suspension

Radius Arm

for 2002 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 · RWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.9 h

Tools

Steps

✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front radius arm (lower control arm) on a 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10, including disconnection of ball joint, sway bar link, and radius arm pivot bolts.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use rated jack stands on solid, level ground.

⚠️Ball joint separators can cause sudden movement when the taper breaks free. Keep hands and body clear of pinch points.

⚠Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension. Failure to do so will cause premature bushing failure.

ℹ️If replacing only one side, inspect the opposite side radius arm bushings for wear and replace as a pair if degraded.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands rated for vehicle weightEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

1/2" drive torque wrench (50-200 Nm range)Essential

1/2" drive breaker barEssential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Wrench set (metric)Essential

Ball joint separator or pickle forkEssential

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Parts

Radius arm (lower control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Ball joint nut (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Control arm bushings (recommended inspection) × 2 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer's jacking point
Install jack stands under front frame rails rated for vehicle weight
Remove front wheel completely
Apply penetrating oil to all radius arm fasteners and allow to soak

Procedure

1
Support lower control arm
Position floor jack under the radius arm near the ball joint to support the suspension load. Raise jack just enough to take light pressure off the arm without lifting the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping suddenly when components are disconnected.
2
Disconnect sway bar link
Locate the sway bar link connecting the sway bar to the radius arm. Remove the lower sway bar link nut while holding the link stud with a wrench to prevent spinning. Separate the link from the radius arm mounting point. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings for reinstallation.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3
Remove ball joint castle nut
Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut at the steering knuckle. Using a socket and breaker bar, loosen and remove the ball joint castle nut completely. Do not reuse the cotter pin.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
4
Separate ball joint from knuckle
Insert a ball joint separator tool between the knuckle and radius arm ball joint taper. Strike the tool with a hammer to break the taper seal. Alternatively, use a pickle fork if a separator is not available. Once the taper breaks, the ball joint stud will drop free from the knuckle. Lower the floor jack slowly to allow the radius arm to drop and create clearance.
⚠️Ball joint will separate suddenly. Keep hands clear of pinch points between control arm and knuckle.
5
Remove front radius arm pivot bolt
Locate the front pivot bolt securing the radius arm to the front crossmember. This bolt passes through the front bushing of the radius arm. Remove the nut and bolt completely. Note the orientation and any shims or washers present.
Torque spec
Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6
Remove rear radius arm pivot bolt
Locate the rear pivot bolt securing the radius arm to the rear mounting point on the crossmember or frame. This bolt passes through the rear bushing of the radius arm. Remove the nut and bolt completely. Note the orientation and any shims or washers present.
Torque spec
Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
7
Remove radius arm
With both pivot bolts removed and ball joint disconnected, maneuver the radius arm out of the mounting position. It may require rotating or tilting to clear the frame and knuckle. Remove the radius arm from the vehicle and set aside.
8
Clean mounting surfaces
Wire brush the pivot bolt mounting areas on the crossmember and frame to remove rust and debris. Inspect the pivot bolt holes for elongation or damage. Clean the ball joint taper bore in the steering knuckle with a wire brush.
9
Install new radius arm
Position the new radius arm into the mounting location. Align the front bushing with the front mounting point on the crossmember. Insert the front pivot bolt through the bushing and crossmember, threading the nut on by hand. Do not tighten yet. Repeat for the rear pivot bolt and rear mounting point. Ensure any shims or washers are reinstalled in their original positions.
10
Connect ball joint to knuckle
Raise the floor jack under the radius arm to lift the ball joint stud into the steering knuckle taper bore. Align the stud with the hole and press firmly to seat the taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the cotter pin hole and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
11
Reconnect sway bar link
Align the sway bar link with the mounting point on the radius arm. Install any bushings and washers in their original orientation. Thread the lower sway bar link nut onto the stud and tighten to specification while holding the stud with a wrench.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12
Install wheel and lower vehicle
Reinstall the front wheel and thread all lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle carefully from the jack stands until the full weight of the vehicle is on the wheels, but keep the jack stands in place as a safety backup. Do not remove jack stands yet.
13
Torque radius arm pivot bolts with weight on suspension
With the vehicle weight now on the suspension (wheels on ground), torque the front radius arm pivot bolt to specification, followed by the rear pivot bolt. This critical step ensures the bushings are not preloaded in the wrong position. Tightening with suspension hanging will cause premature bushing failure.
⚠Bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels. Tightening with suspension hanging will destroy bushings.
Torque spec
Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
14
Final torque wheel lug nuts
Fully raise the vehicle again, remove jack stands, and lower to the ground completely. Torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Reassembly is covered in the procedure steps above
Always install a new cotter pin at the ball joint; never reuse
Verify all pivot bolts were torqued with vehicle weight on suspension
Double-check all fasteners are tightened to specification

Verification

Perform a visual inspection to confirm all fasteners are installed and torqued
Verify cotter pin is installed and properly bent at ball joint
Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or handling issues
Check for proper wheel alignment; radius arm replacement typically requires a professional alignment
Re-torque all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

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