Sway Bar - Rear

Remove and replace the rear sway bar (anti-roll bar) assembly, including bushings and mounting hardware, to restore handling performance and reduce body roll.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar mounting bushings (pair) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar link assemblies × 2 — Use OEM specification if worn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at approved rear jacking point
5. Place jack stands under rear axle housing or approved suspension support points
6. Remove rear wheels and set aside
7. Verify vehicle is stable on jack stands before working underneath

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate rear sway bar assembly
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle with adequate lighting. The rear sway bar runs laterally across the rear suspension. The Viper uses an independent rear suspension, so the sway bar is mounted to the frame/chassis via two mounting brackets and connects to the lower control arms through end links. Identify the sway bar links connecting each end of the bar to the suspension components, and locate the frame-mounted or axle-mounted brackets holding the sway bar bushings.
2. 2

   Disconnect driver side sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connecting the driver side end of the sway bar to the suspension. Remove the upper fastener securing the link to the sway bar end. Then remove the lower fastener securing the link to the suspension mount point. Remove the link assembly and inspect for wear or damage. Note the orientation and position of any washers or bushings for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link41 Nm (30 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar link
   Repeat the link removal process on the passenger side. Remove the upper fastener at the sway bar connection, then the lower fastener at the suspension mount. Remove the link assembly and inspect condition. The sway bar is now free to move independently of the suspension links.
4. 4

   Remove sway bar mounting bracket bolts
   Locate the sway bar mounting brackets securing the bar to the frame/chassis. There are typically two brackets, one on each side of the differential. Support the sway bar with one hand to prevent it from dropping. Remove the bolts securing each bracket to the mounting surface. Keep track of bracket orientation and any washers or spacers.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar and bushings
   With all fasteners removed, carefully lower and maneuver the sway bar out from underneath the vehicle. The bar may need to be rotated or angled to clear suspension components, exhaust, or the differential housing. Once the bar is removed, slide off the mounting brackets and inspect the bushings for wear, cracking, or compression. Remove the bushings from the bar and discard if replacing.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting bracket surfaces on the frame/chassis where the sway bar brackets attach. Remove any rust, debris, or old bushing material. Clean the sway bar itself where the bushings mount, ensuring a smooth surface. Inspect the mounting points for damage or cracks that could affect installation.
7. 7

   Install bushings on new sway bar
   If installing a new sway bar, or reusing the original, slide the new mounting bushings onto the bar in their correct positions. The bushings should be positioned to align with the mounting bracket locations. Apply a thin coat of the supplied bushing lubricant or a small amount of silicone grease to the inside of the bushings to ease installation and reduce squeaking. Do not use petroleum-based lubricants as they will degrade the rubber.
8. 8

   Position sway bar and install brackets
   Maneuver the sway bar assembly back into position under the vehicle, orienting it so the ends are positioned toward the link mounting points. Position the mounting brackets over the bushings, ensuring the bushing split faces the correct direction as noted during removal. Align the brackets with the mounting holes on the frame or axle housing. Start all bracket bolts by hand before tightening any of them.
9. 9

   Torque sway bar bracket bolts
   With the sway bar positioned correctly and all bracket bolts started, torque the mounting bracket bolts to specification. Tighten in a cross-pattern if multiple bolts per bracket exist. Ensure the bushings are seated properly and not twisted or pinched by the brackets.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install driver side sway bar link
    Position the driver side sway bar link assembly between the sway bar end and the suspension mount point. Install the lower fastener connecting the link to the suspension mount first, then the upper fastener connecting the link to the sway bar end. Ensure any bushings or washers are correctly positioned. Hand-tighten both fasteners but do not torque yet.
11. 11

    Install passenger side sway bar link
    Repeat the link installation process on the passenger side. Install the lower fastener to the suspension mount, then the upper fastener to the sway bar end. Verify proper bushing and washer orientation. Hand-tighten both fasteners.
12. 12

    Torque sway bar link fasteners
    Torque all sway bar link fasteners to specification. If the links use a combination of bolt and nut, hold the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to prevent spinning. Ensure the bushings compress evenly and are not over-compressed or twisted.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link41 Nm (30 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall rear wheels
    Position the rear wheels onto the hubs and install the lug nuts by hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but do not fully torque while vehicle is on jack stands.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All fasteners have been torqued to specification during the installation steps above
2. Verify no tools or parts remain under the vehicle before test drive
3. Apply anti-seize compound to bracket bolts during installation to ease future service

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm all brackets are secure and links are properly connected
• Drive the vehicle at low speed over smooth pavement and listen for any clunking or rattling from the rear suspension
• Test the handling through gentle turns to verify the sway bar is functioning and reducing body roll
• Re-check torque on all sway bar fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect for any signs of bushing movement or bracket looseness after initial test drive

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