Wheel Alignment

Inspect and adjust front and rear suspension alignment angles (camber, caster, toe) to manufacturer specifications using alignment equipment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Alignment shims (if adjustment needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level alignment rack with wheels centered on turn plates (front) and slip plates (rear).
2. Set all tire pressures to manufacturer specification (typically 35 psi front, 35 psi rear for 1992 Viper).
3. Inspect suspension components for wear, damage, or looseness. Replace worn parts before alignment.
4. Check tire tread depth and wear patterns. Uneven wear may indicate previous alignment issues.
5. Bounce each corner of vehicle several times to settle suspension.
6. Ensure fuel tank is approximately half full. Add or remove fuel as necessary.

Procedure

1. 1

   Install alignment heads and perform compensation
   Mount alignment heads or targets to each wheel per equipment manufacturer instructions. Ensure heads are securely attached and centered on wheels. Perform rolling compensation by following alignment machine prompts, typically rolling vehicle forward and backward one complete wheel revolution. This compensates for wheel runout and ensures accurate readings.
2. 2

   Lock steering wheel in centered position
   Center steering wheel with front wheels pointing straight ahead. Install steering wheel lock or clamp to prevent movement during measurement and adjustment. Verify steering wheel spoke position is centered.
3. 3

   Take initial alignment readings
   Use alignment machine to measure all four wheels for camber, caster, and toe angles. Record readings and compare to manufacturer specifications. For the 1992 Viper, use the alignment specifications listed in the factory service manual (verify camber, caster, and toe values and tolerances directly against Chrysler documentation before adjusting). Prioritize rear alignment before adjusting front.
4. 4

   Adjust rear toe (if required)
   Access rear toe adjustment at inner tie rod ends on rear suspension crossmember. Loosen jam nut on tie rod using two wrenches (one to hold tie rod, one to loosen jam nut). Rotate tie rod to adjust toe angle: turning inward increases toe-in, turning outward increases toe-out. Make small adjustments and recheck readings. When specification is achieved, hold tie rod and tighten jam nut.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Jam Nuts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Adjust rear camber (if required)
   Rear camber adjustment on the 1992 Viper should be performed per the factory service manual specification. Verify the actual adjustment provision (adjustable link, eccentric cam, or shim) for this chassis before adjusting. Loosen the relevant fastener slightly while noting the current position, adjust to change camber angle, make small incremental adjustments and bounce suspension between measurements, then torque the fastener to specification when the reading is achieved.ecification is achieved.
   Torque spec

   Cam Bolts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Adjust front toe (if required)
   Access front tie rod adjustment at outer tie rod end. Loosen tie rod lock nut using appropriate wrench while holding tie rod end to prevent spinning. Rotate tie rod sleeve to adjust toe: turning clockwise (viewed from inner end) typically increases toe-in on that side. Adjust left and right equally to maintain steering wheel centering, or adjust one side only if steering wheel is already centered. Recheck readings after each adjustment.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Lock Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Adjust front camber (if required)
   Front camber adjustment on the 1992 Viper should be performed per the factory service manual, which specifies the actual adjustment provision for this chassis. Verify whether camber is adjusted via eccentric cam bolts or shims before proceeding. Loosen the relevant fasteners, make the specified adjustment, then torque fasteners to specification. Lower vehicle and recheck alignment readings.lts. Lower vehicle and recheck alignment readings.
   Torque spec

   Camber Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Verify front caster angle
   Check front caster readings on alignment machine. Front caster adjustment on the 1992 Viper should be verified against the factory service manual, as caster and camber are typically adjusted together at the control arm mounts. If caster is out of specification, adjust per the manual or inspect for bent suspension components, worn bushings, or frame damage. Document caster readings for the customer. If caster is significantly out of specification, inspect for bent suspension components, worn bushings, or frame damage. Document caster readings for customer if adjustment is not possible.
9. 9

   Perform final measurements
   Remove steering wheel lock. Roll vehicle forward approximately one foot, then backward to original position to settle suspension. Take final alignment readings on all four wheels. Verify all angles are within manufacturer specifications. Ensure steering wheel is centered with wheels pointing straight ahead. Print alignment report showing before and after measurements.
10. 10

    Road test vehicle
    Remove alignment heads from wheels. Test drive vehicle on level road at various speeds. Verify steering wheel is centered during straight-line driving. Check for pulling to left or right. Confirm steering returns to center after turns. Listen for unusual tire noise that might indicate toe misalignment. Return to shop and recheck alignment if issues are found.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all tie rod lock nuts and jam nuts are torqued to specification.
2. Verify all camber adjustment bolts and cam bolts are properly tightened.
3. Confirm steering wheel lock or clamp has been removed before test drive.
4. Provide customer with printed alignment report showing before and after specifications.

Verification

• All alignment angles (camber, caster, toe) are within manufacturer specifications on printed report.
• Steering wheel is centered when driving straight with hands off wheel momentarily.
• Vehicle tracks straight on level road without pulling left or right.
• No unusual tire squeal or scrubbing noise during turns.
• Steering returns to center smoothly after turning.
• All adjustment fasteners are torqued to specification.

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