Engine Mount - Front

This procedure removes and replaces the front engine mount on a 2005 Dodge Viper 8.3L V10, requiring engine support and access from below the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front engine mount assembly × 1 — Mopar 05066424AA or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine and exhaust system to cool completely (minimum 2 hours)
4. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
5. Raise vehicle on lift or safely support on jack stands with sufficient clearance to work underneath
6. Remove front underbody splash shields if equipped to access engine mount area

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare Engine Support
   Position a floor jack with a wooden block (minimum 2x6 inch lumber) under the engine oil pan. The jack should be positioned slightly forward of center on the oil pan to distribute load safely. Raise the jack until it just contacts the oil pan but does not lift the engine yet. This jack will support the engine once the mount is disconnected.
2. 2

   Locate Front Engine Mount
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the front engine mount assembly at the front center of the engine block. The mount consists of an upper bracket bolted to the engine block, a rubber isolator assembly, and a lower bracket bolted to the front crossmember/frame. Note the position and orientation of all components for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove Through-Bolt
   Locate the through-bolt that passes horizontally through the center of the engine mount assembly, securing the rubber isolator between the upper and lower brackets. Using a wrench to hold the nut on one side, remove the through-bolt using a socket on the opposite side. The through-bolt is typically 18mm. Remove the bolt completely and retain hardware.
   Torque spec

   Through-Bolt85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Support Engine Weight
   Carefully raise the floor jack to lift the engine approximately 1-2 inches. This relieves all load from the front engine mount and creates clearance for removal. Raise slowly and watch for any interference with surrounding components. The engine should rise evenly; if it tilts excessively, reposition the jack.
5. 5

   Remove Engine Mount-to-Block Fasteners
   Remove the bolts securing the upper engine mount bracket to the engine block. There are 2 bolts attaching the mount bracket to the front of the engine block, typically 15mm head size. Support the mount assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove Engine Mount-to-Frame Fasteners
   Remove the bolts securing the lower engine mount bracket to the front crossmember/frame. There are 2 bolts attaching the lower bracket to the frame, typically 18mm head size. Once these bolts are removed, the entire mount assembly can be withdrawn from the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove Engine Mount Assembly
   Carefully maneuver the front engine mount assembly out from between the engine and crossmember. Depending on clearance, you may need to rotate or angle the mount to extract it. Inspect the removed mount for oil contamination, torn rubber, or collapsed isolator material to confirm replacement is necessary.
8. 8

   Clean Mounting Surfaces
   Using a wire brush or scraper, clean the engine block mounting surface and the frame mounting surface. Remove any corrosion, dirt, or old gasket material. Clean mounting surfaces ensure proper seating and accurate torque readings during installation.
9. 9

   Install New Engine Mount Assembly
   Position the new front engine mount assembly between the engine block and front crossmember. Align the lower bracket with the frame mounting holes first, then align the upper bracket with the engine block mounting holes. The mount orientation must match the original installation with the isolator properly positioned between brackets.
10. 10

    Install Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts
    Install the 2 bolts securing the lower mount bracket to the front crossmember/frame. Thread bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Snug the bolts but do not torque yet, allowing some movement for final alignment.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts
    Install the 2 bolts securing the upper mount bracket to the engine block. Thread bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Snug the bolts but do not torque yet.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Lower Engine onto Mount
    Carefully lower the floor jack to settle the engine weight onto the new mount assembly. Lower slowly and ensure the engine settles evenly onto the mount isolator. Once the engine weight is fully transferred, the mount should compress slightly and all brackets should align properly.
13. 13

    Install and Torque Through-Bolt
    Install the through-bolt through the center of the engine mount assembly, passing through both brackets and the rubber isolator. Install the nut on the opposite side. Torque the through-bolt to 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) using a torque wrench while holding the nut with a wrench to prevent rotation.
    Torque spec

    Through-Bolt85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts
    Using a torque wrench, torque the 2 engine mount-to-block bolts to 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern to ensure even loading. Verify both bolts reach specified torque.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Torque Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts
    Using a torque wrench, torque the 2 engine mount-to-frame bolts to 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern. Verify both bolts reach specified torque. All mount fasteners are now properly secured.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Remove Engine Support and Reinstall Shields
    Carefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the engine oil pan. Reinstall any front underbody splash shields that were removed for access. Lower the vehicle from the lift or jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable
2. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from engine bay and underneath vehicle
3. Check that all fasteners have been properly torqued per specifications

Verification

• Start the engine and observe the front mount area for excessive movement or vibration
• With engine running, shift between Drive, Reverse, and Park while observing engine movement - mount should limit movement without excessive deflection
• Listen for any clunking or knocking sounds during throttle application that would indicate loose mount hardware
• Perform a test drive and verify no abnormal engine movement or vibration during acceleration and deceleration
• Re-inspect all mount fasteners after the first 50-100 miles of operation to confirm torque retention

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