Shock Absorber Replacement

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the front and rear shock absorbers on a 2008 Dodge Viper with the 8.4L V10 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Upper mount self-locking nut × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels if working on front, or front wheels if working on rear.
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground.
4. Raise vehicle using floor jack at appropriate jacking points.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified points.
6. Remove all four wheels to access shock absorbers.
7. Spray penetrating oil on shock mounting hardware and allow to soak if fasteners show corrosion.

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the Front Suspension
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm on the side being serviced, close to the shock absorber location. Raise the jack slightly to take up the weight and support the control arm. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the shock is removed and keeps the mounting points aligned for installation.
2. 2

   Access the Front Upper Shock Mount
   Open the hood and locate the upper shock mount tower in the engine compartment. The upper mount nut is typically accessible from the top of the shock tower. Remove the upper mount nut using a socket and wrench. Hold the shock shaft with a wrench if it rotates while loosening the nut.
3. 3

   Remove Front Lower Shock Mount
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower shock mounting bolt that secures the shock to the lower control arm or mounting bracket. Remove the lower mounting bolt completely using appropriate socket and wrench.
   Torque spec

   Lower Mount Bolt90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove Front Shock Absorber
   With both upper and lower mounts disconnected, carefully remove the shock absorber from the vehicle. Maneuver it downward and out through the lower control arm area. Inspect the mounting bushings and hardware for wear or damage.
5. 5

   Install New Front Shock Absorber
   Position the new front shock absorber into place, inserting the upper mount shaft through the shock tower hole first. Align the lower mount with the control arm or mounting bracket. Install a new self-locking nut on the upper mount and hand-tighten. Install the lower mounting bolt and hand-tighten.
6. 6

   Torque Front Shock Mounts
   With the suspension supported at normal ride height using the floor jack under the control arm, torque the upper mount nut to specification. Then torque the lower mounting bolt to specification. The suspension must be at or near ride height when final torquing to prevent bushing bind.
   Torque spec

   Upper Mount Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

   Lower Mount Bolt90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Repeat for Second Front Shock
   Lower the floor jack and reposition it under the opposite side lower control arm. Repeat steps 1 through 6 for the second front shock absorber.
8. 8

   Support the Rear Suspension
   Move to the rear of the vehicle. Position the floor jack under the rear lower control arm or axle assembly on the side being serviced, near the shock location. Raise slightly to support the weight and maintain suspension alignment.
9. 9

   Access the Rear Upper Shock Mount
   Locate the rear upper shock mount. On the Viper, this is typically accessible from the rear wheel well area or from underneath the vehicle. Remove any trim or splash panels if necessary to access the upper mount fasteners. Remove the upper mount fastener(s) using a socket and wrench, holding the shock shaft if needed to prevent rotation.
10. 10

    Remove Rear Lower Shock Mount
    From underneath the vehicle, locate and remove the rear lower shock mounting bolt using appropriate socket and wrench.
    Torque spec

    Lower Mount Bolt90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Remove Rear Shock Absorber
    With both mounts disconnected, remove the rear shock absorber from the vehicle. Extract it through the most accessible route, typically downward through the suspension area. Inspect all mounting hardware and bushings.
12. 12

    Install New Rear Shock Absorber
    Position the new rear shock absorber, inserting the upper mount shaft through its mounting point first. Align the lower mount with its bracket. Install a new self-locking nut on the upper mount and hand-tighten. Install the lower mounting bolt and hand-tighten.
13. 13

    Torque Rear Shock Mounts
    With the rear suspension supported at normal ride height using the floor jack, torque the upper mount nut to specification, then torque the lower mounting bolt to specification. Maintain ride height position during torquing to prevent bushing preload.
    Torque spec

    Upper Mount Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

    Lower Mount Bolt90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Complete Second Rear Shock
    Reposition the floor jack to the opposite rear suspension and repeat steps 8 through 13 for the second rear shock absorber.
15. 15

    Reinstall Wheels and Lower Vehicle
    Reinstall all four wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle from jack stands to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern. Remove jack stands and floor jack. Reinstall any trim panels removed for rear shock access.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all four shock absorbers are torqued to specification with suspension at ride height.
2. Verify all self-locking nuts were replaced with new units.
3. Reinstall any removed trim panels or access covers in the trunk area.
4. Check that no tools or hardware were left in the wheel wells or under the vehicle.

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the vehicle and verify the shock absorbers dampen movement properly without excessive rebound.
• Drive the vehicle at low speed over small bumps to verify proper shock operation and absence of noise.
• Visually inspect all four shock mounting points for proper seating and alignment.
• Check for any fluid leaks from new shock absorbers after initial test drive.

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