lower the shock absorber assembly out through the bottom of the control arm.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   If the spring is a coil-over unit mounted concentrically on the shock, remove the complete shock/spring assembly and compress the spring on a bench-mounted coil-over spring compressor; if separately seated in the control arm, install the coil spring compressor onto the exposed spring with the lower control arm supported. Install the compressor hooks evenly on opposite sides of the spring, engaging at least 3 full coils on each side. Ensure compressor hooks are fully seated in the spring coils and will not slip. Alternate tightening both sides of the compressor gradually and evenly to compress the spring. Continue compressing until the spring is no longer under tension against the control arm and upper mount perch.
   ⚠️Never position any body part in line with the spring axis during compression. Stand to the side and use extension handles if available. Uneven compression or hook slippage can cause catastrophic spring release.
7. 7

   Remove compressed spring
   With the spring fully compressed and no longer under load against the control arm, carefully lower the floor jack to relieve any remaining pressure. Once the control arm is fully dropped and the spring is free, carefully remove the compressed spring assembly from the vehicle. Keep the spring compressor installed and maintain compression throughout removal. Set the spring in a safe location away from the work area.
8. 8

   Inspect components and prepare new spring
   Inspect the upper spring seat, isolator, and lower control arm spring seat for damage, cracking, or excessive wear. Clean all spring mounting surfaces with a wire brush. If upper strut mount components were removed with the shock, inspect for bearing wear and replace if needed. Transfer the spring compressor to the new spring, or if installing a new compressor, install it following the same procedure as removal: engage at least 3 coils on opposite sides and compress evenly until spring can be handled safely.
   ⚠Never release spring compressor tension from the old spring until new spring is safely installed in vehicle. Maintain one compressed spring assembly at all times for reference measurements.
9. 9

   Install new spring
   Position the compressed new spring into the lower control arm spring seat, ensuring the spring end is properly seated in the locating tab or formed pocket of the seat. Raise the floor jack under the control arm to support the spring. The spring upper end should align with the upper spring seat location in the chassis. Verify spring orientation matches the original spring position (end shape and coil direction).
10. 10

    Install shock absorber upper mount
    Guide the shock absorber up through the lower control arm and into the strut tower mounting location. Align the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Install the upper mounting nuts and hand-tighten. Torque the upper strut tower nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install shock absorber lower mount
    Raise the floor jack under the control arm to align the lower shock mounting eye with the control arm bracket. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Release spring compressor
    With the shock absorber fully secured at both upper and lower mounts, slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressor. Alternate loosening both sides gradually to allow the spring to expand evenly into its seats. Once the spring is fully seated and under its natural load between the control arm and upper seat, completely remove the spring compressor from the coil.
    ⚠If spring does not seat properly or appears misaligned during release, stop immediately, re-compress, and verify correct positioning before proceeding.
13. 13

    Reconnect ball joint to knuckle
    Raise the lower control arm using the floor jack to align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Insert the stud through the knuckle and install the ball joint nut. Torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin if the application uses one. Remove the floor jack from under the control arm.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link between the sway bar and the lower control arm mounting points. Install the upper nut connecting the link to the sway bar. Install the lower nut connecting the link to the control arm. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation while torquing both nuts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub, ensuring the mounting surface is clean. Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both front springs.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is included in the step-by-step procedure above
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
3. Verify spring compressor is completely removed before driving vehicle
4. Check that all suspension components move freely through their range of motion

Verification

• Visually inspect that both coil springs are properly seated in upper and lower spring seats with no gaps or misalignment
• Bounce each front corner of the vehicle and verify smooth shock operation with no unusual noises
• Verify all fasteners are tight and properly torqued
• Check for any interference between spring coils and other suspension components through full steering travel
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal handling and no unusual noises before proceeding to alignment shop
• Have wheel alignment performed immediately after spring replacement to restore proper suspension geometry and prevent tire wear

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