Seat Foam

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the seat foam cushion on both driver and passenger seats of the 2008 Dodge Viper, requiring seat removal and upholstery disassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Seat foam cushion (driver or passenger as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification for specific seat position
• Hog rings (if reusing originals is not possible) × 10 — Standard automotive upholstery hog rings

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and ensure ignition is off
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes minimum for airbag system discharge
3. Prepare a clean workspace or blanket to place the removed seat
4. Ensure adequate lighting in the footwell area
5. Take photos of seat belt routing and connector positions before disassembly for reference during reinstallation

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Seat Track Mounting Bolts
   Move the seat fully forward to access the rear track mounting bolts. Remove the 4 bolts securing the seat tracks to the floor pan (2 bolts per track, front and rear). Bolt head size should be verified against the OEM specification for this vehicle before selecting a socket (commonly a 15mm head or E-Torx on Chrysler applications of this era). Slide the seat fully rearward to access and remove the front mounting bolts if they were not already accessible.
2. 2

   Disconnect Seat Belt Buckle
   Locate the seat belt buckle mounting bolt on the inboard side of the seat frame (toward the center console). Remove the mounting bolt securing the seat belt buckle assembly to the seat frame or floor. Note the orientation and any washers or spacers present for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Disconnect Electrical Connectors
   Tilt the seat back or lift slightly to access the underside. Locate and disconnect any electrical connectors present on the underside of the seat (the 2008 Viper uses manual, non-heated seats, so connectors are typically limited to any airbag/occupant sensing wiring if equipped). Press the connector release tabs and pull the connectors apart. Tag connectors if multiple are present to ensure correct reconnection. Press the connector release tabs and pull the connectors apart. Tag connectors if multiple are present to ensure correct reconnection.
4. 4

   Remove Seat from Vehicle
   With all fasteners and connections removed, carefully lift the seat assembly out of the vehicle. The Viper seat is moderately heavy; use proper lifting technique. Place the seat upside down or on its back on a clean work surface with the seat bottom facing up.
5. 5

   Remove Seat Bottom Upholstery Hog Rings
   Inspect the underside of the seat bottom cushion to locate the hog rings securing the upholstery to the seat frame. Using hog ring pliers or needle-nose pliers, carefully open and remove each hog ring. There are typically 8 to 12 hog rings around the perimeter of the seat bottom. Work methodically around the seat to avoid tearing the upholstery.
6. 6

   Separate Upholstery from Foam
   Once all hog rings are removed, carefully peel the upholstery away from the foam cushion. Work slowly to identify any additional attachment points such as clips or adhesive. The leather upholstery may be adhered to the foam in certain areas; gently separate without tearing. Note the orientation and routing of the upholstery for reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove Old Seat Foam
   Lift the old foam cushion away from the seat frame. Inspect the seat frame for any clips, brackets, or support structures that the foam was resting on. Note the orientation of the foam (front/back, top/bottom) as the new foam must be installed in the same orientation. Examine the old foam for wear patterns to understand proper seating position.
8. 8

   Install New Seat Foam
   Position the new seat foam onto the seat frame in the same orientation as the original. Ensure the foam is fully seated on any support structures or clips on the frame. The foam should sit flat and even on the frame with no bunching or gaps. Verify that any channels or cutouts in the foam align with frame features or airbag components if applicable.
9. 9

   Reinstall Upholstery Over New Foam
   Carefully stretch the upholstery over the new foam cushion, working from the center outward. Ensure the leather is properly aligned with no twists or misalignment. The upholstery should be taut but not overstretched. Pull the edges of the upholstery down and under the seat frame perimeter, positioning the fabric as it was originally.
10. 10

    Secure Upholstery with Hog Rings
    Using hog ring pliers, install new or reused hog rings to secure the upholstery to the seat frame. Start at the front center and work your way around the perimeter, alternating sides to maintain even tension. Install hog rings at the same locations as the originals were removed. Ensure the upholstery is pulled taut and evenly distributed with no wrinkles on the seating surface.
11. 11

    Reinstall Seat into Vehicle
    Carefully lift the seat assembly and position it over the floor mounting points. Align the seat track mounting holes with the floor pan studs or bolt holes. Lower the seat into position, ensuring no wiring harnesses or seat belt webbing is pinched beneath the seat.
12. 12

    Reconnect Electrical Connectors and Seat Belt
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to their corresponding receptacles on the seat, ensuring each connector clicks securely into place. Reattach the seat belt buckle to its mounting point on the seat frame or floor using the original bolt, washers, and spacers in the correct orientation.
13. 13

    Install Seat Mounting Bolts
    Install and hand-tighten all 4 seat track mounting bolts. Once all bolts are started, tighten them in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the seat frame. Tighten the seat track anchor bolts to the manufacturer torque specification (verify in the FSM; Chrysler seat anchor bolts of this era are commonly in the ~30-40 ft-lb range). Do not simply tighten by feel, as these are safety-critical fasteners.
14. 14

    Reconnect Battery and Test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the vehicle and verify that no airbag warning lights remain illuminated on the instrument cluster (initial airbag light on startup is normal; it should extinguish after a few seconds). Verify manual seat track adjustment operates smoothly (the 2008 Viper uses manual seats). Verify seat belt buckle latches and releases properly.

Reassembly

1. Reassembly follows the reverse order of disassembly
2. Ensure all hog rings are fully closed to prevent sharp edges from contacting occupants or damaging upholstery
3. Verify upholstery is evenly tensioned with no wrinkles or sagging in the seating surface before final installation
4. Double-check all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
5. Confirm seat belt buckle bolt is securely tightened before returning vehicle to service

Verification

• Sit in the seat and verify the foam provides proper support with no unusual lumps, sagging, or shifting
• Check that upholstery is smooth and taut with no wrinkles or bunching
• Confirm seat tracks slide smoothly if manual adjustment, or power seat functions operate correctly if equipped
• Verify seat belt buckle latches and releases properly and is securely mounted
• Confirm no airbag warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster after reconnecting battery
• Inspect underside of seat to ensure no wiring is pinched or hanging loose

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