Engine Mount - Strut

Replacement of the front strut-type engine mount on the 2008 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10, which supports the front of the engine and absorbs vibration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front engine mount (strut-type) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Verify engine is cold to the touch before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts during work
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove engine cover if equipped (typically pulls up from retaining grommets)
6. Visually identify the front strut-type engine mount location - it connects the front of the engine block to the front crossmember/subframe
7. Spray all mount fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if vehicle has significant corrosion or mileage

Procedure

1. 1

   Install engine support system
   Install an engine support fixture across the engine bay or position an overhead hoist with proper lifting points on the engine. The engine must be supported independently of the mounts before any mount fasteners are removed. If using an overhead hoist, attach lifting chains or slings only to verified factory lifting points; confirm the correct lifting eye locations in the factory service manual before applying load. Apply slight upward tension to just begin unloading the mounts, but do not lift the engine yet. Verify the support is stable and centered before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove underbody access panels
   From underneath the vehicle, locate and remove any underbody panels or splash shields that obstruct access to the front engine mount area. Check for plastic clips, push pins, or fasteners securing these panels. Remove fasteners and set panels aside. Note the location and orientation of any alignment features for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Identify mount fasteners
   Locate the strut-type engine mount assembly. This mount typically has an upper bracket that bolts to the engine block and a lower bracket that bolts to the front crossmember or subframe. Identify all fasteners: there are typically 2-3 bolts securing the upper bracket to the engine and 2-3 bolts or studs with nuts securing the lower bracket to the frame. Clean the fastener heads to determine the correct socket size needed.
   ⚠Do not remove any fasteners until the engine is properly supported. Removing fasteners with the engine weight on the mount can cause fasteners to bind or the engine to shift suddenly.
4. 4

   Raise engine slightly
   Using the engine support fixture or hoist, carefully raise the engine approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch to unload the strut mount completely. The engine should lift just enough to create visible clearance between the mount components. Monitor for any binding of hoses, wiring, or other components as the engine rises. Do not raise the engine more than necessary as this can stress other mounts and connected components.
5. 5

   Remove upper mount fasteners
   Remove the upper mounting bolts that secure the mount bracket to the engine block. Fastener head size is unverified for this platform; measure the fastener heads and confirm against the factory service manual before selecting a socket. There are usually 2-3 bolts depending on the specific mount design. Use a breaker bar if fasteners are tight. Support the mount with one hand as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove lower mount fasteners
   Remove the lower mounting fasteners that secure the mount bracket to the front crossmember or subframe. These may be bolts from underneath or nuts on studs. Fastener head size is unverified for this platform; measure the fasteners and confirm against the factory service manual before selecting a socket. Remove all lower fasteners while supporting the mount assembly.
7. 7

   Remove strut mount assembly
   Carefully remove the complete strut mount assembly from between the engine and crossmember. The mount may need to be maneuvered or rotated slightly to clear surrounding components. Inspect the mounting surfaces on both the engine block and crossmember for damage, cracks, or elongated bolt holes. If any structural damage is present, do not proceed - the vehicle requires professional evaluation.
8. 8

   Inspect and compare parts
   Compare the new strut mount to the old mount to verify correct part. Check that all mounting hole patterns match and that any integral brackets or studs are in the same positions. Inspect the rubber isolator portion of the new mount for any shipping damage, cracks, or separation from the metal components. The new mount should be free of any oil contamination.
9. 9

   Install new strut mount
   Position the new strut mount assembly between the engine block and crossmember. Align the mounting holes with the engine block first. Thread the upper mounting bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once upper bolts are started, align the lower bracket with the crossmember and thread lower fasteners by hand. Do not fully tighten any fasteners yet - all should be snug but still allow slight movement for final alignment.
10. 10

    Lower engine onto mount
    Using the engine support fixture or hoist, carefully lower the engine down onto the new strut mount. Lower slowly while monitoring all fasteners to ensure proper alignment. Once the engine weight is fully transferred to the mount, verify that the mount is centered and all mounting surfaces are properly seated. The mount rubber should be slightly compressed but not bottomed out.
11. 11

    Torque mount fasteners
    Torque all mount fasteners to specification. Begin with the upper bolts securing the mount to the engine block. Torque all mount fasteners to the exact values specified in the factory service manual for the 2008 Viper 8.4L V10 strut mount. Do not apply estimated torque values to this structural component; verify each spec before final tightening. After all fasteners are torqued, remove the engine support fixture or hoist carefully.
    ℹ️Torque specifications are estimates based on typical Dodge applications. Verify exact specifications in factory service manual when available.
12. 12

    Reinstall underbody panels
    Reinstall any underbody panels or splash shields that were removed in step 2. Ensure all fasteners, clips, or push pins are properly seated. Verify that panels are correctly aligned and do not contact any moving components or hot exhaust surfaces.
13. 13

    Reinstall engine cover and battery
    Reinstall the engine cover if it was removed, ensuring all mounting grommets are properly seated. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Lower the vehicle from jack stands carefully and remove the floor jack.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification - engine mount fasteners are critical structural components
2. Engine support equipment must remain in place until all mount fasteners are installed and properly torqued
3. Verify no tools, rags, or parts have been left in the engine compartment before starting the engine

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no abnormal vibration or movement is present at idle
• With engine running, have an assistant shift transmission into drive (automatic) or release clutch slightly in first gear (manual) while brakes are applied - engine should move minimally with no clunking or excessive motion
• Visually inspect the new mount from underneath with engine running - rubber should compress and decompress smoothly during throttle application with no metal-to-metal contact
• Test drive the vehicle and verify no vibration, clunking during acceleration/deceleration, or abnormal driveline noise is present
• After test drive, re-inspect all mount fasteners for tightness and verify no loosening has occurred

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