Hood Strut

This procedure replaces the hood support struts on a 2008 Dodge Viper, which hold the hood open when raised.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hood strut (gas spring) × 2 — Mopar 4882476AA or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and ensure engine is cool
2. Open hood fully and have an assistant hold it, or secure a sturdy prop rod (such as a wooden dowel or dedicated hood prop) to support the hood weight before removing struts
3. Inspect both existing struts for damage, oil leakage, or weak support to confirm replacement is needed
4. Put on safety glasses and work gloves before handling struts

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the hood
   With the hood fully open, have an assistant firmly hold the hood up, or install a secure prop rod between the hood and a solid mounting point on the body. Verify the hood is stable and will not fall when struts are removed. The Viper hood is a large composite clamshell assembly but still heavy and awkward enough to cause injury.
2. 2

   Identify strut mounting points
   Locate the upper strut ball socket attachment point at the hood underside and the lower ball socket attachment point at the body/fender area. Each end of the strut has a ball socket with a retaining clip. Note the orientation of the strut for proper reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove upper strut retaining clip
   At the upper (hood-side) ball socket, locate the metal retaining clip that secures the strut socket to the ball stud. Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully pry the clip away from the ball stud to disengage it. The clip may be a C-clip or wire-style retainer. Work slowly to avoid the clip flying off under tension.
4. 4

   Detach upper strut end
   Once the retaining clip is removed, pull the strut socket straight off the ball stud at the hood. You may need to wiggle it slightly or use light prying pressure with the screwdriver. Keep your face to the side in case of sudden release.
5. 5

   Remove lower strut retaining clip
   At the lower (body-side) ball socket, repeat the process. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry off the retaining clip from the ball stud. Control the clip to prevent loss.
6. 6

   Detach lower strut end and remove strut
   Pull the lower strut socket off the ball stud. Remove the complete strut assembly from the vehicle. Set aside the old strut and retain the retaining clips if they are reusable and in good condition (inspect for deformation or damage).
7. 7

   Repeat for second strut
   Repeat steps 3 through 6 for the second hood strut on the opposite side. Ensure the hood remains securely supported throughout this process.
8. 8

   Install new strut lower end
   Take a new strut and align the lower socket end with the ball stud on the body/fender mounting point. Push the socket firmly onto the ball stud until it seats fully. The socket should snap into place over the ball.
9. 9

   Secure lower retaining clip
   Install a retaining clip (new or reused if in good condition) onto the lower ball stud to lock the socket in place. Ensure the clip is fully seated in its groove and will not come loose.
10. 10

    Install new strut upper end
    Align the upper socket end of the strut with the ball stud on the hood underside. You may need to compress the strut slightly or adjust hood position to align the socket. Push the socket firmly onto the ball stud until fully seated.
11. 11

    Secure upper retaining clip
    Install the retaining clip onto the upper ball stud to lock the socket. Verify the clip is fully engaged and the strut is securely attached at both ends. Tug gently on the strut body to confirm it is locked in place.
12. 12

    Install second new strut
    Repeat steps 8 through 11 for the second new strut on the opposite side of the hood. Ensure both struts are properly oriented with the cylinder body in the same relative position as the originals.

Reassembly

1. Once both new struts are installed and secured with retaining clips, carefully remove the support prop or have your assistant release the hood slowly to test strut function
2. The hood should be supported smoothly by the new struts and remain open without assistance
3. Inspect all retaining clips one final time to ensure they are fully seated

Verification

• Open and close the hood several times to verify smooth operation and that struts extend and compress properly
• With hood fully open, release it gently to confirm the struts hold the hood securely in the open position without sagging or dropping
• Check that both struts support the hood evenly with no tilting to one side
• Inspect all mounting points and retaining clips to ensure nothing is loose or improperly seated
• Verify no interference between struts and hood/body components throughout the full range of hood motion

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