Engine Mount - Torque Axis

Replacement of the torque axis (upper) engine mount on a 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10, requiring partial engine support and access from above.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Torque axis engine mount × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable.
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated.
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points.
5. Remove engine cover if equipped (access to top of engine bay).

Procedure

1. 1

   Install engine support
   Install an engine support bar across the top of the engine bay, or position an engine hoist with chain attached to secure lifting points on the engine. The mount location should be confirmed against the 1992 Viper factory service manual; the SR I uses side engine mounts (left/right) to the frame plus a rear transmission mount rather than a transverse-style front-center torque axis mount. Apply slight upward tension to take load off the mount, but do not lift the engine significantly. The goal is to unload the mount hardware, not raise the engine off its other mounts. Note: Verify correct engine mount and part number against Mopar/Viper parts documentation before ordering.
2. 2

   Locate torque axis mount
   From above, identify the torque axis mount assembly. Confirm mount configuration against the Viper FSM. The 8.0L V10 is mounted longitudinally in this RWD chassis and is typically supported by left and right side engine mounts to the frame rails, so verify which specific mount is being serviced before removal.
3. 3

   Remove upper mount fasteners
   Remove the fasteners securing the torque axis mount to the engine bracket. These are typically 2 or 3 bolts accessible from above. Apply penetrating lubricant if fasteners show corrosion. Support the mount assembly as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Access lower mount fasteners
   Working from below the vehicle, locate the lower attachment point where the torque axis mount connects to the front crossmember or subframe. Clear any splash shields or components obstructing access to the lower mounting bolts.
5. 5

   Remove lower mount fasteners
   Remove the 2-3 bolts securing the torque axis mount to the crossmember/subframe. These fasteners pass through the mount bushing assembly. Hold the mount as you remove the final fastener to control its removal.
6. 6

   Remove torque axis mount
   Extract the torque axis mount from between the engine bracket and crossmember. It may be necessary to slightly raise or lower the engine using the support fixture to create clearance for removal. Inspect the removed mount for torn rubber, collapsed bushings, or separated metal components.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting surfaces
   Inspect the engine bracket and crossmember mounting surfaces for damage, cracks, or elongated bolt holes. Clean mounting surfaces of any corrosion or debris. Inspect the condition of the engine bracket itself; check for cracks or signs of stress. Verify that all mounting holes are clean and threads are intact.
8. 8

   Position new torque axis mount
   Position the new torque axis mount between the engine bracket and crossmember. Align the mount so that bolt holes line up with both the upper engine bracket and lower crossmember attachment points. Use the engine support fixture to adjust engine height for optimal alignment.
9. 9

   Install lower mount fasteners
   From below, install the lower mounting bolts through the crossmember and torque axis mount. Start all fasteners by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Snug bolts in a cross pattern but do not fully torque at this stage.
10. 10

    Install upper mount fasteners
    From above, install the upper mounting bolts through the engine bracket and torque axis mount. Start all fasteners by hand, then snug them in a cross pattern. Do not fully torque yet.
11. 11

    Settle engine position and torque fasteners
    Carefully release tension on the engine support fixture to allow the engine to settle onto the new mount naturally. Once the engine weight is fully on the mounts, torque all mount fasteners to the specification and sequence given in the Viper factory service manual. With engine at rest position, all mount fasteners should be torqued to ensure proper preload on the mount bushings.
12. 12

    Remove engine support and reassemble
    Remove the engine support bar or hoist. Reinstall any splash shields or components removed for access. Reinstall engine cover if equipped. Lower vehicle from jack stands. Reconnect negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Torque all mount fasteners with the engine at rest position (weight on mounts) to ensure proper bushing preload.
2. Verify that no wiring harnesses or hoses are pinched or strained by the new mount installation.

Verification

• Start engine and verify no abnormal movement or vibration at idle.
• Apply throttle while stationary (in neutral or park) and observe engine movement. Excessive rocking indicates mount failure or improper installation.
• Test drive vehicle and verify no vibration, clunking, or abnormal noise during acceleration or deceleration.
• Visually inspect mount after test drive to ensure all fasteners remain tight and mount shows no signs of displacement.

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