Exhaust Hangers

Replacement of rubber exhaust hangers that support the exhaust system on the 1992 Dodge Viper, preventing excessive movement and vibration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Exhaust hanger (rubber isolator) × 4 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind front wheels
3. Allow exhaust system to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after engine operation)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under rear axle tubes or frame rails
5. Verify exhaust system is cool to touch before proceeding
6. Apply penetrating oil to hanger mounting points if hangers show signs of age or deterioration

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate All Exhaust Hangers
   Inspect the exhaust system from underneath to identify all rubber hanger locations. The 1992 Viper uses rubber exhaust hangers along its side-exit exhaust system; verify the exact count and locations from underneath the vehicle, as this platform uses a unique side-sill exhaust routing rather than a conventional rear-exit configuration. Note the condition of each hanger and identify which require replacement. Hangers consist of rubber isolators with metal rods from the exhaust system inserted into them, with the rubber body mounted to frame/body brackets.
2. 2

   Support Exhaust System
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood or rubber pad under the muffler section to support exhaust weight during hanger removal. Raise jack just enough to relieve tension on the hangers but do not lift the exhaust system excessively. This prevents the exhaust from dropping when hangers are removed.
3. 3

   Remove First Rear Hanger
   Starting at the rearmost hanger near the muffler outlet, use a flathead screwdriver or pry bar to carefully work the metal rod out of the rubber isolator. Apply soapy water or rubber lubricant to ease removal if needed. Pry between the rubber and metal rod, working the rod out of the isolator socket. If the rubber is severely deteriorated, it may tear during removal.
4. 4

   Remove Second Rear Hanger
   Move forward to the next hanger location and repeat the removal process. Use the pry bar to separate the exhaust rod from the rubber isolator. Keep the jack positioned to support exhaust weight as more hangers are removed.
5. 5

   Remove Forward Hangers
   Continue forward along the exhaust system, removing the remaining 2 hangers using the same prying technique. With multiple hangers removed, carefully monitor exhaust position and adjust jack support as needed to prevent binding or stress on remaining mounting points.
6. 6

   Remove Old Rubber Isolators from Mounting Brackets
   If replacing the rubber isolators themselves (rather than entire hanger assemblies), use needle-nose pliers or a screwdriver to work the rubber isolator bodies out of their frame/body mounting brackets. Some isolators may be pressed into brackets and require firm pulling or prying. Clean the mounting bracket surfaces of any rubber debris or corrosion.
7. 7

   Install New Rubber Isolators
   Press new rubber isolators into the frame/body mounting brackets. Ensure they are fully seated and oriented correctly with the socket opening positioned to receive the exhaust rod. Apply rubber lubricant or soapy water to the isolator socket to ease installation of exhaust rods in the next steps.
8. 8

   Install Exhaust Rods into Forward Hangers
   Starting at the forward-most hanger location, use the floor jack to position the exhaust system so the metal rod aligns with the new rubber isolator. Apply soapy water or rubber lubricant to the rod and isolator, then use a pry bar or large screwdriver to work the rod into the isolator socket. Ensure the rod is fully seated in the isolator.
9. 9

   Install Remaining Hangers
   Work rearward along the exhaust system, installing each exhaust rod into its corresponding rubber isolator. Use the floor jack to adjust exhaust position as needed for alignment. Apply lubricant to ease installation and verify each rod is fully seated in its isolator socket. Check that the exhaust system hangs evenly without binding or contact with the underbody.
10. 10

    Verify Exhaust Alignment
    With all hangers installed, carefully lower the floor jack to allow the exhaust system to hang freely on the new hangers. Visually inspect clearance between exhaust components and the underbody, rear axle, fuel tank, and floor pan. The exhaust should hang centered with approximately equal clearance on both sides. Gently push upward on the muffler to verify hangers are providing proper support and returning the system to rest position.

Reassembly

1. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully
2. Remove wheel chocks and jack stands
3. Store old hangers appropriately if they will be discarded

Verification

• Start engine and listen for any new exhaust contact noises or rattles while idling
• Rev engine gently and verify exhaust system does not contact underbody or chassis components
• Perform a short test drive and listen for excessive exhaust vibration, rumbling, or contact noises during acceleration and deceleration
• After test drive, re-inspect hanger installation from underneath to verify all rods remain fully seated in isolators
• Check for proper exhaust clearance at all points along the system

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