Coil Springs - Front Pair

Replace both front coil springs on a 2005 Dodge Viper, requiring disassembly of the front suspension strut assemblies and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or performance equivalent
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or performance equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (if worn) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly
• Strut mount insulators (upper and lower) × 2 — Replace if deteriorated

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove).
3. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front lift point.
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands positioned at factory lift points on chassis rails.
5. Remove both front wheels completely.
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak 15-30 minutes.
7. Take photos of suspension assembly from multiple angles for reference during reassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm or strut assembly. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the upper nut securing the end link to the strut or control arm. Separate the end link from the mounting point. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the single lower mounting bolt securing the bottom of the coil-over shock to the lower control arm. Support the lower control arm with a floor jack to control spring load, then remove the lower shock bolt. Slowly lower the jack to relieve spring tension before separating the assembly.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   Locate the upper mounting bolts securing the top of the coil-over shock assembly to the shock tower/frame bracket. Clean any debris from around the fasteners and note the orientation of the upper mount and any alignment marks before removal.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut tower nuts and extract strut assembly
   While supporting the coil-over shock assembly, remove the upper mounting bolt(s), then the lower mounting bolt securing the shock to the lower control arm. Carefully extract the entire coil-over assembly (shock, spring, and mounts) from the vehicle and place it on a stable work surface.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly in a strut vice or secure it firmly. Install the spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring the compressor hooks engage fully with at least 3 coils at each end. The hooks must be seated deep into the coil, not just catching the edge. Verify both compressor assemblies are properly engaged and aligned before proceeding.
   ⚠️Verify compressor hooks are fully seated in the spring coils. Partial engagement can cause the compressor to slip during compression, resulting in violent spring release.
6. 6

   Compress coil spring
   Slowly and evenly tighten the spring compressor, alternating between both sides to maintain even compression. Compress the spring until there is visible gap between the spring and the upper strut mount (approximately 1/2 inch minimum of unloaded space). Test that the upper mount can move freely—this confirms the spring is sufficiently compressed and no longer under preload. Do not over-compress; only compress enough to unload the mount.
   ⚠️Compress evenly on both sides. Uneven compression can cause the spring or compressor to bind and potentially fail catastrophically.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut
   With the spring fully compressed and verified unloaded, locate the large nut on top of the strut shaft in the center of the upper mount. Use a socket on the nut and hold the strut shaft from rotating (typically with an Allen key or by holding flats on the shaft). Remove the strut shaft nut completely. Keep the nut and any washers in order for reassembly.
   ⚠️Only remove this nut after confirming spring is compressed and mount is fully unloaded. Removing under preload will cause violent disassembly.
8. 8

   Disassemble strut components
   Remove the upper strut mount assembly from the strut shaft. Remove the upper spring isolator/seat, then carefully remove the compressed coil spring from the strut body. Keep the spring compressor engaged and set the spring aside safely. Remove the lower spring isolator from the strut body. Inspect the strut mount bearing for roughness or binding—replace if worn. Inspect all rubber isolators for cracking or deterioration.
   ⚠️Keep spring compressor fully engaged until spring is reinstalled. Never release a compressed spring except during controlled reinstallation.
9. 9

   Remove old spring and install new spring in compressor
   With the old spring still compressed, carefully transfer the spring compressor to the new coil spring, or slowly release the compressor from the old spring and install it on the new spring. Position the compressor hooks on opposite sides of the new spring, engaging at least 3 coils at each end. Compress the new spring to the same approximate compressed length as the old spring was (enough to allow easy installation over the strut with clearance for the upper mount).
   ⚠️When releasing the old spring, do so slowly and evenly on both sides. Stand clear of the spring ends during release.
10. 10

    Reassemble strut with new spring
    Install the lower spring isolator onto the strut body in its seat. Place the compressed new coil spring onto the strut, ensuring the lower coil end seats properly in the lower spring seat with correct orientation (note any directional markings or end shapes). Install the upper spring isolator/seat over the spring. Install the upper strut mount assembly onto the strut shaft, aligning any orientation marks or tabs. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft and hand-tighten.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque strut shaft nut
    Hold the shock shaft to prevent rotation and torque the shock shaft nut to the factory-specified value from the 2005 Viper service manual (verify against OEM documentation). Ensure the upper mount is properly seated and aligned before final torquing.
    Torque spec

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

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor, alternating between both sides to allow the spring to expand evenly. Monitor the spring and mount alignment as pressure is released. Once the spring is fully seated and carrying its load against the upper and lower seats, completely remove the spring compressor tools. Verify the spring is properly seated in both upper and lower seats with correct orientation.
    ⚠Release slowly and watch for any binding or misalignment. If spring appears to be seating incorrectly, stop and recompress to correct positioning.
13. 13

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the reassembled strut assembly into position in the wheel well, guiding the strut shaft through the strut tower. Align the three studs on the upper mount with the holes in the strut tower, ensuring any alignment marks or tabs match their original orientation. Thread the three upper nuts onto the studs and hand-tighten. Do not fully torque yet—leave slightly loose to allow suspension alignment during strut-to-knuckle installation.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Connect strut to steering knuckle
    Align the lower strut housing with the steering knuckle mounting points. You may need to use a pry bar or jack under the control arm to raise the knuckle into position. Align the lower coil-over shock eye with the lower control arm mount, insert the lower shock bolt, and torque to the factory-specified value from the 2005 Viper service manual (verify against OEM documentation).
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Torque strut tower nuts
    Torque the upper coil-over shock mount fasteners to the factory-specified value from the 2005 Viper service manual (verify against OEM documentation).
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Reconnect the sway bar end link to the strut or control arm mounting point. Install any washers or bushings in their original orientation. Thread the nut onto the ball stud, hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, and torque the nut to the factory-specified value from the 2005 Viper service manual (verify against OEM documentation).
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 16 for the opposite front strut assembly, replacing the second front coil spring using the same procedures.
18. 18

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground (weight not fully on wheels). Final-torque the lug nuts to the factory-specified value (approximately 149 Nm / 110 lb-ft — verify against OEM documentation) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands and floor jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142.4 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedural steps above, as this job requires specific reassembly torque sequences during the procedure.
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification in the order listed.
3. Verify springs are properly seated in upper and lower seats with correct orientation before releasing spring compressor.
4. Check that all suspension components move freely without binding before road test.

Verification

• Bounce each front corner of the vehicle firmly and release—suspension should rebound smoothly without clunking or binding.
• Verify no rattles or loose components when rocking the vehicle side to side.
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area—suspension should operate smoothly without noise, pulling, or unusual handling.
• Visually inspect strut tower nuts under hood to confirm they remain tight after test drive.
• Have front suspension alignment checked by a qualified shop, as ride height changes from new springs will affect alignment settings.

More procedures for this vehicle