Dodge Challenger Adjustable Lowering Springs Install Instructions
Welcome to the Dodge Challenger adjustable lowering springs install instructions. This detailed walkthrough will provide step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth and successful installation. We’ve included the recommended tools, torque specs straight from the manufacturer, and essential tips to help along the way. This guide focuses on the Function and Form Adjustable Lowering Springs but the general process applies to other spring kits for the 2011–2014 Dodge Challenger R/T 5.7L HEMI and 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 6.4L HEMI. Our test vehicle was a 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT RWD equipped with factory 18-inch wheels and 235/55ZR18 tires. After installation, we recommend scheduling an alignment about a week later to allow the suspension to settle for proper ride height and performance. A link to our full video tutorial is included at the bottom of this post if you’d prefer to follow along visually.
The Dodge Challenger, reborn in 2008 as a modern interpretation of the classic muscle car, has remained one of the most popular American performance coupes thanks to its retro styling and big-engine personality. Built on the Chrysler LX platform, the Challenger combines aggressive looks with a surprisingly comfortable ride. The front suspension uses a short/long arm (SLA) setup, providing a strong balance between stability and steering response. Installing adjustable lowering springs enhances this system by allowing owners to fine-tune ride height and improve handling while maintaining drivability. With a lower center of gravity, the Challenger benefits from reduced body roll and sharper cornering, giving drivers greater confidence without sacrificing its signature straight-line performance. Pairing lowering springs with the factory SLA suspension is a cost-effective way to achieve both form and function—delivering the aggressive stance muscle car enthusiasts want while unlocking the handling improvements often reserved for more expensive coilover systems.
TOOLS NEEDED
Sockets: 22mm, 21mm, 19mm, 18mm, 13mm, 10mm.
Trim Removal Tool.
Impact wrench.
Ratchet.
Torque wrench.
Coil Spring Compressor.
Spanner wrenches
Measuring tape
Mallet.
Floor jack.
Jack stands.
Flashlight (optional).
Before beginning the installation, measure the distance from the center of each wheel to the fender for both the front and rear.
Determine your desired ride height adjustment, then write down these measurements for reference.
Measurements before install:
Front: 17 1/4″
Rear: 17 1/4″
Goal:
Front: 16 1/4″
Rear: 16 1/4″
Preparation:
Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Slightly loosen lug nuts with a 22mm socket before lifting.
Jack up the vehicle, secure with jack stands, and remove wheels.
Front Spring Installation:
Disconnect brake line bracket with a 10mm socket.
Remove the end link with a 21mm wrench and 10mm socket.
Remove the lower control arm bolt with a 21 socket.
Loosen but do not remove the upper control arm nut with a 18mm socket. Then strike it with a mallet to get it to release.
In the engine bay, use a trim tool to remove the plastic cover on the strut towers.
Remove the top hat nuts with a 13mm socket and remove the strut assembly.
Carefully use a spring compressor to remove the factory spring.
Use a 19mm socket to remove the top hat nut while the spring is compressed with a spring compressor.
Install the new adjustable lowering spring, making sure the spring perch adjuster has at least 1 inch of thread engaged.
Install the spring and top hat, ensuring the metal sleeve fully seats on the top section of the shock. Note: some models may require the top of the shock to be lightly sanded to fit properly.
Reassemble and torque top hat nut to 70 lb-ft.
Position the strut and hand-tighten the top hat nuts.
Torque the lower mount bolt to 128 lb-ft.
Torque endlink to 95 lb-ft.
Torque brake line bracket with a 10mm socket to 16 lb-ft.
Torque the upper ball joint nut to 40 ft-lbs + 90° turn.
Torque top hat nuts to 20 lb-ft.
Position plastic cover on the strut towers.
Final Steps:
Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts to 110 lb-ft.
Lower the car carefully and let the springs settle.
This completes the Dodge Challenger Adjustable lowering springs front installation. We recommend performing an alignment one week after installation to allow the suspension to settle properly.
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