Coil Springs - Front Pair

Replace both front coil springs on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including disassembly of front suspension components and safe spring compression/decompression procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper strut mount nut (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Lower control arm fasteners (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-specified front lift point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at reinforced frame rails behind front suspension crossmember
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes
8. Verify spring compressor tool is in good condition with no damaged threads or bent components

Procedure

1. 1

   Support lower control arm
   Position floor jack under the lower control arm near the spring perch to support the weight of the suspension. Raise jack just enough to take tension off components but not enough to compress suspension significantly. This will control descent when fasteners are removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect front sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting the front sway bar to the lower control arm. Using appropriate socket, remove the lower end link nut and bolt. Support the end link to prevent it from hanging on the sway bar. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt connecting the shock to the lower control arm. Remove this bolt completely using a socket and breaker bar if necessary. The shock will remain attached at the upper mount. Allow shock to hang freely or secure with wire to prevent damage to brake lines.
4. 4

   Disconnect outer tie rod end
   Remove the castle nut securing the outer tie rod end to the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end taper from the knuckle. Do not hammer directly on threads. Mark the position of the tie rod end on the tie rod threads with a paint pen before loosening the jam nut, then back off the tie rod end to provide clearance for spring removal.
5. 5

   Disconnect upper ball joint
   Remove the upper ball joint nut from the upper control arm where it connects to the steering knuckle. Use ball joint separator tool to break the taper joint free. The knuckle assembly will now pivot on the lower ball joint. Support the knuckle and brake assembly to prevent strain on brake hose.
6. 6

   Lower control arm and expose spring
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the lower control arm. As the arm descends, the coil spring will extend and become accessible. Lower only enough to access the spring fully. The spring should still be somewhat compressed between the upper spring seat and lower control arm perch.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   With the spring partially extended, install the spring compressor tool according to manufacturer instructions. Ensure compressor hooks engage at least 3 full coils and are positioned opposite each other (180 degrees apart) for balanced compression. If using a dual-hook design, engage both sides evenly. Verify hooks are fully seated in coil valleys and cannot slip.
8. 8

   Compress spring
   Using the spring compressor tool, gradually and evenly compress the spring. Alternate between compression points if using multiple compressor assemblies to maintain even compression. Compress until all load is removed from both the upper spring seat and lower control arm perch. Tap the spring lightly to verify it is free from both seats.
9. 9

   Remove compressed spring assembly
   With spring fully compressed and no longer under load from suspension, carefully remove the spring from between the upper spring seat and lower control arm. Note the orientation of any spring insulators or rubber pads on top or bottom of spring. Keep spring compressor engaged and under full compression for safety. Remove and inspect upper and lower spring isolators for damage or degradation.
10. 10

    Release old spring and prepare new spring
    Place the old compressed spring in a safe location with adequate clearance. Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor to allow old spring to expand fully. Transfer spring isolators to new spring if reusing (ensure they are in good condition). Position new spring in compressor tool and compress it to the same length as the old spring was when removed from vehicle. Ensure isolators are properly positioned on new spring.
11. 11

    Install new spring
    Carefully guide the new compressed spring into position between the lower control arm spring perch and upper spring seat mount. Ensure spring end coils are properly seated in the shaped pockets of both seats and that any positioning tabs on isolators align correctly. Verify spring orientation matches original installation.
12. 12

    Raise lower control arm and load spring
    Using the floor jack under the lower control arm, slowly raise the arm. As it rises, the spring will begin to take load. Continue raising until the suspension geometry approaches normal ride height position. This will allow shock absorber and ball joint reconnection. Monitor spring compressor to ensure it does not bind as spring loads.
13. 13

    Release spring compressor
    With suspension at near ride height and spring fully seated in both upper and lower perches, carefully and gradually release the spring compressor tool. Ensure spring remains properly seated as compressor tension is released. Once fully released and spring is carrying full suspension load, remove compressor tool completely.
14. 14

    Reconnect upper ball joint
    Align the steering knuckle with the upper ball joint stud and guide stud through knuckle. Install upper ball joint nut and tighten to specification. Install new cotter pin if applicable. Ensure ball joint taper is fully seated in knuckle bore.
15. 15

    Reconnect tie rod end and shock absorber
    Thread the outer tie rod end back to the previously marked position on the tie rod threads and tighten jam nut. Insert tie rod end stud into steering knuckle and install castle nut to specification, then install cotter pin. Reconnect shock absorber lower mounting bolt through lower control arm and tighten to specification. Reconnect sway bar end link with proper washer/bushing orientation and tighten fastener.
16. 16

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Follow steps 1 through 15 exactly for the opposite side front spring. Maintain consistency in procedures and torque specifications. Ensure spring compressor is in good condition before second side installation.
17. 17

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern.

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners must be torqued to specification with vehicle at normal ride height or with suspension loaded to simulate ride height
2. Replace any castle nuts that cannot accept cotter pins due to misalignment by tightening further to next cotter pin slot (never loosen to align)
3. Inspect all rubber bushings, isolators and bump stops during reassembly and replace any that show cracking, tearing or permanent compression

Verification

• Bounce front end of vehicle several times and verify no abnormal noises or binding in suspension travel
• Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and cotter pins are installed where applicable
• Check that springs are properly seated in upper and lower perches with no visible gaps or misalignment
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify normal suspension function and steering response
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately after spring replacement to restore proper suspension geometry and prevent tire wear

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