🔧 Challenger - Strut Replacement

On your Challenger, the front suspension uses struts (a shock absorber integrated into the front suspension), while the rear uses separate shocks and springs. The steps, parts, and torque specs are different depending on whether you’re doing the front struts, the rear shocks, or all four corners.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the car on jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Suspension springs store energy; use a proper spring compressor if transferring springs.
• ⚠️ If equipped with adaptive damping (electrical connector on the strut/shock), do not pull on wiring; unplug connectors before lowering components.
• ⚠️ After strut replacement, an alignment is required to prevent tire wear and poor handling.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Torque wrench (1/2", 20-250 ft-lbs range)
• Torque wrench (3/8", 10-100 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (metric, 8mm-24mm)
• Wrench set (metric, 8mm-24mm)
• Trim clip tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Pry bar
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Spring compressor (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front upper strut mounts/bearings - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front bump stops and dust boots - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut-to-knuckle bolts/nuts - Replace in pairs - Qty: 1 set
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear upper/lower shock hardware - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks at the tires staying on the ground.
• Loosen lug nuts 1/2 turn with a breaker bar and correct socket before lifting.
• Spray strut/shock bolts with penetrating oil and let it soak 10–15 minutes.
• Two quick questions so I give you the exact OEM steps + torque specs: (1) Are you replacing front struts, rear shocks, or all four? (2) Do your struts/shocks have an electrical connector on them (adaptive damping)?

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm which corners and suspension type

• Reply with: Front / Rear / All four.
• Check the strut/shock body for an electrical plug; reply Yes or No.
• Torque specs depend on these details.

Step 2: I’ll provide the exact torque-spec procedure

• Once you answer the two questions above, I’ll lay out the full OEM-style steps with: exact bolt locations, connector handling (if equipped), and Torque to XX Nm (YY ft-lbs) for each fastener.

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✅ After Repair

• Get a 4-wheel alignment immediately after front strut replacement.
• Re-torque lug nuts with a torque wrench after 25–50 miles.
• Test drive slowly first; listen for clunks (often a loose mount or sway bar link).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$2,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$1,400 (parts only)

You Save: $550-$800 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.