Sway Bar Links - Front Pair

Replacement of both front sway bar links (end links) on a 2005 Dodge Viper, connecting the sway bar to the control arms or knuckles.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link (left) × 1 — Mopar 68003699AA or equivalent
• Front sway bar link (right) × 1 — Mopar 68003699AA or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, stable surface and engage parking brake.
2. Chock rear wheels securely.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground.
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points.
6. Remove both front wheels completely.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect sway bar link condition
   Locate the front sway bar links connecting the sway bar to the lower control arms. Visually inspect both links for wear, torn boots, excessive play, or corrosion. The Viper sway bar links consist of a ball-stud design with protective boots at each end. Note the orientation of washers and bushings if visible for proper reassembly reference.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil (if needed)
   If fasteners show corrosion or the vehicle operates in salt/rust-prone environments, spray penetrating oil on the top and bottom sway bar link nuts and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes. This step is optional for low-mileage vehicles in dry climates.
3. 3

   Remove lower sway bar link nut (driver side)
   On the driver-side link, locate the lower nut where the link attaches to the lower control arm. Insert the appropriately sized Allen key into the top of the ball stud shaft to prevent it from spinning (verify hex size on the actual link). Using the correct wrench for the link nut, loosen and remove the lower nut. If the stud spins despite holding with the Allen key, use locking pliers on the ball stud base (avoiding damage to threads) or cut the nut if severely seized.
4. 4

   Remove upper sway bar link nut (driver side)
   Locate the upper nut where the link attaches to the sway bar itself. Again using the 6mm Allen key to hold the stud, remove the upper nut with the 18mm wrench. Once both nuts are removed, extract the link along with any washers or bushings. Keep hardware organized and note the order of bushings/washers if they differ from the new link kit.
5. 5

   Remove passenger-side sway bar link
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger-side sway bar link: hold the ball stud with the 6mm Allen key and remove both the lower nut (at control arm) and upper nut (at sway bar) using the 18mm wrench. Extract the link and retain all hardware for comparison with replacement parts.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar and control arm mounting surfaces where the links attach. Remove any corrosion, dirt, or old bushing material to ensure proper seating of new links and accurate torque readings.
7. 7

   Install new driver-side sway bar link
   Position the new driver-side link between the sway bar and lower control arm. Install the link with the ball studs facing inward (Allen key access from the inside). Thread the lower nut onto the control arm stud and the upper nut onto the sway bar stud. Hand-tighten both nuts but do not torque yet. Ensure any included washers or bushings are installed in the correct order per the replacement kit instructions.
8. 8

   Install new passenger-side sway bar link
   Install the passenger-side link in the same manner: position between sway bar and control arm, thread both upper and lower nuts hand-tight, ensuring correct bushing/washer orientation. Verify both links move freely without binding before proceeding to torque.
9. 9

   Torque sway bar link fasteners
   Starting with the driver side, insert the 6mm Allen key into the ball stud to prevent rotation. Torque the lower nut (at control arm) and upper nut (at sway bar) to the factory-specified value for the 2005 Viper sway bar link nuts (verify in service manual). Repeat the process for the passenger-side link, torquing both upper and lower nuts to specification. Double-check that the Allen key is securely engaged during torquing to prevent stud damage.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Verify link installation
    Inspect both installed links to confirm nuts are fully seated, bushings are not crushed or misaligned, and protective boots (if equipped) are properly positioned. Manually articulate the suspension slightly by pushing down on the control arm to verify the links move smoothly without binding or unusual noise.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both front wheels and thread lug nuts hand-tight.
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands using the floor jack until wheels contact the ground but vehicle weight is not fully on wheels.
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification (typically 135 Nm / 100 lb-ft for Viper, verify in owner's manual) in a star pattern.
4. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack and jack stands.
5. Remove wheel chocks.

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed over smooth surfaces first, then over moderate bumps, listening for clunking or knocking from the front suspension.
• Verify improved handling response in turns if previous links were worn.
• After 50-100 miles, re-inspect sway bar link nuts for proper torque retention and check for any looseness or abnormal wear.
• Confirm no unusual tire wear patterns develop after link replacement.

More procedures for this vehicle