Strut Assembly - Rear

Remove and replace the rear strut assemblies on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including disconnection from the knuckle and upper strut tower mounts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut assembly × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Strut-to-knuckle bolts (if corroded) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at differential or rear subframe
5. Place jack stands under rear frame rails at reinforced jacking points
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on strut-to-knuckle bolts and upper strut tower nuts; allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate if fasteners show corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut tower mounting
   Open trunk and locate the rear strut tower on the side being serviced. The upper strut mount is accessible from inside the trunk behind the interior panels. Remove the trunk interior panel fasteners (typically push-pins or clips) to expose the strut tower. The upper mount will have 3 nuts securing the strut to the body.
2. 2

   Support suspension and knuckle
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm or knuckle to support the suspension weight. Raise the jack just enough to take tension off the strut but not to lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when the strut is disconnected and maintains alignment of mounting holes during reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove upper strut mount nuts
   Using a 15mm socket and wrench, remove the 3 nuts securing the upper strut mount to the strut tower. Hold the top of the strut shaft with a wrench on the flat surfaces if the shaft rotates while removing the nuts. Keep the nuts and washers organized for reinstallation or replacement.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect strut from knuckle
   Locate the 2 bolts securing the strut to the rear knuckle (steering knuckle/spindle assembly). Using an 18mm socket and wrench, remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts. Note the orientation of the bolts (typically inserted from the front). You may need to use a breaker bar as these fasteners are torqued to 90 lb-ft. Support the strut as you remove the second bolt.
   ⚠The strut will become free once both bolts are removed. Ensure the suspension is adequately supported by the floor jack to prevent sudden dropping.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove strut assembly
   Carefully lower the floor jack slightly to create clearance. Guide the strut assembly downward and out from the knuckle bracket, then tilt and remove the entire assembly from the vehicle by pulling upward through the strut tower opening. The strut will come out as a complete unit with spring and upper mount attached.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and hardware
   Inspect the strut tower mounting surface for damage, cracks, or rust. Check the knuckle mounting bracket for deformation or cracks. Inspect the strut-to-knuckle bolts for thread damage or corrosion; replace if compromised. Clean the mounting surfaces with a wire brush to ensure proper seating of the new strut.
7. 7

   Install new strut assembly
   Guide the new strut assembly into position by inserting the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes first. Align the lower strut bracket with the knuckle mounting holes while raising the floor jack to bring the knuckle into position. Thread the upper strut tower nuts by hand to hold the assembly in place.
8. 8

   Install strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Insert the 2 strut-to-knuckle bolts through the knuckle and strut bracket, maintaining the original orientation (typically from front to rear). Thread the nuts onto the bolts by hand. Do not fully torque at this time; snug them to approximately 50% torque to maintain alignment.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque upper strut tower nuts
   Using a torque wrench and 15mm socket, torque the 3 upper strut tower nuts to 37 lb-ft in a star or cross pattern to ensure even loading of the mount. If the strut shaft rotates during torquing, hold it with a wrench on the flat surfaces at the top of the shaft.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Using a torque wrench with 18mm socket and wrench, torque both strut-to-knuckle bolts to 90 lb-ft. Torque the bolts alternately (one side, then the other) to ensure even loading. Hold the bolt head with the wrench while torquing the nut side.
    ⚠These bolts are critical to suspension integrity. Verify torque value is achieved on both fasteners.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Complete second side
    Remove the floor jack from under the first side. Repeat steps 2 through 10 for the opposite rear strut assembly. Work methodically and verify all fasteners are properly torqued on the second side.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to approximately 50% torque. Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to 100 lb-ft in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall trunk interior panels
    Reinstall any trunk interior panels or trim pieces removed to access the strut towers. Ensure all fasteners, clips, or push-pins are properly seated.

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners must be torqued to specification with vehicle weight on suspension (at ride height) or as noted in individual steps
2. Replace any corroded or damaged fasteners; never reuse compromised suspension hardware
3. Trunk interior panels must be reinstalled to prevent noise and allow proper cargo storage

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle several times and verify struts dampen motion without excessive rebound or noise
• Verify no clunking, rattling, or loose components when bouncing suspension
• Inspect all fastener locations to confirm nothing was left loose or disconnected
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area; listen for any abnormal suspension noise
• Verify vehicle tracks straight and handles predictably during low-speed maneuvers
• Schedule a professional 4-wheel alignment within 50 miles of strut replacement to ensure proper tire wear and handling characteristics

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