Wheel Alignment

Perform a complete four-wheel alignment on a 2008 Dodge Viper, adjusting camber, caster, and toe angles to manufacturer specifications using alignment equipment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Alignment adjustment hardware (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Inspect all suspension components for wear, damage, or play (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, wheel bearings).
2. Check tire pressures and adjust all four tires to specification (29 psi front, 29 psi rear cold pressure typical for Viper).
3. Measure tire tread depth on all four tires to ensure even wear patterns; uneven wear may indicate previous alignment issues.
4. Bounce each corner of the vehicle several times to settle suspension before driving onto alignment rack.
5. Drive vehicle onto alignment rack and position centered on turntables and slip plates.
6. Ensure fuel tank is at approximately half-full for proper weight distribution during alignment measurements.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mount alignment heads and perform initial measurements
   Attach alignment targets/heads to all four wheels according to equipment manufacturer's instructions. Ensure heads are securely clamped and properly calibrated. Perform rolling compensation procedure by following alignment system prompts (typically involves rolling vehicle forward and backward). Input vehicle specifications into alignment computer: 2008 Dodge Viper, 8.4L V10. Review initial alignment readings for camber, caster, and toe on all four wheels. Record pre-alignment measurements for comparison.
2. 2

   Center steering wheel and lock in position
   Start engine and turn steering wheel fully left, then fully right, then center the wheel. Verify steering wheel is centered by checking equal turn angles left and right on alignment display. Shut off engine. Install steering wheel holder or lock to maintain centered position throughout alignment procedure. If using brake pedal depressor, install it now to prevent vehicle movement during adjustments.
3. 3

   Adjust rear toe
   Begin with rear alignment as rear settings affect front measurements. Locate the toe adjustment jam nuts on the rear toe links (inner and outer nuts on each side). Loosen the jam nuts on the toe link using the appropriately sized wrenches (verify sizes against the factory service manual). Rotate the toe link eccentric to adjust toe angle while monitoring alignment display in real-time. Turn clockwise to increase toe-in, counterclockwise to decrease toe-in. Set rear toe to the OEM specification listed in the factory service manual for the 2008 Dodge Viper (verify exact per-wheel and total values before adjusting). Once specification is achieved, hold the link in position and tighten jam nuts to the torque specified in the factory service manual. Verify measurement remains within specification after tightening.
4. 4

   Adjust rear camber
   Locate the rear camber adjustment hardware at the rear suspension link mounting point. Verify the exact adjustment method (eccentric cam or shim) against the factory service manual before proceeding. Loosen the eccentric cam bolt nut using the appropriately sized wrench (verify size against the factory service manual) while supporting the bolt head. Rotate the eccentric cam using eccentric cam tool or adjustable wrench to adjust camber angle while monitoring alignment display. Set rear camber to the OEM specification listed in the factory service manual for the 2008 Dodge Viper (verify exact value before adjusting). Both cams may need coordinated adjustment to achieve specification. Once specification is achieved, tighten eccentric cam bolt nuts to the torque specified in the factory service manual while holding cam position. Verify measurement remains within specification after tightening.
5. 5

   Adjust front camber and caster
   Locate the front camber and caster adjustment hardware at the upper control arm chassis mounting points. Verify the exact adjustment method (eccentric cams or shims) against the factory service manual before proceeding. Loosen the eccentric cam bolt nuts using 21mm wrench. Rotate the forward cam to primarily affect caster; rotate the rear cam to primarily affect camber. Monitor alignment display as adjustments are made. Set front camber and caster to the OEM specifications listed in the factory service manual for the 2008 Dodge Viper (verify exact values before adjusting). Adjust cams incrementally, checking both values as they are interdependent. Cross-caster (side-to-side difference) should be within 0.50°. Once specifications are achieved, tighten eccentric cam bolt nuts to the torque specified in the factory service manual while maintaining cam positions. Verify measurements remain within specification after tightening. Note: Loosen the front upper control arm cam bolt nuts using the appropriately sized wrench (verify size against the factory service manual).
6. 6

   Adjust front toe
   Front toe is adjusted last as it is affected by camber and caster changes. Locate the tie rod end jam nuts on both inner and outer tie rod ends. Loosen the jam nut on the outer tie rod end using the appropriately sized wrench (verify size against the factory service manual) while holding the tie rod with another wrench to prevent inner boot damage. Rotate the tie rod end to adjust toe while monitoring alignment display. Turning the tie rod end inward (shortening) increases toe-in; outward (lengthening) decreases toe-in. Set front toe to the OEM specification listed in the factory service manual for the 2008 Dodge Viper (verify exact per-wheel and total values before adjusting). Ensure equal adjustment on both sides to maintain centered steering wheel. Once specification is achieved, tighten jam nuts to the torque specified in the factory service manual while holding tie rod end to prevent rotation. Verify steering wheel remains centered and toe measurements remain within specification.
7. 7

   Perform final measurement sweep
   Remove steering wheel holder and brake pedal depressor. Bounce front and rear of vehicle several times to settle suspension after adjustments. Reinstall steering wheel holder and perform final measurement sweep with alignment system. Verify all four wheels are within specification for camber, caster, and toe. Confirm steering wheel is centered (0° ± 0.25°). Check that cross-camber and cross-caster are within acceptable limits. Print alignment report showing before and after measurements.
8. 8

   Remove equipment and road test
   Remove alignment heads/targets from all four wheels. Remove steering wheel holder and any other equipment. Carefully drive vehicle off alignment rack. Perform road test at safe speeds on level road to verify steering wheel remains centered during straight-line driving, vehicle tracks straight without pulling, and steering returns to center after turns. Listen for any unusual noises from suspension that may indicate binding from improper adjustment.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all jam nuts on toe links and tie rod ends are properly tightened to prevent adjustment changes during operation.
2. Verify all eccentric cam bolts are torqued to specification to prevent camber/caster shift.
3. Provide customer with printed alignment report showing all measurements and adjustments performed.

Verification

• All four wheel alignment angles (camber, caster, toe) are within manufacturer specifications as shown on final alignment report.
• Steering wheel is centered (within 0.25°) during straight-line driving.
• Vehicle tracks straight on level road without pulling left or right.
• Steering returns to center smoothly after turns without binding or stiffness.
• No unusual tire wear patterns develop after several hundred miles of driving.

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