Hood Hinge

Procedure to remove and replace the hood hinge assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including disconnecting the hood support strut and removing fasteners securing the hinge to the hood and cowl/fender.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hood hinge assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hood hinge fastener kit (if fasteners are corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and ensure the parking brake is engaged.
2. Place protective blankets or fender covers over the front fenders and cowl area to prevent damage during the procedure.
3. Open the hood fully and secure it in the open position using the factory hood support strut.
4. Have an assistant available to help support and control the hood during hinge removal and installation.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark hinge alignment position
   Before removing any fasteners, use masking tape or a paint pen to carefully mark the exact position of the hinge relative to both the hood and the cowl/fender mounting surface. Mark around the perimeter of the hinge base and the hinge-to-hood attachment points. These alignment marks are critical for proper hood fit during reinstallation.
2. 2

   Disconnect hood support strut
   Locate the hood support strut attached to the hood and hinge assembly. The strut is typically attached with ball-socket or clip-style connections at both ends. Have your assistant support the hood weight. Using a flathead screwdriver if needed, carefully pry or release the strut connection from the hood or hinge bracket. Control the hood as the strut releases, as it will no longer be supported by the strut.
3. 3

   Support the hood
   With the strut disconnected, have your assistant or a hood holding fixture support the hood in a partially open position (approximately 45-60 degrees). Ensure the hood is stable and will not shift during hinge removal. The hood must remain supported throughout the entire removal process.
4. 4

   Remove hood-to-hinge fasteners
   Locate the fasteners securing the hood to the hinge assembly. These are typically located on the underside of the hood where the hinge attaches. The number of bolts per hinge attachment point should be verified against the factory service manual, as the exact count for this vehicle has not been confirmed. Using the appropriate socket, loosen and remove these fasteners while your assistant continues to support the hood. Keep these fasteners organized as they will be reused during installation.
5. 5

   Remove hinge-to-body fasteners
   Locate the fasteners securing the hinge base to the cowl or fender support structure. These are typically visible when the hood is open and may be accessed from the engine bay side. The number of bolts securing the hinge to the body structure should be verified against the factory service manual, as the exact count for this vehicle has not been confirmed. Using the appropriate socket or wrench, remove these fasteners completely. Note any shims, spacers, or alignment washers present and keep them with the fasteners for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove hinge assembly
   With all fasteners removed, carefully separate the hinge assembly from both the hood and the body mounting points. The hinge may need to be maneuvered slightly to clear any alignment pins or locating features. Lift the hinge assembly free and set it aside. Inspect the mounting surfaces on both the hood and body for damage, corrosion, or wear.
7. 7

   Prepare new hinge for installation
   If installing a new hinge, compare it to the old unit to ensure it is the correct part. Transfer any necessary hardware, shims, or spacers from the old hinge to the new one if they are not included with the replacement part. Clean the mounting surfaces on both the hood and body structure, removing any old thread sealant, corrosion, or debris.
8. 8

   Install hinge to body
   Position the new or serviced hinge assembly onto the cowl/fender mounting surface, aligning it with the marks made during removal. Install any shims or spacers in their original positions. Start all 4 body mounting bolts by hand, threading them a few turns to hold the hinge in position. Do not fully tighten at this stage to allow for adjustment during hood alignment.
9. 9

   Attach hinge to hood
   With your assistant supporting the hood, align the hood with the hinge assembly using the alignment marks made during removal. Position the hinge attachment points to the underside of the hood. Start all 3 hood-to-hinge bolts by hand, threading them enough to support the hood but leaving them loose enough for final alignment adjustment.
10. 10

    Align and tighten all fasteners
    Check the hood alignment by slowly closing it partway and observing the gaps and fit relative to the fenders and cowl. Make small adjustments to the hinge position as needed by loosening and repositioning before tightening. Once alignment is satisfactory, fully tighten all hinge-to-body fasteners first, followed by the hood-to-hinge fasteners, torquing each to the factory service manual specification (do not use an unverified torque value). Work in a cross pattern to ensure even clamping.
11. 11

    Reconnect hood support strut
    With the hood supported, reconnect the hood support strut to the hood or hinge bracket mounting point. Ensure the ball-socket or clip connection is fully seated and secure. Test the strut by slowly opening the hood and verifying it supports the hood properly in the fully open position.

Reassembly

1. Reinstallation follows the reverse of removal with emphasis on using the alignment marks to restore original hood position.
2. Do not fully tighten hinge fasteners until hood alignment has been verified by test-fitting the hood closure.
3. After final tightening, verify that all fasteners are secure and that no tools or hardware have been left in the engine bay.

Verification

• Open and close the hood several times to verify smooth operation without binding or interference.
• Check hood panel gaps on all sides (both fenders and cowl) to ensure even spacing and proper alignment.
• Verify the hood latches securely and releases properly without excessive force.
• Inspect the hood support strut function by opening the hood fully and confirming it holds the hood in the open position without sagging.
• Check that there are no rattles, squeaks, or loose components when opening or closing the hood.

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