Driveshaft - Front

Removal and installation of the front driveshaft on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including disconnection from transmission and differential flanges and center support bearing removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front driveshaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, solid surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-recommended lift points
4. Support vehicle securely on jack stands under frame rails
5. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle has been recently operated
6. Verify adequate working clearance beneath vehicle for driveshaft removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft-to-flange alignment
   Using a marker or paint pen, make alignment marks on the front driveshaft flange and the transmission output flange. Repeat this process at the rear of the front driveshaft where it connects to the center support bearing or intermediate shaft flange. These marks are critical for maintaining driveline balance and phasing during reinstallation.
2. 2

   Remove transmission flange bolts
   Locate the 4 bolts securing the front driveshaft yoke or flange to the transmission output flange. Using a socket and breaker bar, loosen and remove all 4 bolts. Retain the bolts if they are not torque-to-yield design; inspect threads for damage or stretching. Support the driveshaft to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts (CV/U-Joint)75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate driveshaft from transmission flange
   Carefully pull the driveshaft flange rearward to separate it from the transmission output flange. If the connection is tight, use a pry bar between the flanges to gently lever them apart. Once separated, support the driveshaft weight or tie it up temporarily to prevent stress on the center support bearing.
4. 4

   Remove center support bearing bracket bolts
   Locate the center support bearing mounted to the vehicle underbody crossmember or frame. Remove the 2 bolts securing the center support bearing bracket to the chassis using an appropriate metric socket. The bearing assembly will remain attached to the driveshaft.
   Torque spec

   Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove rear flange connection bolts
   At the rear of the front driveshaft section (where it connects to either the rear driveshaft or differential input flange), remove the 4 flange bolts. Use a socket to remove each bolt while supporting the driveshaft to prevent it from falling. Inspect bolts for torque-to-yield markings or necking.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts (CV/U-Joint)75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove front driveshaft assembly
   With all fasteners removed, carefully lower and slide the front driveshaft assembly out from under the vehicle. The assembly includes the driveshaft tube, center support bearing, and both end flanges or yokes. Maneuver carefully to avoid striking exhaust components or frame members. Place the driveshaft on a clean work surface for inspection.
7. 7

   Inspect center support bearing and CV/U-joints
   With the driveshaft removed, inspect the center support bearing for play, noise, or rubber deterioration. Check both CV joints or U-joints for excessive play, torn boots, or binding. Rotate all joints by hand to feel for rough spots or resistance. Inspect the driveshaft tube for damage, dents, or imbalance. Replace any worn components before reinstallation.
8. 8

   Install front driveshaft assembly
   Position the front driveshaft assembly under the vehicle and guide it into place. Align the rear flange first, matching the alignment marks made during removal. Install the 4 rear flange bolts finger-tight but do not torque yet. Position the center support bearing bracket to the chassis mounting location and install the 2 bracket bolts finger-tight.
9. 9

   Connect driveshaft to transmission flange
   Align the front driveshaft flange with the transmission output flange, matching the alignment marks made during removal. Install the 4 front flange bolts finger-tight. Verify all alignment marks are properly indexed at both ends of the driveshaft before proceeding to torque specifications.
10. 10

    Torque center support bearing bracket bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the 2 center support bearing bracket bolts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a cross pattern to ensure even mounting. Verify the bearing bracket sits flush against the crossmember or frame mounting surface.
    Torque spec

    Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque all driveshaft flange bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the 4 rear flange bolts to 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) in a cross pattern. Then torque the 4 front flange bolts (at transmission) to 75 Nm (55 lb-ft) in a cross pattern. If the bolts are torque-to-yield design, use new bolts and follow the manufacturer's torque sequence. Verify all fasteners are properly seated and torqued.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts (CV/U-Joint)75 Nm (55 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all alignment marks are properly indexed to maintain driveline balance
2. Use new flange bolts if originals show signs of stretching or are torque-to-yield design
3. Verify center support bearing bracket is properly seated before final torque
4. Double-check all torque values with a calibrated torque wrench

Verification

• Rotate the driveshaft by hand (if possible with transmission in neutral) to ensure smooth rotation without binding
• Verify all flange bolts are torqued to specification and properly seated
• Check that center support bearing has no excessive play or misalignment
• Lower vehicle and test drive at low speed, listening for vibration, clicking, or clunking noises from driveline
• Re-check all fasteners after initial test drive for proper torque retention

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