Coil Spring - Front

This procedure removes and replaces the front coil springs on a 2005 Dodge Viper, requiring strut disassembly and use of a spring compressor to safely handle compressed spring energy.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent performance spring
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent performance spring
• Strut mount bearing (if worn) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly
• Upper strut mount isolator (if worn) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove.
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift points.
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight (approximately 3,300 lbs).
5. Remove front wheels completely.
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak while preparing tools.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. Hold the ball joint shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the lower nut securing the end link to the control arm. Swing the end link away from the control arm to provide clearance.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect lower ball joint from steering knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the lower ball joint stud where it connects to the steering knuckle. Using a pickle fork or ball joint separator, separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Strike the separator firmly but avoid damaging the ball joint boot if reusing the control arm. Note: If the lower ball joint must be separated for clearance, note that the lower control arm is under load until the coil-over is removed. Support the control arm and keep clear of the drop path before separating the ball joint.
   ⚠️The control arm will drop suddenly when the ball joint separates. Support the control arm or be clear of the drop path.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt securing the bottom of the coil-over shock absorber to the lower control arm. Remove the through-bolt/nut and separate the lower shock eye from the control arm bracket. Support the lower control arm to prevent it from dropping under its own weight.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Locate the upper coil-over mounting point on the frame/upper bracket. Remove the fasteners securing the upper shock mount to the chassis (verify count and torque against factory service manual). Do not remove the large center shaft nut at this time. With the lower connection already freed, carefully remove the entire coil-over assembly from the vehicle.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant help guide it out, or support it carefully to avoid damaging brake lines or ABS wiring.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or strut holding fixture. Install the spring compressor onto the coil spring according to the compressor manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks engage securely on opposite sides of the spring, positioned at least 3-4 coils apart. Before compressing, verify all compressor hardware is tight and properly seated.
   ⚠️Verify the spring compressor is rated for the Viper's high-rate springs. Cheap or undersized compressors can fail catastrophically.
6. 6

   Compress spring and remove strut shaft nut
   Gradually and evenly compress the spring by alternating between the two compressor adjusters. Compress until the spring tension is released from the upper mount (the mount should move freely when touched). Hold the strut shaft with an Allen key or appropriate tool to prevent rotation, then remove the large center shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mount, bearing plate, and upper spring isolator, noting their orientation and order.
   ⚠️Never remove the shaft nut without fully compressing the spring first. The upper mount will eject violently if spring tension remains.
7. 7

   Remove old coil spring
   With the shaft nut removed, carefully remove the compressed spring from the strut assembly while keeping the compressor installed. Note the orientation of any lower spring isolator or seat. Set the compressed spring aside in a safe location where it cannot be disturbed. Inspect the strut mount bearing, upper isolator, and bump stop for wear or damage.
   ⚠Keep the spring compressor installed and maintain compression. Do not release the compressor until ready to install the new spring.
8. 8

   Install new coil spring on strut
   Install the spring compressor on the new coil spring, compressing it to the same length as the old spring was compressed. Position any lower spring isolator or seat onto the strut body in the correct orientation. Carefully slide the compressed new spring over the strut shaft, ensuring the bottom coil seats properly in the lower spring seat and any alignment tabs or marks are correctly positioned.
   ℹ️Match the orientation marks made during disassembly to ensure correct spring clocking.
9. 9

   Install upper mount components and shaft nut
   Install the upper spring isolator, bearing plate, and upper mount in the reverse order of removal, ensuring correct orientation. Thread the shaft nut onto the strut shaft finger-tight. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and tighten the nut to specification using a torque wrench. Once the nut is torqued, carefully and evenly release the spring compressor tension by alternating between adjusters. Verify the spring seats properly in both upper and lower seats as tension is released. Note: Torque specification for the front coil-over shock absorber piston-rod upper nut on 2005 Dodge Viper with 8.3L V10 (verify against factory service manual)
10. 10

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Guide the strut assembly back into position, aligning the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Have an assistant help position the assembly from below while you align from above. Install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight initially. Raise the steering knuckle to align with the strut mounting bracket and install the two strut-to-knuckle bolts.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect lower ball joint
    Raise the lower control arm to align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut onto the ball joint stud and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and stud, bending the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    Position the sway bar end link back onto the lower control arm mounting point. Install the nut while holding the ball joint shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub, threading all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued. Carefully lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-13 for the opposite front corner to replace the second coil spring. Both sides must be replaced to maintain balanced handling characteristics.
15. 15

    Final torque check and settling
    With the vehicle on the ground and at normal ride height, perform a final verification that all fasteners are torqued to specification. Bounce each front corner several times to settle the suspension, then re-check torque on all critical fasteners. Check that the wheels turn freely without binding or unusual noise.

Reassembly

1. Installation is performed as part of the main procedure steps.
2. Ensure spring orientation matches the marks made during disassembly.
3. All suspension fasteners must be torqued with the vehicle at normal ride height for proper preload.
4. Replace any worn bearings, mounts, or isolators discovered during inspection.

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock to verify no binding or interference.
• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues.
• Verify the ride height is even side-to-side and matches pre-service height.
• Re-torque all suspension fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving.
• Have a professional alignment performed immediately after this service to ensure proper suspension geometry and tire wear characteristics.

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