Sway Bar - Front

This procedure removes and replaces the front sway bar (anti-roll bar) on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including disconnecting the end links and removing the frame-mounted brackets.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings (frame mounts) × 2 — Replace if worn or cracked
• Sway bar end links (left and right) × 2 — Replace if ball joints are worn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at approved jacking points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under front subframe or approved lift points
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Apply penetrating lubricant to sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts, allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect left front sway bar end link
   Locate the left sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. The link will have a ball-stud design with a hex socket at the center of the stud. Using an Allen key to hold the stud stationary, remove the lower nut securing the end link to the control arm. Then remove the upper nut securing the link to the sway bar. Remove the end link.
2. 2

   Disconnect right front sway bar end link
   Repeat the end link removal process on the right side. Use an Allen key to hold the ball stud while removing the upper and lower nuts. Remove the end link from the vehicle.
3. 3

   Remove sway bar bracket bolts
   Locate the sway bar mounting brackets on the front subframe or crossmember. There are 2 brackets total securing the sway bar to the frame. Each bracket is held by 2 bolts. Remove all bracket bolts and set the brackets and bushings aside. Note the orientation of the bushings with any splits or openings facing the correct direction for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove front sway bar from vehicle
   With both end links disconnected and frame brackets removed, maneuver the sway bar out from the suspension mounting locations. The bar may need to be rotated or angled to clear suspension components, steering linkage, and the subframe. Remove the bar from under the vehicle.
5. 5

   Inspect bushings and hardware
   Examine the frame mount bushings for cracks, tears, or excessive wear. Check end link ball joints for play or torn boots. Inspect the sway bar itself for cracks or damage at the bend points and end link attachment points. Replace any worn components. Clean the sway bar mounting surfaces on the frame with a wire brush if necessary.
6. 6

   Install new or cleaned sway bar
   Position the new or serviced sway bar into place under the vehicle, routing it through the suspension and steering components. Ensure the bar is centered with equal length extending to both sides. The end link mounting points should align with the control arm attachment locations.
7. 7

   Install sway bar frame brackets
   Install new or original bushings onto the sway bar with splits or openings oriented correctly (typically facing toward the rear or down). Position the brackets over the bushings and align with the frame mounting holes. Install all bracket bolts finger-tight initially to allow for alignment adjustment.
8. 8

   Torque sway bar bracket bolts
   With the sway bar positioned and brackets aligned, torque all bracket bolts to specification. Torque in a cross-pattern if applicable to ensure even clamping pressure on the bushings.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect left sway bar end link
   Position the left end link between the sway bar and lower control arm. Install the lower nut first, threading it onto the ball stud. Then install the upper nut. Do not fully torque yet.
10. 10

    Connect right sway bar end link
    Repeat the end link installation on the right side, installing both upper and lower nuts finger-tight.
11. 11

    Torque sway bar end link nuts
    Using an Allen key to hold each ball stud stationary, torque all end link nuts (both upper and lower on each side) to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification using a star pattern. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Perform final torque check on lug nuts with vehicle weight on wheels.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bracket bolts and end link nuts are torqued to specification
2. Verify sway bar is centered with equal extension on both sides
3. Check that end links move freely through their range of motion without binding
4. Wheels must be torqued in star pattern to manufacturer specification

Verification

• Visually inspect that all fasteners are installed and tight
• With vehicle on the ground, push down on each front corner and verify sway bar does not contact other components or make noise
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or rattling from front suspension over bumps
• Perform visual inspection after first 50 miles to ensure all fasteners remain tight

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