Coil Springs - Front Pair

Replace both front coil springs on a 1992 Dodge Viper, requiring removal of the front suspension strut assemblies and spring compression.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification for Viper performance springs
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification for Viper performance springs
• Strut mount hardware kit (if worn) × 1 — Check condition during disassembly
• Sway bar link bushings (if deteriorated) × 2 — Inspect during removal

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Chock rear wheels securely.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove).
4. Raise front of vehicle using manufacturer-approved jacking points and support on jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
5. Remove both front wheels completely.
6. Spray penetrating oil on all suspension fasteners to be removed and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes.
7. Photograph or mark suspension alignment positions for reference during reassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar links
   Locate the front sway bar end links connecting the sway bar to the lower control arms. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the upper nut securing each link to the sway bar. Disconnect both left and right sway bar links. Allow the sway bar to hang free.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove brake caliper
   Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and carefully lift the caliper off the rotor. Support the caliper using wire or a bungee cord attached to the suspension or frame - do NOT let it hang by the brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake line.
   ⚠Never let the brake caliper hang by the brake hose - this can damage the hose internally and cause brake failure.
3. 3

   Disconnect upper ball joint
   Locate the upper ball joint connecting the upper control arm to the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the upper ball joint stud. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to break the taper and separate the upper ball joint from the knuckle. The knuckle assembly will now pivot on the lower ball joint.
   ⚠Using a pickle fork will likely damage the ball joint boot. If reusing ball joints, use a ball joint separator tool that preserves the boot.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut lower mounting bolts
   Locate the bolts securing the bottom of the strut assembly to the lower control arm or steering knuckle. Remove these bolts completely. Support the strut assembly from above or have an assistant hold it to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and will pivot once the lower bolts are removed. Support it to prevent damage or injury.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Access strut tower mounting
   Open the hood. Locate the strut tower mounting nuts at the top of each strut assembly, visible in the engine compartment near the front fender wells. There should be a center nut surrounded by mounting nuts.
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   While supporting the strut assembly from below, remove the strut tower mounting nuts. Carefully lower and remove the complete strut assembly from the vehicle. Repeat for the opposite side. Transport both strut assemblies to a clean, well-lit work area with adequate space for spring compression.
   ⚠️The strut assembly is under spring tension. Do not attempt to disassemble without proper spring compressors installed.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install spring compressors
   Place the strut assembly in a strut vise or secure holding fixture. Install heavy-duty coil spring compressors on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring the compressor hooks are fully engaged with at least 3-4 coils. Verify both compressors are properly seated and the tools are in good condition with no cracks or damage.
   ⚠️Improper installation of spring compressors is the leading cause of spring-related injuries. Both compressors must engage securely with multiple coils and be positioned opposite each other for balanced compression.
8. 8

   Compress coil spring
   Gradually tighten the spring compressors in an alternating pattern (tighten left compressor a few turns, then right compressor a few turns) to compress the spring evenly. Continue compressing until the spring tension is completely relieved from the upper strut mount - you should be able to wiggle the mount freely. This may require significant compression on performance springs.
   ⚠️Compress slowly and evenly. Listen for any cracking or popping sounds from the compressor tools - stop immediately if heard. Keep hands and body clear of the spring path if it were to release.
9. 9

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   With the spring fully compressed and tension relieved, hold the strut shaft with a wrench or Allen key (to prevent rotation) and remove the center strut shaft nut at the top of the assembly. Carefully remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate (if equipped), and upper spring seat. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly.
   ⚠Photograph or sketch the exact order and orientation of strut mount components before disassembly - incorrect reassembly can cause noise, handling issues, or component failure.
10. 10

    Remove old coil spring
    With the assembly disassembled, carefully remove the compressed coil spring with the compressors still installed. Set aside the old spring in a safe area where it cannot roll or fall. Remove the lower spring isolator/seat from the strut body if present and inspect for damage.
11. 11

    Transfer compressors to new spring
    Inspect the new coil spring to ensure it matches the old spring specifications (free height, coil count, wire diameter, and end configuration). Install the spring compressors on the new spring in the same positions as used on the old spring. Compress the new spring to approximately the same compressed length as achieved with the old spring.
    ⚠Viper springs are handed (left and right specific) or may have directional orientation. Verify correct spring for each side before installation.
12. 12

    Reassemble strut with new spring
    Install the lower spring isolator/seat onto the strut body if equipped. Position the compressed new spring onto the strut, ensuring the spring end seats properly in the lower spring perch. Install the upper spring seat, bearing plate (if equipped), and upper strut mount in the exact order and orientation documented during disassembly. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft.
13. 13

    Torque strut shaft nut
    Hold the strut shaft to prevent rotation and torque the center strut shaft nut to specification. Verify the upper mount is properly seated and all components are aligned correctly before proceeding.
14. 14

    Release spring compressors
    Slowly and evenly loosen the spring compressors in an alternating pattern, allowing the new spring to expand and seat properly against the upper and lower spring seats. Once all tension is transferred to the strut assembly and the spring is fully seated, remove the compressor tools completely. Inspect that the spring ends are properly seated in their perches.
    ⚠Release compressor tension slowly and evenly. Verify spring ends remain properly seated as tension is released. If spring end pops out of its seat, stop immediately and recompress.
15. 15

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the reassembled strut assembly into position in the strut tower. Install the upper strut tower mounting nuts and torque to specification. Do not fully tighten the lower mounting bolts at this time - just install them finger-tight to hold the assembly in position.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect lower strut mounting
    Align the lower strut mounting with the steering knuckle or lower control arm. Install the lower strut mounting bolts and torque to specification. Ensure proper alignment of all mounting points.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Reconnect upper ball joint
    Position the upper control arm ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, bending the ends to secure. Never back off a castle nut to align cotter pin holes - only tighten to next alignment.
    ⚠Always use a new cotter pin. Never reuse old cotter pins or back off torque to align holes - only tighten further to next castle slot.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
18. 18

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the support wire/bungee and position the brake caliper back onto the rotor and mounting bracket. Install the caliper mounting bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
19. 19

    Reconnect sway bar links
    Lift the sway bar into position and reconnect both end links. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and install the upper nuts, torquing to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
20. 20

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 7 through 19 for the opposite side strut assembly and spring if not already completed. Ensure both sides are fully reassembled before proceeding.
21. 21

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
22. 22

    Final torque with vehicle weight on wheels
    Fully lower the vehicle so the suspension is loaded with the vehicle's weight. If any control arm bolts were loosened during the procedure, torque them to specification now with the vehicle at normal ride height. Bounce each corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
    ⚠Control arm bushings must be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension at normal ride height. Torquing while suspended will preload the bushings and cause premature failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts109 Nm (80 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedure steps above, with critical torque specifications applied at each stage.
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and all cotter pins are properly installed.
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or suspension area.

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speeds, listening for any unusual noises from the front suspension.
• Verify steering returns to center normally and there is no pulling to either side.
• Check for any fluid leaks around the strut seals after driving.
• Have the front end alignment checked and adjusted by a professional shop equipped for high-performance vehicles - new springs will likely alter ride height and alignment angles.
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving.
• After 500 miles, re-inspect all suspension fasteners for proper torque and check for any looseness or abnormal wear.

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