Sway Bar Link - Front

This procedure covers removal and installation of the front sway bar end links on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including fastener removal, link replacement, and torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front sway bar link (left) × 1 — Mopar 68003706AA or equivalent
• Front sway bar link (right) × 1 — Mopar 68003706AA or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under front frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate sway bar links
   Position yourself under the front of the vehicle. The sway bar links connect the front sway bar (anti-roll bar) to the lower control arms. Each link consists of a vertical rod with ball joints at each end, secured by nuts at the top (sway bar) and bottom (control arm). Identify the link to be replaced.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil (if needed)
   If the vehicle has significant mileage or exposure to road salt, spray penetrating oil on both the upper and lower link nuts. Allow 10-15 minutes for penetration before attempting removal. This will help prevent stud spinning during disassembly.
3. 3

   Remove lower link nut
   Locate the lower mounting point where the sway bar link attaches to the lower control arm. Insert an Allen key into the hex socket at the end of the link stud to hold it stationary (verify the correct hex size for this link). Using the correct wrench for the link nut, remove the nut from the bottom of the link. If the stud spins despite holding the Allen key, apply additional clamping pressure or use locking pliers on the stud below the control arm.
4. 4

   Remove upper link nut
   Locate the upper mounting point where the sway bar link attaches to the sway bar itself. Insert the Allen key into the hex socket at the end of the upper stud to hold it stationary (verify correct hex size). Using the correct wrench for the link nut, remove the nut from the top of the link. The link should now be free from both mounting points.
5. 5

   Remove sway bar link
   Pull the sway bar link downward and away from the lower control arm. Maneuver the link out of the mounting locations. If the link studs are seized in the mounting holes, tap them gently with a plastic mallet to break them free. Inspect the mounting holes in both the control arm and sway bar for damage or elongation.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces on both the sway bar and lower control arm where the link attaches. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris. Inspect the sway bar bushings in the frame brackets for tears, deterioration, or excessive wear. Check that the sway bar itself is not bent or damaged.
7. 7

   Install new sway bar link
   Position the new sway bar link between the sway bar and lower control arm. Insert the lower stud through the mounting hole in the lower control arm from below, ensuring the ball joint seats properly. Insert the upper stud through the mounting hole in the sway bar. Thread both nuts onto the studs by hand, but do not tighten yet. Verify the link is properly aligned and not cross-threaded.
8. 8

   Torque sway bar link nuts
   Insert the correctly sized Allen key into the hex socket of the lower stud to prevent rotation (verify hex size). Using a torque wrench and the correct socket, torque the lower nut to the factory-specified value (verify spec in service manual). Repeat for the upper nut: hold the stud with the Allen key and torque the upper nut to specification. Ensure the studs do not rotate during torquing, as this can damage the ball joint seals.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Repeat for opposite side
   If replacing both front sway bar links (recommended for balanced handling), repeat steps 3 through 8 for the opposite side of the vehicle. Replace links in pairs to maintain consistent suspension performance and prevent uneven wear.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount the front wheels onto the wheel hubs, ensuring the mounting surfaces are clean. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand wrench, but do not torque yet.
11. 11

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the wheel lug nuts to the manufacturer specification (verify factory lug nut torque for a 2005 Viper) in a star pattern. Remove wheel chocks.

Reassembly

1. Installation is performed during the main procedure steps
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with the vehicle at normal ride height
3. Double-check that Allen key hex sockets in link studs did not spin during torquing

Verification

• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary, listening for any clicking or clunking from the front suspension
• Perform a test drive at low speed over uneven pavement and through gentle turns to verify no unusual noises or handling issues
• Visually inspect the installed links for proper alignment and verify both upper and lower nuts are tight
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check the torque on all sway bar link nuts to ensure they have not loosened

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