Coil Spring - Front

Remove and replace the front coil springs on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including disassembly of the front suspension strut assembly to access the spring.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent for 2008 Viper
• Strut mount bearing (if worn) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly
• Upper strut mount hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Optional replacement

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove).
3. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at designated jacking points.
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under the frame rails.
5. Remove front wheels completely.
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes.

Procedure

1. 1

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the ball joint. Raise the jack just enough to take the load off the suspension but not to lift the vehicle. This keeps the suspension in a neutral position during strut removal.
2. 2

   Remove upper strut mounting nuts
   Locate the upper mounting fastener(s) for the coil-over shock assembly at the upper attachment point. Remove the upper shock mounting bolt(s). VERIFY exact fastener location and count against the factory service manual, as the Viper uses a coil-over shock (not a strut tower).
3. 3

   Disconnect brake line bracket
   Locate the brake line bracket attached to the strut body. Remove the fastener securing the brake line bracket to the strut. Do not disconnect the brake line itself, only unbolt the bracket from the strut to allow separation.
4. 4

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   If the ABS wheel speed sensor wire is routed through or clipped to the strut, disconnect or unclip it. Note the routing for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the lower mounting bolt securing the coil-over shock to the lower control arm. Remove the lower shock through-bolt. This is a large bolt and may require a breaker bar. Support the shock assembly as you remove the bolt. VERIFY exact lower fastener count/location against the factory service manual.
6. 6

   Remove strut assembly
   With the upper and lower shock fasteners removed, carefully lower the jack slightly under the lower control arm to relieve spring tension, then guide the coil-over shock assembly out from the wheel well. Remove the assembly from the vehicle and place on a secure work surface. VERIFY the removal sequence against the factory service manual.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   Mount the coil spring compressor tool onto the coil spring, ensuring the compressor hooks are properly seated in the spring coils. Install compressor components on opposite sides of the spring for balanced compression. Follow the spring compressor manufacturer's instructions carefully.
8. 8

   Compress coil spring
   Gradually tighten the spring compressor in an alternating pattern (tighten one side, then the other) to compress the spring evenly. Continue compressing until the spring tension is relieved from the upper strut mount and there is visible gap between the spring and the upper mount seat. The spring must be compressed enough that the upper mount can move freely.
   ⚠️Never place any body part in the path of the spring during compression. Ensure the compressor is properly engaged before applying tension. Compress slowly and check for even compression on both sides.
9. 9

   Remove upper strut shaft nut
   Hold the strut shaft center rod with a wrench to prevent rotation. Remove the upper strut shaft nut using the appropriate socket. Once the nut is removed, carefully note the order of washers, bushings, and mounting plates for reassembly.
10. 10

    Disassemble strut components
    Remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, upper spring seat, and dust boot from the strut shaft. Carefully release tension on the spring compressor and remove the compressed spring from the strut. Inspect the upper mount bearing for smooth rotation and the mount rubber for cracking or deterioration. Replace if worn.
11. 11

    Install new coil spring
    Install the coil spring compressor onto the new coil spring using the same technique as removal. Compress the new spring until it can be installed onto the strut shaft with clearance for the upper mount. Ensure the spring end is properly seated in the lower spring seat on the strut body. The spring orientation matters—the end with the tighter coil spacing or painted marking typically goes on bottom (verify against old spring orientation).
12. 12

    Reassemble strut mount
    Install the dust boot, upper spring seat, bearing plate (ensure correct orientation), and upper strut mount onto the strut shaft in the reverse order of disassembly. Thread the upper strut shaft nut onto the shaft and tighten while holding the shaft with a wrench to prevent rotation. The nut must be tightened sufficiently to secure all components before releasing spring tension.
13. 13

    Release spring compressor
    Slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressor, alternating sides to maintain even decompression. As the spring expands, verify that it seats properly in both the upper and lower spring seats. Once fully decompressed and seated, remove the spring compressor tool completely.
    ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Monitor that the spring remains seated properly as it expands. If the spring begins to slip or bind, stop immediately and recompress to correct the position.
14. 14

    Install strut assembly
    Raise the assembled coil-over shock into position, aligning the upper mounting point first and installing the upper bolt(s) hand-tight. Use the floor jack under the lower control arm to align the lower mounting bolt hole and install the lower through-bolt. Torque all fasteners to factory specification with the suspension at ride height where required. VERIFY mounting points against the factory service manual.
15. 15

    Reconnect brake and ABS components
    Reattach the brake line bracket to the strut using the original fastener. Reconnect or reclip the ABS wheel speed sensor wire following the original routing path. Ensure no wires or lines are pinched or stressed.
16. 16

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 15 for the opposite front coil spring. Both front springs should be replaced as a pair to maintain even ride height and handling characteristics.
17. 17

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Once the vehicle weight is on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Torque all suspension fasteners to factory specifications (consult service manual for exact values).
2. Double-check that all brake line brackets and ABS sensor wiring are properly secured and routed.
3. Wheel lug nuts must be torqued to specification after vehicle is lowered to the ground.

Verification

• Bounce each front corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension and verify no abnormal noises.
• Visually inspect under the vehicle to ensure all fasteners are installed and tightened.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify normal suspension operation and steering response.
• Have the front wheel alignment checked and adjusted by a professional, as suspension work typically affects alignment settings.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all suspension fastener torque values.

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