Rear Shocks - Pair

Remove and replace both rear shock absorbers on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including raising the vehicle, removing upper and lower shock mounting hardware, and installing new shocks.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or performance equivalent
• Upper shock mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower shock mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while wheels are on ground.
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at appropriate rear lift point.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails or manufacturer-designated support points.
6. Remove both rear wheels completely and set aside.
7. Spray penetrating oil on upper and lower shock mounting hardware and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if hardware appears corroded.

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm near the shock location on the driver side. Raise jack just enough to contact and slightly compress the suspension, taking load off the shock absorber. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the shock is removed.
2. 2

   Remove driver side upper shock mounting
   Access the upper shock mount as specified in the factory service manual for the 1992 Viper. Remove the upper shock mounting nut using the correct socket size (verify against service manual). Hold the shock shaft with a 15mm wrench if the shaft rotates while loosening the nut. Remove the upper mounting hardware and note the order of any washers or bushings for reinstallation.
   ℹ️The upper mount configuration may include isolator bushings and washers. Note their exact order and orientation for proper reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove driver side lower shock mounting
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt that secures the shock to the lower control arm. Remove the lower mounting bolt using the appropriate socket and wrench (verify size against factory service manual). The bolt typically passes through the shock eye and control arm. Remove the bolt completely and extract any bushings or sleeves from the shock eye.
4. 4

   Remove driver side shock absorber
   With both upper and lower mounts disconnected, carefully remove the shock absorber from the vehicle. Maneuver it out from between the suspension components and body. Inspect the mounting points for damage, excessive corrosion, or worn bushings in the chassis.
5. 5

   Install driver side new shock absorber
   Install any bushings or sleeves onto the new shock absorber as required, matching the configuration of the original. Position the new shock between the upper and lower mounting points. Insert the upper shock shaft through the upper mounting point first, then align the lower eye with the control arm or axle mount. Install upper mounting hardware finger-tight only at this stage.
6. 6

   Secure driver side lower shock mount
   Install the lower shock mounting bolt through the control arm and shock eye, ensuring any bushings or sleeves are properly positioned. Thread the nut onto the bolt and torque the lower shock mounting bolt to the value specified in the factory service manual using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Secure driver side upper shock mount
   With the lower mount secured and the suspension in its normal position (still supported by the jack), torque the upper shock mounting nut to the value specified in the factory service manual using a torque wrench. Hold the shock shaft with a wrench if necessary to prevent rotation.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Support passenger side suspension
   Carefully lower the jack from under the driver side suspension. Reposition the floor jack under the passenger side rear lower control arm or axle housing near the shock location. Raise jack just enough to contact and slightly compress the suspension.
9. 9

   Remove passenger side upper shock mounting
   Access the passenger side upper shock mount. Remove the upper shock mounting nut using an 18mm socket. Hold the shock shaft with a 15mm wrench if the shaft rotates. Remove the upper mounting hardware and note the order of any washers or bushings.
10. 10

    Remove passenger side lower shock mounting
    Remove the passenger side lower shock mounting bolt using an 18mm socket and wrench. Remove the bolt completely and extract any bushings or sleeves from the shock eye.
11. 11

    Remove passenger side shock absorber
    With both upper and lower mounts disconnected, carefully remove the passenger side shock absorber from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting points for damage or wear.
12. 12

    Install passenger side new shock absorber
    Install any bushings or sleeves onto the new shock absorber, matching the original configuration. Position the new shock between the upper and lower mounting points. Insert the upper shock shaft through the upper mounting point first, then align the lower eye with the control arm or axle mount. Install upper mounting hardware finger-tight only.
13. 13

    Secure passenger side lower shock mount
    Install the lower shock mounting bolt through the control arm and shock eye, ensuring proper bushing positioning. Thread the nut onto the bolt and torque the lower shock mounting bolt to the value specified in the factory service manual using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Secure passenger side upper shock mount
    With the lower mount secured and the suspension in its normal position (still supported by the jack), torque the upper shock mounting nut to the value specified in the factory service manual using a torque wrench. Hold the shock shaft with a wrench if necessary.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Lower suspension and reinstall wheels
    Carefully lower the jack from under the passenger side suspension. Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts on by hand first. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until wheels contact the ground but vehicle weight is not fully on wheels. Torque wheel lug nuts to the manufacturer-specified value (verify against factory service manual) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands and jack.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all shock mounting hardware is torqued to specification.
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are properly torqued after lowering vehicle.
3. Remove wheel chocks and store all tools.

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle several times and verify shocks dampen movement properly without excessive bouncing.
• Visually inspect both upper and lower shock mounts to confirm all hardware is secure and properly seated.
• Test drive vehicle at low speed over moderate bumps to verify proper shock function and absence of rattles or clunking from rear suspension.
• Re-check wheel lug nut torque after first 50-100 miles of driving.

More procedures for this vehicle