Coil Spring - Rear

Remove and replace the rear coil springs on a 1992 Dodge Viper, requiring disassembly of the rear suspension components to access and safely remove the springs under load.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shock absorber lower mounting hardware × 1 — Inspect and replace if worn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Chock front wheels securely.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove).
4. Apply penetrating oil to all visible rear suspension fasteners and allow to soak.
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at differential or rear crossmember.
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails or manufacturer-designated lift points.
7. Remove rear wheels completely.
8. Visually inspect rear suspension for damage, excessive wear, or rust that may complicate removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear lower control arm
   Position floor jack under the rear lower control arm on the side being serviced, close to the spring seat. Raise jack just enough to take up slack and support the arm, but not enough to compress the suspension or lift the vehicle. The jack will control the descent of the lower arm when the spring is removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt where it connects to the lower control arm. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Pivot the shock absorber upward and secure it out of the way with wire or bungee cord to prevent interference during spring removal.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar end link where it connects to the lower control arm. Remove the sway bar link nut, holding the link stud stationary if the design uses a hex broach or flats, to prevent rotation. Once disconnected, move the link aside to clear the work area.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Install spring compressor
   Install a heavy-duty coil spring compressor onto the rear spring following the compressor manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks are fully engaged on the coils and positioned opposite each other for balanced compression. Install at least 2 complete coils from each end of the spring if using hook-style compressors. Verify that the compressor is secure and properly aligned before proceeding.
   ⚠️Improperly installed spring compressors can slip and cause the spring to violently release. Double-check that all compressor components are fully engaged and tightened before compressing the spring.
5. 5

   Compress coil spring
   Slowly and evenly compress the coil spring using the spring compressor. Alternate between compression points if using multiple compressors to maintain even compression. Compress the spring until there is visible gap between the spring and both the upper and lower spring seats, approximately 1-2 inches of clearance. The spring should no longer be under any load from the suspension. Note: Socket set (SAE and metric)
   ⚠️Compress slowly and check alignment frequently. If the spring begins to bind or shift, stop immediately and reposition the compressors.
6. 6

   Lower control arm and remove spring
   While supporting the lower control arm with the floor jack, slowly lower the jack to allow the control arm to descend. As the arm lowers, guide the compressed spring out of its position between the upper and lower spring seats. Once clear, carefully set the compressed spring aside in a safe location where it cannot roll or shift.
   ⚠Keep hands and body clear of the spring path as the control arm is lowered. Even compressed, the spring has significant stored energy.
7. 7

   Inspect spring seats and isolators
   Inspect the upper and lower spring seats on both the frame and lower control arm for damage, corrosion, or wear. Check for spring seat isolators (rubber or polyurethane pads) and inspect their condition. Clean the spring seats with a wire brush if corrosion is present. If isolators are damaged, cracked, or missing, they should be replaced.
8. 8

   Prepare new spring
   If installing new springs, compare the new spring to the old compressed spring to verify correct application. Install the spring compressor on the new spring in the same configuration used for removal. Compress the new spring to approximately the same compressed length as the old spring, ensuring adequate clearance for installation.
   ⚠️Use the same safety precautions when compressing the new spring. New springs may have more tension than old springs.
9. 9

   Install spring
   Position the floor jack under the lower control arm. Carefully position the compressed spring between the upper and lower spring seats, ensuring any spring isolators are properly seated. Verify that the spring end coils are correctly oriented in their spring seat recesses (typically with the tightly wound end at the top). Slowly raise the floor jack to lift the lower control arm, guiding the spring into position between the seats.
10. 10

    Seat spring and remove compressor
    Continue raising the lower control arm until the spring is fully seated against both upper and lower spring seats with no gaps. Verify proper seating and alignment. Once the spring is under suspension load and fully seated, carefully and slowly release tension on the spring compressor. Remove the compressor components only after confirming the spring is properly captured and stable.
    ⚠️Do not remove the compressor until the spring is fully loaded and seated. Verify the spring cannot shift before releasing compressor tension.
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the rear sway bar end link to the lower control arm. Install the link nut and torque to specification while holding the link stud with an Allen key to prevent rotation.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Lower the shock absorber back into position and align it with the lower control arm mounting point. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Torque the shock mounting hardware to specification. The suspension should be at normal ride height when torquing (control arm supported by floor jack).
13. 13

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 12 for the opposite rear spring. Both rear springs should be replaced as a pair to maintain balanced suspension characteristics and ride height.
14. 14

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle carefully off jack stands until wheels contact ground but vehicle weight is not fully transferred. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack and jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the main procedure steps.
2. Ensure all suspension components are torqued to specification with vehicle at normal ride height.
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel well or under the vehicle.

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speed and verify no abnormal noises, vibrations, or handling issues.
• Visually inspect rear suspension for proper spring seating and component alignment after test drive.
• Check ride height at all four corners - rear should be level side-to-side if both springs were replaced.
• Schedule a professional alignment check, as spring replacement can affect rear suspension geometry and alignment settings.

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