Front Struts - Pair

Replace both front strut assemblies on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including removal from the steering knuckle and strut tower, and installation of new struts with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent performance strut
• Front strut assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent performance strut
• Strut tower nuts (upper mount) × 6 — OEM replacement if corroded
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts × 4 — OEM replacement recommended

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground 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 manufacturer-specified jacking points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at solid frame points behind the front suspension
5. Remove front wheels completely and set aside
6. Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts and allow to soak for 30 minutes if fasteners show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar end link (if equipped)
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm or strut. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft of the link stud while removing the upper nut with the correct size wrench (verify fastener size on the vehicle). Separate the link from the strut or control arm. Note: Some Viper configurations may have the link attached to the strut body; if so, disconnect at the strut end. Note: Use OEM specification or equivalent front coil-over shock absorber assembly
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect brake line bracket from strut
   Locate the brake line mounting bracket attached to the strut body. Remove the mounting bolt securing the brake line bracket to the strut using a 10mm or 13mm socket. Do not disconnect the brake line itself—only release the bracket from the strut. Support the brake line with a wire or zip-tie to prevent strain on the rubber hose.
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the lower shock/coil-over mounting bolt connecting the unit to the lower control arm. Verify the actual mounting point and fastener sizes against the factory service manual before removal, as this vehicle does not use a strut-to-knuckle connection. If the bolt is seized, apply additional penetrating oil and use a breaker bar.emain attached to the ball joint and control arm; the strut will be free at the bottom once bolts are removed.
   ⚠Support the steering knuckle and brake assembly with a jack or wire after removing strut-to-knuckle bolts to prevent damage to ball joints or brake lines.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower in the engine bay. The strut tower is the reinforced area where the top of the strut mounts. Remove any plastic covers or trim panels covering the strut tower nuts by lifting or unsnapping them. Verify the upper mount fastener configuration against the factory service manual, as the coil-over shock upper mounting differs from a MacPherson strut tower and may not use 3 perimeter nuts.
5. 5

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Remove the upper mount fasteners securing the top of the shock/coil-over assembly to its frame bracket, using the socket size specified in the factory service manual. Verify fastener count and size before proceeding. Do not remove the center shaft nut at this time—only remove the 3 nuts around the perimeter of the upper mount. Support the strut from below as you remove the final nut to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy (approximately 15-20 lbs). Support the strut from below before removing the final upper mount nut to prevent it from dropping suddenly.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   With the upper mount nuts removed and the lower knuckle bolts removed, carefully guide the strut assembly down and out through the wheel well. Angle the bottom of the strut outward while pulling the top inward to clear the strut tower and fender well. Set the strut assembly on a clean work surface. Repeat steps 1-6 for the opposite side.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare new strut assemblies
   If installing complete strut assemblies (strut, spring, and mount pre-assembled), inspect the new assemblies for shipping damage and verify correct orientation for left and right sides. If rebuilding existing struts or transferring components, use a strut spring compressor to safely compress the spring, remove the upper shaft nut, disassemble the old strut, and transfer components to the new strut. Ensure the spring compressor is properly engaged on both sides of the spring before loosening the center shaft nut.
   ⚠️If disassembling struts, the spring compressor MUST evenly compress the spring before loosening the shaft nut. Uneven compression or inadequate compression can cause violent spring release. Follow spring compressor manufacturer instructions exactly.
8. 8

   Install new strut assembly into strut tower
   Guide the new strut assembly up through the wheel well, inserting the top mount studs through the strut tower holes. Align all 3 studs with their corresponding holes. Hand-thread the 3 upper mount nuts onto the studs but do not fully tighten yet—leave them finger-tight to allow for alignment adjustment at the lower knuckle connection.
9. 9

   Connect strut to steering knuckle
   Lift the steering knuckle into position and align the strut mounting bracket with the knuckle holes. Insert the 2 strut-to-knuckle bolts through the knuckle and strut bracket. Install the nuts on the opposite side and hand-tighten. Ensure the bolts are fully seated and properly oriented (bolt heads typically face forward). Use a pry bar if necessary to align holes, but do not force components.
10. 10

    Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Torque the lower shock/coil-over mounting bolt to the value specified in the factory service manual, using the correct socket size. Do not rely on a generic torque value for this safety-critical fastener. Torque both bolts in sequence, ensuring even seating. Verify that the knuckle is fully seated against the strut bracket with no gaps.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque strut tower mounting nuts
    With the lower strut connection secured, return to the strut tower. Torque the upper mount fasteners to the value specified in the factory service manual, using the correct socket size and tightening sequence per the manual.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect brake line bracket
    Reattach the brake line bracket to the strut body using the original mounting bolt. Tighten securely but do not over-torque (the bracket is mounting to the strut body, not a structural component). Ensure the brake line has adequate slack and is not kinked or stretched at full steering lock or suspension droop.
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Reconnect the sway bar end link to the strut or control arm. Insert the link stud through the mounting hole and install the nut. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key while tightening the nut to the sway bar end link torque specified in the factory service manual.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheel, threading lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench but do not torque yet. Repeat steps 8-14 for the opposite side strut. Once both sides are complete, carefully raise the vehicle slightly, remove jack stands, and lower the vehicle to the ground.
15. 15

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle weight on the ground, use a torque wrench to torque all wheel lug nuts to the factory-specified value (verify in the service manual) in a star pattern. Verify each lug nut is properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any strut tower covers or trim panels removed during the procedure
2. Perform a visual inspection of all connections, ensuring no tools or parts were left in the wheel well or engine bay
3. Check that brake lines have adequate slack and are not contacting suspension components through full range of motion
4. Bounce each corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension and verify no abnormal noises

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary, listening for any binding, rubbing, or unusual noises
• Perform a slow-speed test drive in a safe area (parking lot), checking for normal suspension operation, steering response, and absence of clunks or rattles
• Verify that the vehicle tracks straight with hands momentarily off the wheel (though alignment will be off until professionally aligned)
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Schedule a professional 4-wheel alignment immediately—do not delay this step, as strut replacement significantly affects alignment

More procedures for this vehicle