Rear Suspension Service

Complete inspection, removal, and replacement of rear suspension components including shocks, springs, control arms, trailing arms, sway bar links, and bushings on the 1992 Dodge Viper's independent rear suspension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorbers (pair) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Rear coil springs (pair) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Lower control arm bushings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar end link bushings/hardware × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar frame bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground.
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame rails on jack stands rated for vehicle weight. Ensure stands are positioned on solid frame mounting points, not suspension components.
4. Remove both rear wheels and set aside.
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes if vehicle has significant rust or corrosion.
6. Support rear differential housing with transmission jack or adjustable stand to prevent stress on CV axles when suspension is lowered.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Sway Bar End Links
   Locate the sway bar end links connecting the sway bar to the lower control arms. Remove the upper and lower nuts securing each end link. Note the end link configuration and fastener count before disassembly, as this varies by design. If ball studs spin, hold them with a hex key or wrench while loosening nuts. Remove end links from both sides and inspect bushings for wear or cracking.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar End Link Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect Shock Absorber Lower Mounting
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt that passes through the lower control arm. Remove the nut and withdraw the bolt. Support the lower control arm with a jack positioned under the arm to prevent sudden drop when shock is disconnected. Repeat for opposite side.
   Torque spec

   Shock Lower Bolt70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove Shock Absorber Upper Mounting
   Access the shock upper mounting from the rear cargo area or through a body panel opening as applicable. Remove any carpet or trim panel covering the shock tower if present. Remove the upper shock mounting nut and any washers or bushings. Note the order and orientation of any bushings or spacers for reassembly. Remove shock absorber from vehicle. Repeat for opposite side.
   ℹ️Upper shock mounts may have isolator bushings that must be reused if not included with new shocks.
4. 4

   Install Spring Compressor and Compress Coil Spring
   Position a heavy-duty coil spring compressor on the coil spring, ensuring the compressor hooks engage at least 3 coils from each end. Install compressor arms opposite each other (180 degrees apart) for balanced compression. Slowly and evenly compress the spring by alternating tightening on each compressor arm until spring tension is relieved from the control arm seats. Spring should compress enough that it can move freely in the spring pocket. Repeat for opposite side if working both sides.
   ⚠️Compress spring slowly and evenly. Check compressor hook engagement frequently. Never place any body part in line with potential spring release path.
5. 5

   Remove Trailing Arm Mounting Bolts
   Locate the rear trailing/control link and note its exact mounting points as configured on this vehicle. Verify the link geometry and mounting locations against the factory service manual before removal. Remove the mounting bolts at both locations. The forward bolt may require access from above or through the wheelwell. Note the position of any alignment shims or washers. Remove trailing arm. Repeat for opposite side.
   ℹ️Trailing arms may have factory alignment shims. Mark their position or count them for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Trailing Arm Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove Lower Control Arm Bolts
   Locate the lower control arm mounting bolts at both the frame rail (forward) and the rear knuckle/hub assembly (rearward). With the spring still compressed and the jack supporting the control arm, remove both mounting bolts. The control arm has 2 mounting points per side. Slowly lower the jack supporting the control arm and guide the compressed spring out of the spring pocket. Remove the control arm from the vehicle. Repeat for opposite side.
   ⚠Even with spring compressed, maintain jack support under control arm until arm is fully detached to prevent sudden movement.
   Torque spec

   Lower Control Arm Bolts90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove and Inspect Coil Springs
   With spring compressor still installed and spring tension maintained, carefully remove the compressed spring from the work area. Set aside in a safe location away from traffic. Inspect spring for cracks, corrosion, or damage. Inspect upper and lower spring isolators/seats for wear or deterioration. Remove spring compressor only after spring is secured and in a safe location. Repeat for opposite side spring.
   ⚠Do not release spring compressor tension until ready to install new spring. Keep compressed springs in secure location.
8. 8

   Inspect and Replace Bushings
   Inspect all bushings on removed control arms and trailing arms for cracking, tearing, or deterioration. The lower control arms have bushings at both mounting points. The trailing arms have bushings at both ends. If bushings require replacement, press out old bushings using a hydraulic press or appropriate bushing removal tool. Press in new bushings ensuring proper alignment with control arm/trailing arm mounting holes. Lubricate new bushings with supplied grease if provided.
   ℹ️Some bushings are directional. Verify orientation before pressing into place. Voids or slots in bushings must align with suspension travel direction.
9. 9

   Prepare and Compress New Springs
   Install new upper and lower spring isolators on new coil springs if not pre-installed. Position spring compressor on new spring with hooks engaged at least 3 coils from each end, arms positioned 180 degrees apart. Compress spring slowly and evenly until it will fit into the spring pocket with clearance. Verify compressor is secure before handling compressed spring.
   ⚠️New springs may have different free length and rate than original springs. Compress only enough to install safely.
10. 10

    Install Lower Control Arms
    Position lower control arm into mounting location. Install mounting bolts at frame rail and knuckle locations but do NOT fully tighten. Thread bolts enough to hold arm in position. Use jack to support control arm from below. Position compressed spring into spring pocket, ensuring upper and lower isolators are correctly seated. Carefully and evenly release spring compressor tension, monitoring that spring seats properly in upper and lower pockets. Once spring tension is fully on suspension, remove spring compressor. Repeat for opposite side.
    ⚠Do not torque control arm bolts yet. Bolts must be torqued at ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature failure.
    ℹ️Verify spring isolators remain properly positioned as compressor is released. Misaligned isolators can cause noise and accelerated wear.
    Torque spec

    Lower Control Arm Bolts90 Nm (66 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install Trailing Arms
    Position trailing arm into mounting locations at differential cradle (rear) and frame rail (forward). Install any alignment shims in their original positions. Install mounting bolts at both locations but do NOT fully tighten yet. Thread bolts enough to hold arm securely in position. Repeat for opposite side.
    ⚠Do not torque trailing arm bolts yet. Bolts must be torqued at ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature failure.
    Torque spec

    Trailing Arm Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install Shock Absorbers
    Position new shock absorber into mounting location. Install upper mounting hardware through shock tower, installing bushings, washers, and nuts in the same order as removal. Tighten upper mounting nut securely but do not overtighten to avoid crushing rubber bushings. Align lower shock mounting with hole in lower control arm. Use jack to raise control arm if needed to align holes. Install lower mounting bolt and nut. Torque lower shock bolt to specification. Repeat for opposite side.
    Torque spec

    Shock Lower Bolt70 Nm (52 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install Sway Bar End Links
    Position sway bar end links between sway bar and lower control arm mounting points. Install upper and lower mounting bolts/studs with bushings and washers in correct order. Thread nuts onto studs. Hold ball stud or bolt head with wrench or hex key while tightening nuts to prevent spinning. Torque end link nuts to specification. Repeat for opposite side.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar End Link Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Load Suspension to Ride Height
    Install rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand to hold wheels in place. Lower vehicle until suspension is at normal ride height with full vehicle weight on wheels, but keep vehicle supported enough to safely access fasteners. Alternatively, use jacks under lower control arms to compress suspension to simulate ride height if preferred. The goal is to have suspension loaded to normal operating position before final torquing.
    ⚠This step is critical for bushing longevity. Torquing suspension bolts with suspension hanging or fully compressed will preload bushings and cause premature failure.
15. 15

    Torque All Suspension Fasteners at Ride Height
    With suspension loaded to ride height, torque all suspension fasteners to specification in the following order: trailing arm bolts (front and rear mounts), lower control arm bolts (frame and knuckle mounts), shock lower bolts, and sway bar end link nuts to factory service manual specifications. Confirm each value against the 1992 Viper FSM before final torquing. Double-check all fasteners are tight.
    ℹ️Use torque wrench in tight spaces carefully. Ensure socket is fully seated and wrench is perpendicular to fastener for accurate torque reading.
    Torque spec

    Trailing Arm Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)

    Lower Control Arm Bolts90 Nm (66 lb-ft)

    Shock Lower Bolt70 Nm (52 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar End Link Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Remove jacks from under control arms if used for ride height simulation.
2. Fully lower vehicle to ground.
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern.
4. Reinstall trunk carpet or trim panels removed for shock tower access.
5. Remove differential support jack.

Verification

• Bounce rear of vehicle several times to settle suspension and verify no abnormal noises.
• Visually inspect all mounting points to ensure bolts are tight and components are properly seated.
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues.
• Verify shock absorbers are functioning by checking for excessive bouncing or poor damping over bumps.
• Schedule 4-wheel alignment as suspension work will affect rear toe and camber settings.

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