Sway Bar Link - Rear

Replace the rear sway bar end links on a 1992 Dodge Viper to restore proper suspension function and eliminate clunking noises during cornering.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar link (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear sway bar link (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while wheels are on the ground.
4. Raise the rear of the vehicle with a floor jack at the rear differential or a suitable jacking point.
5. Place jack stands under the frame rails or factory jacking points near each rear wheel.
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands, ensuring the suspension hangs freely to relieve sway bar tension.
7. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect Sway Bar Link Condition
   Locate the rear sway bar links connecting the rear sway bar to the lower control arm on each side. Inspect the condition of the links, bushings, and mounting points. Check for torn bushings, bent studs, or seized nuts. Apply penetrating oil to the top and bottom mounting nuts if corrosion is present and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes.
2. 2

   Remove Driver Side Upper Link Nut
   Working on the driver side first, locate the upper mounting point where the sway bar link connects to the sway bar. The link typically has a stud with a nut on top. If the link has a hex or Allen socket in the stud shaft, insert the appropriate Allen key (size per FSM) into the stud to hold it stationary. Using a wrench or socket of the correct size (verify per FSM), remove the upper nut while holding the stud to prevent spinning. If the link does not have a hex socket, grasp the link body with locking pliers to prevent rotation while removing the nut.
3. 3

   Remove Driver Side Lower Link Nut
   Locate the lower mounting point where the sway bar link connects to the lower control arm or suspension link. Using the same method as the upper nut, hold the stud stationary with an Allen key or locking pliers and remove the lower mounting nut. Once both nuts are removed, pull the link free from the mounting studs. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove Passenger Side Sway Bar Link
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side rear sway bar link. Remove the upper nut while holding the stud stationary, then remove the lower nut. Remove the link from the vehicle. Compare both old links to verify they exhibit similar wear patterns.
5. 5

   Clean Mounting Points
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar and control arm mounting surfaces where the links attach. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris from the mounting studs and contact surfaces. Inspect the threads on the mounting points for damage. This ensures proper seating of the new links and accurate torque readings.
6. 6

   Install Driver Side New Sway Bar Link
   Position the new driver side sway bar link between the sway bar and lower control arm mounting points. Ensure any bushings or sleeves are properly oriented per the new link design. Start the lower mounting nut by hand, threading it several turns onto the stud. Then start the upper mounting nut by hand. Do not fully tighten yet. Verify the link is properly seated in both mounting locations.
7. 7

   Tighten Driver Side Link Fasteners
   Using an Allen key to hold the stud stationary (if equipped with hex socket), torque the lower mounting nut to specification. Then torque the upper mounting nut to specification. If the link uses ball joint style ends with a tapered stud, ensure the taper is fully seated in the mounting hole before final torque.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link41 Nm (30 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install Passenger Side New Sway Bar Link
   Repeat the installation process for the passenger side rear sway bar link. Position the link, start both mounting nuts by hand, verify proper seating, then torque both nuts to specification while holding the studs stationary.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link41 Nm (30 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall Wheels
   Place the rear wheels back onto the hubs, ensuring the wheel studs pass through the wheel holes cleanly. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug the lug nuts in a star pattern with a wrench but do not torque fully yet.
10. 10

    Lower Vehicle and Final Torque
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove weight from the jack stands. Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the installation steps above.
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with the vehicle at normal ride height.
3. No alignment is typically required after sway bar link replacement, as the links do not affect alignment angles.

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and listen for any clunking or rattling noises from the sway bar area.
• Visually inspect both sway bar links to confirm they are properly seated and not contacting any other suspension components.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and perform gentle turning maneuvers to verify the suspension operates quietly and smoothly.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check the sway bar link nut torque to ensure fasteners have not loosened.

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