Viper RT-10 V10-8.0L VIN E (1997)
Alignment: Description and Operation
Vehicle Height Information
CURB HEIGHT
When servicing the suspension system on the viper, different service procedures require the vehicle to be at different heights.
When performing an alignment on the vehicle, the vehicle must be at its proper curb height. Curb height is the height the vehicle should be at when
the vehicle is full of gas, has all fluids filled to their proper levels and has no passengers or additional weight added to the vehicle. Curb height
though is adjustable. Curb height can only be adjusted though after it is determined that no damage to the vehicle and/or suspension components is
the cause the vehicle will not meet the required curb height.
NOTE: Before installing a shim or reduced height spring seat to set the vehicle to the correct curb height, be sure the rubber bushing mounted
components of the suspension were tightened with the vehicle at design height. Refer to the Design Height Setting Procedure in adjustments.
The curb height of the vehicle if found to be to low, is adjusted by adding shims between the upper spring seat and the top of the coil spring. If the
curb height of the vehicle is to high, it can be lowered by installing a reduced height upper spring seat on the shock absorber.
DESIGN HEIGHT
Design height is the height the vehicle was at when all rubber bushing mounted components of the vehicle's suspension system were tightened and
torqued to specification. Though service specifications for wheel alignment are given with the vehicle at curb height, the vehicle was also
originally aligned when built with the vehicle set at its design height.
If the suspension components of the vehicle having rubber isolator bushings are serviced, the bolts mounting these components to the frame of the
vehicle must be tightened and torqued with the vehicle set to its required design height.
If the rubber bushing mounted components of the vehicle's suspension system are not tightened and torqued with the vehicle set to its design
height, it will adversely affect the curb height of the vehicle.
Also, this will adversely affect the alignment of the vehicle, resulting in poor handling and ride.
