Sway Bar - Front

This procedure removes and replaces the front sway bar (stabilizer bar) on the 1992 Dodge Viper, including disconnection of end links and removal of mounting brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings (set of 2) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar end links (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at proper frame contact points
6. Remove both front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Access and inspect sway bar components
   Visually inspect the front sway bar, end links, and mounting bushings from underneath the vehicle. Look for signs of wear, cracking in bushings, or damage to end link ball joints. Apply penetrating oil to all fasteners that will be removed and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes if corrosion is present.
2. 2

   Disconnect driver side sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm on the driver side. Remove the nut(s) securing the end link at the sway bar and control arm attachment points. If the link uses a stud with a hex flat, hold it with a wrench while removing the nut. Separate the end link from the sway bar.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar end link
   Repeat the end link removal process on the passenger side. Remove the upper and lower nuts securing the end link and separate it from the sway bar. Set end links aside for inspection and potential reuse.
4. 4

   Remove sway bar mounting bracket bolts
   Locate the sway bar mounting brackets that secure the bar to the front subframe or crossmember. There are 2 mounting brackets, one on each side of the vehicle. Each bracket is secured with 2 bolts. Remove all 4 bolts securing both mounting brackets. Support the sway bar with one hand as you remove the final bolts to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar mounting brackets and bushings
   With all bracket bolts removed, separate the mounting brackets from the sway bar. Remove the rubber bushings from the sway bar and inspect them for cracks, tears, or compression damage. Note the orientation of the bushings for installation—the split in the bushing should face a specific direction based on the bracket design.
6. 6

   Remove sway bar from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the sway bar out from its mounting location. The bar may need to be rotated or angled to clear suspension components and the subframe. Work it out toward one side of the vehicle. Once clear, remove the bar completely from under the vehicle.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces and inspect components
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces on the subframe where the brackets attach. Remove any rust, debris, or old bushing material. Inspect the brackets themselves for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. If end links showed play or damage during removal, replace them with new units.
8. 8

   Install new or replacement sway bar
   Position the new or replacement sway bar into place under the vehicle, maneuvering it into the approximate mounting location. Ensure the bar is oriented correctly with the end link connection points facing the appropriate direction toward the lower control arms.
9. 9

   Install new bushings and mounting brackets
   Install new sway bar bushings onto the bar in the correct orientation with the split facing as noted during removal. Position the mounting brackets over the bushings and align the brackets with the bolt holes in the subframe. Start all 4 bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect sway bar end links
    Attach the end links to the sway bar on both sides. Install the upper and lower nuts on each end link stud. If the end link stud rotates during tightening, hold the hex section with a wrench while torquing the nut. Ensure the end link ball joint boots are properly seated and not damaged during installation.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall front wheels
    Mount both front wheels onto the hubs, ensuring the wheels are properly seated on the hub faces. Install all lug nuts by hand, threading them on several turns to ensure proper engagement. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque yet.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and perform final torque
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground so that the full vehicle weight is on the wheels. Torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Bounce the front suspension several times to settle the components, then verify all fasteners are tight.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification with vehicle weight on the ground for final verification
2. New bushings should be installed whenever the sway bar is removed—reusing old bushings can lead to premature wear and noise
3. If end links were replaced, verify that there is no binding throughout the full range of suspension travel

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle on a varied road surface and listen for any clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension
• Perform several turns at moderate speed to verify the sway bar is functioning properly and reducing body roll
• Re-check all sway bar bracket bolts and end link nuts after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure they have remained tight
• Visually inspect under the vehicle to confirm no contact between the sway bar and any chassis or suspension components

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