Engine Mount - Rear

This procedure removes and replaces the rear engine mount on a 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10, requiring engine support, exhaust work, and access from underneath the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear engine mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Allow the engine and exhaust system to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation).
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Raise the vehicle using a floor jack and support it securely on jack stands at the manufacturer-recommended lift points.
5. Remove the rear wheels for improved access to the underside work area.
6. Inspect the work area from underneath and identify the rear engine mount location at the transmission bellhousing area.

Procedure

1. 1

   Position engine support
   Position an engine support fixture from above (attached to the fender rails or shock towers) or position a transmission jack underneath the transmission oil pan with a block of wood to distribute load. Raise the support until it just contacts the engine/transmission assembly with minimal upward pressure. The goal is to support the weight without lifting the engine off the other mounts. Note: The engine/transmission assembly is heavy (the aluminum V10 weighs roughly 700 lbs). Ensure the engine support fixture or transmission jack is properly positioned and secure before removing mount fasteners. Failure to adequately support the assembly can result in severe injury or death.
2. 2

   Access rear exhaust section
   Confirm the exact location and configuration of the rear mount for this platform against factory service documentation, as the Viper's rear support is typically a transmission mount at the tailshaft/crossmember rather than an engine mount at the bellhousing. Identify any exhaust components that may interfere with access. On this platform, the exhaust system routing typically requires lowering or disconnecting the rear exhaust hangers to provide clearance. Disconnect the rear exhaust hangers by removing rubber isolators or support brackets as needed to lower the exhaust pipes away from the work area.
3. 3

   Locate rear mount fasteners
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the rear engine mount. The mount consists of a rubber isolator assembly with bolts securing it to the transmission bellhousing above and bolts securing it to the crossmember below. Identify the upper mount-to-transmission bolts and the lower mount-to-crossmember bolts. Apply penetrating oil to all fasteners if corrosion is present and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes.
4. 4

   Remove lower mount-to-crossmember fasteners
   Using a socket and ratchet with appropriate extensions, remove the lower mount-to-crossmember bolts. Confirm the number of bolts securing the mount bracket to the crossmember against factory documentation before removal (commonly two, but verify for this platform). Support the mount with one hand as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from dropping.
5. 5

   Slightly raise engine/transmission assembly
   Using the engine support fixture or transmission jack, carefully raise the engine/transmission assembly approximately 0.5-1.0 inch. This unloads the rear mount and provides clearance for removal. Monitor the front engine mounts and ensure they are not being overloaded. Raise only enough to relieve weight from the rear mount.
6. 6

   Remove upper mount-to-transmission fasteners
   Remove the upper mount-to-transmission bellhousing bolts. Confirm the number of bolts securing the mount bracket to the transmission against factory documentation before removal (commonly two, but verify for this platform). Use extensions and possibly a universal joint on your ratchet to access these fasteners in the confined space between the transmission and crossmember.
7. 7

   Remove rear engine mount
   With all fasteners removed, maneuver the rear engine mount assembly out from between the transmission and crossmember. It may be necessary to rotate or tilt the mount to clear surrounding components. Inspect the removed mount for cracks, tears, or separation of the rubber from the metal brackets. Also inspect the mounting surfaces on both the transmission bellhousing and crossmember for damage or excessive wear.
8. 8

   Prepare mounting surfaces
   Clean the mounting surfaces on the transmission bellhousing and crossmember using a wire brush. Remove any rust, dirt, or old thread-locking compound from the bolt holes. Inspect the threaded holes for damage. Chase the threads with the appropriate tap if necessary to ensure proper torque readings during installation.
9. 9

   Position new rear engine mount
   Position the new rear engine mount assembly between the transmission bellhousing and crossmember. Align the mount so that the upper bracket holes align with the transmission bellhousing mounting holes and the lower bracket holes align with the crossmember mounting holes. It may be necessary to use the engine support to adjust engine height slightly for proper alignment.
10. 10

    Install upper mount-to-transmission fasteners
    Install the upper mount-to-transmission bellhousing bolts and thread them in by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Snug the bolts finger-tight but do not torque at this stage. Verify that the mount bracket is seated flush against the transmission mounting surface.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install lower mount-to-crossmember fasteners
    Install the lower mount-to-crossmember bolts and thread them in by hand. Snug the bolts finger-tight but do not torque at this stage. Verify that the mount bracket is seated flush against the crossmember mounting surface.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Lower engine onto mount
    Using the engine support fixture or transmission jack, carefully lower the engine/transmission assembly onto the new rear mount. Lower slowly and ensure the mount compresses evenly without binding or misalignment. Once the engine weight is fully on the mount, verify that all mount brackets remain properly aligned with their mounting surfaces.
13. 13

    Torque upper mount fasteners
    Torque the upper mount-to-transmission bellhousing bolts to the factory-specified value (verify against Dodge/Chrysler service documentation for this platform) in an alternating sequence. Verify the mount bracket remains flush against the transmission during tightening. Verify the mount bracket remains flush against the transmission during tightening.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque lower mount fasteners
    Torque the lower mount-to-crossmember bolts to the factory-specified value (verify against Dodge/Chrysler service documentation for this platform) in an alternating sequence. Verify the mount bracket remains flush against the crossmember during tightening. Verify the mount bracket remains flush against the crossmember during tightening.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Remove engine support and reinstall exhaust
    Carefully remove the engine support fixture or lower and remove the transmission jack. Reposition the exhaust system and reconnect the rear exhaust hangers, ensuring rubber isolators are properly seated in their brackets. Verify adequate clearance between exhaust components and the chassis.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheels and torque lug nuts to the manufacturer specification.
2. Lower the vehicle from jack stands.
3. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Start the engine and allow it to idle. Monitor for unusual vibrations or noises from the rear mount area.
5. Inspect underneath the vehicle while the engine is running to verify the mount is compressing properly and no contact is occurring between the transmission and crossmember.

Verification

• With the engine idling, verify smooth operation with no excessive vibration transmitted through the chassis.
• Check that the transmission does not make contact with the crossmember during engine operation.
• Perform a test drive and verify normal operation during acceleration and deceleration with no clunking or excessive driveline movement.
• Re-inspect all mount fasteners after the test drive to confirm they remain tight. Re-torque if necessary.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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