Driveshaft - Front

Remove and replace the front driveshaft assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including disconnecting the universal joints at the transmission and center support bearing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front driveshaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Driveshaft flange bolts (if torque-to-yield) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Center support bearing (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle has been recently driven
5. Verify driveshaft rotates freely by hand with transmission in neutral (check for binding or damage before beginning removal)

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft orientation
   Using a center punch or paint marker, create alignment marks on the front driveshaft flange and the mating transmission output flange. Make corresponding marks on the rear section of the front driveshaft where it meets the center support bearing companion flange. These marks ensure proper phasing during reinstallation to maintain driveline balance.
2. 2

   Support driveshaft at center bearing
   Position a transmission jack or adjustable stand beneath the center support bearing assembly to support the weight of the driveshaft during disassembly. Raise the support until it just contacts the bearing housing without lifting the driveshaft.
3. 3

   Remove transmission flange bolts
   Working at the front universal joint connection to the transmission output flange, remove the 4 flange bolts securing the driveshaft to the transmission. Hold the driveshaft to prevent rotation while loosening bolts. Note whether bolts have thread-locking compound or are torque-to-yield type (typically indicated by necked-down shank). Set bolts aside and inspect for stretching or damage.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts (CV/U-Joint)75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Separate driveshaft from transmission flange
   Carefully pry the front universal joint flange away from the transmission output flange using a pry bar. Pull the front of the driveshaft rearward approximately 2-3 inches to disengage the universal joint from the transmission flange. Lower the front end of the driveshaft slightly and allow it to rest on the support jack or crossmember, ensuring the universal joint does not bind or hang unsupported.
5. 5

   Remove center support bearing bracket bolts
   Locate the center support bearing mounting bracket attached to the vehicle chassis crossmember or tunnel. Remove the 2 bolts securing the center support bearing bracket to the chassis. The bearing assembly is rubber-isolated and should drop slightly when the bolts are removed.
   Torque spec

   Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Lower and remove front driveshaft assembly
   With the center support bearing bracket freed from the chassis, carefully lower the transmission jack or support stand to allow the entire front driveshaft assembly (including the center support bearing and attached rear section stub) to drop away from the transmission. Slide the assembly rearward and downward, maneuvering it clear of the exhaust system and chassis tunnel. The front driveshaft on this vehicle is a single assembly from the transmission to the center support bearing.
   ⚠The front driveshaft assembly weighs approximately 25-35 lbs. Control the descent to avoid dropping the assembly on yourself or damaging components.
7. 7

   Inspect removed components
   With the driveshaft removed, inspect the universal joint at the transmission end for wear, binding, or excessive play. Check the center support bearing for roughness, noise when rotated by hand, or rubber mount deterioration. Inspect the slip yoke seal area (if equipped) and splines for wear or damage. Replace the center support bearing if any roughness or play is detected, as bearing failure can cause vibration and additional driveline damage.
8. 8

   Prepare new or serviced driveshaft
   If installing a new driveshaft, verify that it matches the removed assembly in overall length, universal joint style, and flange bolt pattern. If reusing the original driveshaft, clean all mating surfaces on the universal joint flanges with brake cleaner or solvent to remove old threadlocker, oil, and debris. Apply a thin coat of threadlocker to the threads of the flange bolts (use new bolts if originals show stretching or if specified as torque-to-yield).
9. 9

   Position driveshaft assembly into vehicle
   Using the transmission jack or with an assistant, lift the front driveshaft assembly up into position beneath the vehicle. Guide the center support bearing bracket toward its mounting location on the chassis crossmember while simultaneously aligning the front universal joint flange with the transmission output flange. Ensure the alignment marks made during removal are properly indexed.
10. 10

    Install center support bearing bracket
    Align the center support bearing bracket with the chassis mounting holes and install the 2 bracket bolts finger-tight. Ensure the rubber isolator in the bearing mount is properly seated and not pinched. Torque the bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern to avoid cocking the bearing in its mount.
    Torque spec

    Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect driveshaft to transmission flange
    Align the front universal joint flange with the transmission output flange using the alignment marks made during removal. Install the 4 flange bolts with threadlocker applied and tighten them in a cross pattern (opposing bolts) to draw the flanges together evenly. Torque bolts to specification in two stages: first to 50% of final torque in a cross pattern, then to full specification in the same pattern.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts (CV/U-Joint)75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Verify driveshaft alignment and clearance
    Rotate the driveshaft by hand through several complete revolutions to verify smooth rotation without binding or interference. Check clearance between the driveshaft and exhaust system, chassis tunnel, and crossmembers throughout the rotation. Minimum clearance should be approximately 0.5 inches at all points. Verify that the center support bearing is centered in its rubber mount and not preloaded to one side.

Reassembly

1. Installation follows removal in reverse order with attention to alignment marks and torque specifications
2. Always use new flange bolts if originals are torque-to-yield type or show any signs of stretching or thread damage
3. Verify proper phasing of universal joints by ensuring alignment marks are correctly indexed

Verification

• Lower vehicle and start engine with transmission in neutral - no vibration or abnormal noise should be present
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (15-70 mph) to verify no driveline vibration, clunking, or binding during acceleration, deceleration, and steady-state cruise
• Listen for any clicking or binding noises during tight turns which could indicate improper universal joint orientation
• Re-check all fastener torques after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure no loosening has occurred

More procedures for this vehicle