body
Hood
for 2017 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10 · RWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.4 h
Tools
8
Steps
8
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Remove and replace the hood assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including hinge disconnection and realignment during reinstallation.
Warnings
⚠The hood is large, aluminum, and awkward to handle. A second person is mandatory to prevent damage to the paint, hinges, or fenders.
⚠Do not attempt this procedure in windy conditions. The large surface area of the hood makes it susceptible to wind gusts that can cause injury or panel damage.
ℹ️The Viper hood has integrated air extractors and a unique clamshell design. Handle carefully to avoid stress on mounting points.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
13mm socket and ratchetEssential
Extension setEssential
Painter's tape or masking tapeEssential
Marker or pencilEssential
Protective blankets or fender coversEssential
Assistant (second person)Essential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Hood assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification if replacing
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Park the vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake.
- Ensure the engine is cool to the touch.
- Place protective blankets or fender covers over both front fenders to prevent scratches during hood removal.
- Open the hood and prop it in the fully open position.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable if the hood has any electrical components (washer nozzles with heaters, for example).
Procedure
- 1Mark hood alignmentUse painter's tape to outline the position of both hood hinges where they meet the hood underside. Use a marker to trace the exact position of the hinge mounting bolts on the hood. This reference will be critical for reinstallation alignment to minimize adjustment time.
- 2Disconnect washer hosesThe 2008 Viper does not have hood-mounted washer nozzles (nozzles are located on the cowl, not the hood), so no washer hoses need to be disconnected from the hood. Verify there are no hood-mounted electrical or fluid connections before removal. Pull the rubber hose connectors straight off the nozzle barbs. If equipped with heated nozzles, disconnect the electrical connectors by pressing the release tab and pulling apart.
- 3Support the hoodWith your assistant, support the hood from both sides. One person should be on each side of the vehicle, holding the hood near the front corners and midway back along the sides. Ensure you have a firm grip before proceeding to fastener removal.
- 4Remove hood prop rodIf equipped with hood support struts/prop, disconnect or unclip the hood support from the hood while your assistant supports the weight. The hood will now be supported only by you and your assistant.
- 5Remove hood-to-hinge bolts (driver side)While your assistant supports the hood weight, remove the bolts securing the hood to the driver side hinge assembly (verify exact count and fastener size against OEM service documentation). Remove the bolts evenly to maintain support. Keep these bolts organized as they may have specific lengths.
- 6Remove hood-to-hinge bolts (passenger side)Remove the bolts securing the hood to the passenger side hinge assembly (verify exact count and fastener size against OEM service documentation). Again, remove in a cross pattern. With all bolts removed, carefully lift the hood straight up and away from the hinge assemblies, ensuring clearance from the cowl and fenders.
- 7Remove hood from vehicleWith your assistant, carefully lift the hood assembly up and away from the vehicle. Carry it to a safe, padded work surface where it can be placed face-up without risk of scratching the paint. Never lean the hood against a wall at an angle as this can stress or distort the composite panel.
- 8Inspect hinge assembliesWith the hood removed, inspect both hinge assemblies for wear, binding, or damage. Check the hood support struts and hinge components for proper operation, gas strut charge, and any signs of wear or fatigue. Lubricate the hinge pivot points with white lithium grease if reinstalling the same hood. If hinges are worn or damaged, now is the time to replace them.
Reassembly
- Position the hood assembly over the hinge mounting points with your assistant, aligning the bolt holes as closely as possible to the alignment marks made during disassembly.
- Install all 8 hood-to-hinge bolts (4 per side) finger-tight first, ensuring the hood sits properly on both hinges.
- Use the alignment marks to position the hood correctly, then tighten the bolts in a cross pattern on each hinge to ensure even clamping. Tighten securely but avoid over-torquing aluminum mounting points.
- Reconnect the windshield washer hoses to the nozzles, ensuring they are fully seated on the barbs. Reconnect any electrical connectors for heated nozzles if equipped.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable if it was disconnected.
- Remove protective blankets from the fenders.
Verification
- Close the hood slowly and check for even gaps along both sides and the front edge. The gap should be consistent with the fenders and should match the opposite side.
- Check that the hood latch engages properly and holds the hood securely closed without excessive force required to latch.
- Open and close the hood several times to verify smooth operation without binding or interference.
- Test the windshield washer system to confirm the nozzles spray correctly and there are no leaks at the hose connections.
- If gaps are uneven, loosen the hood-to-hinge bolts slightly and shift the hood position as needed, then retighten and recheck. Fine adjustment may require multiple iterations.