Front Struts - Pair

This procedure replaces both front strut assemblies on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including removal of wheels, brake lines, sway bar links, and upper strut mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut assembly (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent performance strut
• Front strut assembly (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent performance strut
• Upper strut mount nuts × 6 — OEM hardware, typically not reusable
• Sway bar link hardware (if damaged) × 1 — Inspect before ordering

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and apply 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 with floor jack at designated front jacking point.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points on frame rails.
6. Remove front wheels completely and set aside.
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes.
8. Inspect brake lines routed near struts for corrosion or damage; plan routing during reassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor and its wiring at the front hub/steering knuckle area, tracing the harness routing along the suspension. Disconnect the electrical connector by depressing the locking tab. Disconnect the electrical connector by depressing the locking tab. Carefully unclip or unbolt the sensor wire from any mounting points along the strut to prevent damage during strut removal. Note the exact routing for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar end link from strut
   Locate the front sway bar end link. Verify whether it attaches to the strut assembly or the lower control arm on this vehicle before disconnecting, as attachment point varies. If attached to the strut, remove the securing nut with two wrenches. Using two wrenches (one to hold the link stud, one to turn the nut), remove the upper nut securing the end link to the strut mounting bracket. The end link will remain attached to the sway bar. If the stud spins, hold it with an Allen key or Torx bit from the top while turning the nut.
3. 3

   Remove brake line bracket from strut
   Identify the brake line bracket or clip securing the flexible brake hose to the strut body. Remove the fastener (typically a bolt or clip) holding the brake line bracket to the strut. Do NOT disconnect the brake line itself unless absolutely necessary. Carefully support the brake line to prevent strain on the connection at the caliper. If removal is required for clearance, use a flare wrench and have DOT 4 brake fluid and bleeding equipment ready.
4. 4

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Locate the lower strut mounting bolts connecting the strut body to the steering knuckle or lower mounting bracket. Consult the factory service manual for the exact count and configuration of lower strut mounting bolts on this vehicle before removal, then remove them completely. Using a socket and wrench, remove both bolts completely. You may need to support the knuckle with a jack to align the holes and ease removal. Note the orientation and any alignment shims or eccentric washers for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Access upper strut mount in engine bay
   Open the hood and locate the upper strut tower on the inner fender panel. Remove any plastic covers or sound insulation covering the top of the strut mount. The upper mount will have several nuts visible from above surrounding the center strut shaft nut; consult the factory service manual for the exact count before proceeding. Clean the area around the nuts with a wire brush if necessary.
6. 6

   Remove upper strut mounting nuts
   Using a socket and wrench, remove the upper strut mounting nuts (count per factory service manual) that secure the strut mount to the strut tower. DO NOT remove the center nut on the strut shaft at this time—it holds the spring under compression. Support the strut from below while removing the last nut to prevent it from dropping.
7. 7

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   With upper nuts removed and lower bolts disconnected, carefully guide the strut assembly down and out from the wheel well. You may need to angle it or compress the suspension slightly to clear the fender and steering components. Have an assistant support the strut from above if needed. Set the strut assembly on a stable workbench for further work.
8. 8

   Transfer components to new strut (if necessary)
   If your replacement struts are complete assemblies with springs and mounts pre-installed, skip to step 10 for the second side. If you are reusing springs or mounts, install a spring compressor on the coil spring following the compressor manufacturer's instructions. Compress the spring evenly until tension is relieved from the upper mount. Remove the center shaft nut while holding the strut shaft from spinning (typically with an Allen key). Carefully remove the upper mount, bearing plate, spring, and any isolators. Inspect all components for wear. Transfer reusable parts to the new strut in reverse order, ensuring proper orientation. Decompress the spring only after the shaft nut is fully tightened.
9. 9

   Repeat removal for opposite side
   Repeat steps 1 through 7 for the opposite front strut. Work on one side at a time to maintain some suspension structure reference and prevent accidental component confusion.
10. 10

    Install new strut assemblies
    Guide the new strut assembly into position from below, aligning the upper mount studs with the holes in the strut tower. Push the assembly up until the studs protrude through the tower. Install the 3 upper mounting nuts and thread them by hand to hold the strut in position, but do not fully tighten yet. Align the lower strut mount with the steering knuckle or mounting bracket, ensuring any alignment shims or eccentric washers are reinstalled in their original positions. Insert the lower mounting bolts and install nuts, threading by hand.
11. 11

    Torque all mounting fasteners
    With suspension at normal ride height (lower vehicle slightly onto jack stands positioned to simulate loaded position, or have assistant sit in vehicle), torque the upper strut mounting nuts evenly to the factory-specified value from the service manual. Torque the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts. Reattach the sway bar end link and torque the nut. All torque values should follow manufacturer specifications from a reliable source such as a factory service manual.
12. 12

    Reconnect brake line and ABS sensor
    Reattach the brake line bracket to the strut body using the original fastener, ensuring the brake line is not kinked, twisted, or under tension. Route and secure the ABS wheel speed sensor wire along the strut and control arm in the exact original path, reconnecting the electrical connector. Verify full steering lock-to-lock does not contact or strain any wires or lines.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand to ensure proper seating. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern while vehicle is still on jack stands (snug but not final torque). Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack, remove jack stands, and lower vehicle completely to ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification (verify factory value in service manual, commonly around 125 ft-lb for this Viper) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to manufacturer specifications—consult factory service manual for exact values not provided in this database.
2. Upper strut mount nuts must be replaced with new hardware per Chrysler specifications.
3. Ensure brake lines have adequate clearance through full suspension travel and steering lock.
4. Verify ABS sensor wiring is securely routed and connectors are fully seated.

Verification

• With vehicle on ground, bounce each corner of the front suspension firmly. Struts should rebound smoothly without noise, binding, or excessive bouncing (more than 1.5 cycles indicates damper failure).
• Inspect all mounting points for proper seating and verify no gaps between strut mount and tower.
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify no interference with brake lines, ABS wiring, or other components.
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for abnormal noises, vibrations, or handling issues. Vehicle should track straight with no pulling.
• Schedule professional four-wheel alignment immediately. Strut replacement significantly affects camber, caster, and toe settings. DO NOT drive vehicle at highway speeds until alignment is verified.

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