Tie Rods - Both Sides

Replace both inner and outer tie rod ends on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including removal of steering linkage components and alignment of front suspension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod end - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Inner tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end jam nuts × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Castle nuts for outer tie rod ends × 2 — Use OEM specification if not included with tie rod ends
• Cotter pins × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and set parking brake firmly.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove).
4. Lift front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front jacking point.
5. Support vehicle on jack stands placed at manufacturer-designated support points on front subframe.
6. Remove both front wheels completely.
7. Spray penetrating oil on outer tie rod end castle nuts, jam nuts, and inner tie rod threaded connections. Allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark and measure existing tie rod length - driver side
   Before disassembly, measure the exposed thread length on the outer tie rod where it threads into the inner tie rod. Use the paint marker to mark the exact position of the jam nut on the threads, and mark a reference line across the inner and outer tie rod bodies where they meet. Measure from the center of the outer tie rod ball stud to the edge of the inner tie rod boot and record this measurement. This will allow approximate reinstallation to minimize alignment changes.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end from steering knuckle - driver side
   Remove the cotter pin from the castle nut on the outer tie rod end ball stud at the steering knuckle. Using the correctly sized socket for the outer tie rod ball stud castle nut, remove the castle nut completely. Insert the tie rod end separator between the knuckle and the tie rod end. Use the threaded separator (press-type) method to break the taper connection to avoid damaging the boot and knuckle; avoid striking the components if possible. Once separated, remove the outer tie rod end from the knuckle.
3. 3

   Remove outer tie rod end from inner tie rod - driver side
   Use vise grips or locking pliers to hold the inner tie rod stationary (clamp on the flat sections near the boot, not on threads). Use the correctly sized wrench for the jam nut to loosen it and thread it toward the outer tie rod end. Once the jam nut is clear, unthread the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod by turning it counterclockwise, counting the number of complete turns for reference during installation. Remove the jam nut from the outer tie rod end.
4. 4

   Remove inner tie rod end - driver side
   Pull back or cut the steering rack boot to access the inner tie rod connection to the steering rack. The inner tie rod threads onto the rack end and is typically staked or secured. Use the large adjustable wrench or pipe wrench to grip the flats on the inner tie rod body (located behind the boot). Turn counterclockwise to unthread the inner tie rod from the steering rack. If staked, you may need to flatten the staked area with a chisel first. Remove the inner tie rod completely.
5. 5

   Repeat removal process - passenger side
   Repeat steps 1 through 4 on the passenger side: mark and measure tie rod positions, remove outer tie rod castle nut and cotter pin, separate outer tie rod from knuckle, unthread outer tie rod from inner tie rod counting turns, and remove inner tie rod from steering rack.
6. 6

   Clean threads and inspect steering components
   Use the wire brush to clean all threads on the steering rack ends where inner tie rods attach. Inspect steering rack boots for tears or damage; replace if necessary. Clean the threads on the inner tie rod assemblies if reusing jam nuts. Inspect steering knuckle tapers for damage or excessive wear.
7. 7

   Install new inner tie rod end - driver side
   Refer to the 2008 Viper factory service manual for the inner tie rod-to-rack retention method and torque specification before proceeding. Thread the new inner tie rod housing onto the steering rack by hand (right-hand thread), then tighten to the manufacturer-specified torque using the appropriate wrench on the inner tie rod flats. Only apply thread-locking compound or perform staking/crimping if the factory procedure specifically calls for it at the documented location. Ensure the steering rack boot is properly seated over the inner tie rod.s using a punch and hammer at the factory staking location. Ensure the steering rack boot is properly seated over the inner tie rod.
8. 8

   Install outer tie rod end - driver side
   Slide the jam nut onto the new outer tie rod end threads with the slotted side facing the tie rod end body. Thread the outer tie rod end into the inner tie rod clockwise, using the same number of turns counted during removal (typically around the reference marks made earlier). Position the tie rod to match your original measurement. Leave the jam nut loose for now.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod end to steering knuckle - driver side
   Insert the outer tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle taper. Install the new castle nut and tighten using the 19mm socket and torque wrench. Tighten until the cotter pin holes align (do not loosen to align; only tighten further if needed). Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball stud, then bend the ends of the cotter pin to secure.
10. 10

    Tighten jam nut - driver side
    Using vise grips to hold the inner tie rod stationary, tighten the jam nut against the outer tie rod end body using the 18mm wrench. Ensure the outer tie rod maintains its position and does not rotate during this process. Tighten the jam nut securely.
11. 11

    Repeat installation process - passenger side
    Repeat steps 7 through 10 on the passenger side: install new inner tie rod to steering rack with thread-locker, install outer tie rod counting turns to approximate position, install outer tie rod to knuckle with castle nut and new cotter pin, and tighten jam nut.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first. Once wheel is seated, tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using the 19mm socket. Do not fully torque yet. Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against the 2008 Viper factory specification, typically in the 110-130 ft-lb range) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all castle nuts have new cotter pins properly installed and bent.
2. Verify jam nuts are tight against outer tie rod end bodies on both sides.
3. Check that steering rack boots are properly seated and not torn.
4. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from under the vehicle.

Verification

• With vehicle on the ground, turn steering wheel fully left and right to verify full range of motion without binding or interference.
• Visually inspect all tie rod connections to ensure castle nuts are secure and cotter pins are properly installed.
• Check that there is no excessive play in the tie rod ends by grasping the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock and attempting to move it in and out.
• Schedule a professional front-end alignment immediately. Confirm toe, camber, and caster are within manufacturer specifications before driving at highway speeds.

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