Hood Strut

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the hood support struts on a 2005 Dodge Viper, restoring proper hood hold-open function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hood lift support strut × 2 — Mopar 55366854AB or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and ensure ignition is off
2. Open hood fully and verify it is stable in the open position before beginning work
3. Inspect both struts for leaking gas, bent shafts, or seized ball joints to confirm replacement is needed
4. Have a second person available to support the hood, or prepare a suitable prop rod (wooden dowel or factory prop if equipped)
5. Wipe down strut mounting ball studs to remove dirt that could damage new strut sockets

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the hood
   With the hood fully open, have a second person place hands under the hood near the center to support its weight, or install a stable prop between the hood inner structure and a secure structural point on the vehicle's front frame. Verify the support is stable and the hood will not fall before proceeding. Do not rely on the old struts to hold the hood during this procedure.
2. 2

   Remove first strut from hood end
   Locate the upper ball stud where the strut attaches to the underside of the hood. The strut end has a spring clip that wraps around the ball stud. Using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool, carefully pry the spring clip away from the ball stud while pulling the strut body directly away from the mounting point. The clip will release and the strut socket will slide off the ball stud. Allow the strut lower end to remain attached to the body for now.
3. 3

   Remove first strut from body end
   With the upper end disconnected, move to the lower mounting point on the body/fender structure. Using the same technique, pry the spring clip away from the ball stud while pulling the strut body away from the mount. Remove the strut completely from the vehicle. The hood should remain fully supported by your assistant or prop rod.
4. 4

   Remove second strut
   Repeat the removal process for the second strut, starting with the hood end and then the body end. Disconnect the upper ball stud first, then the lower. With both struts removed, verify the hood remains securely supported and will not shift or fall.
5. 5

   Install first new strut to body
   Take one new strut and identify the correct orientation (the piston rod is the thinner moving shaft and typically points toward the hood). Position the lower socket end over the ball stud on the body mount. Push firmly until the spring clip audibly clicks into place around the ball stud. Tug gently on the strut to verify it is fully seated and locked.
6. 6

   Install first new strut to hood
   Extend the strut to align the upper socket with the ball stud on the underside of the hood. Push firmly until the spring clip clicks into place. Verify the strut is fully locked by attempting to pull it off the ball stud with moderate force. The strut should not release.
7. 7

   Install second new strut
   Repeat the installation process for the second strut. Attach the body end first, ensuring the spring clip fully engages the ball stud, then attach the hood end. Verify both connections are secure. Both struts should now be supporting the hood.
8. 8

   Remove hood support and test
   Have your assistant remove their hands from the hood or remove the prop rod. The hood should remain fully open, supported entirely by the new struts. Gently press down on the hood to verify both struts provide resistance and the hood does not sag or move unexpectedly.

Reassembly

1. No additional reassembly required. The hood is ready for normal operation once struts are installed and tested.

Verification

• Open and close the hood several times to verify smooth operation throughout the full range of motion
• With the hood fully open, verify it remains stable without sagging and does not require manual support
• Inspect all four ball stud connections to ensure spring clips are fully engaged and no gaps exist between strut socket and mounting ball
• Check that both struts compress and extend evenly when the hood is operated, indicating matched gas pressure
• Verify the hood closes properly and the latch engages fully without interference from the struts

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