Trailing Arm Bushing

Replace the rear trailing arm bushings on a 1992 Dodge Viper by removing the trailing arm from the vehicle, pressing out the old bushings, installing new bushings, and reinstalling the trailing arm with proper alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushing kit (front and rear bushings per side) × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent performance bushing

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level 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
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under manufacturer-recommended lift points
5. Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced
6. Apply penetrating oil to all trailing arm fasteners and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Support trailing arm
   Position a floor jack under the rear trailing arm near the wheel hub area to support the weight of the suspension assembly. Raise jack just enough to contact the arm without lifting the vehicle. This prevents the arm from dropping when fasteners are removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the shock absorber lower mounting bolt that attaches to the trailing arm. Remove the lower shock bolt and nut. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation. Move the shock out of the way.
3. 3

   Remove sway bar link connection
   If equipped with rear sway bar, disconnect the sway bar end link from the trailing arm. Remove the nut securing the link to the trailing arm bracket. The link may need to be held with a wrench while removing the nut to prevent spinning.
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the chassis at the rear pivot point. This is typically a large through-bolt with a bushing. Remove the nut and withdraw the bolt. You may need to use a pry bar to separate the arm from the mounting bracket once the bolt is removed.
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm mounting bolt that connects the arm to the forward chassis mount. Remove the nut and withdraw the bolt. Carefully lower the floor jack while controlling the trailing arm to remove it from the vehicle. The arm assembly should now be free.
6. 6

   Clean trailing arm mounting points
   With the trailing arm removed, use a wire brush to clean the bushing housing bores in the trailing arm. Remove any rust, debris, or remnants of old bushing material. Inspect the arm for cracks, deformation, or damage. If damage is found, the arm should be replaced rather than re-bushed.
7. 7

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or appropriate bushing removal tool, press the old bushings out of the trailing arm. Position the arm in the press so the bushing can be driven out into open space below. Apply even pressure and ensure the press tool is centered on the bushing outer shell. The bushing should press out smoothly. Repeat for both front and rear bushings in the arm.
8. 8

   Prepare new bushings
   Inspect the new bushings and confirm they match the originals in size and design. Check that the bushing outer diameter fits the arm bore properly. Some bushings may require light lubrication on the outer shell for installation (check bushing manufacturer instructions). Do not lubricate polyurethane bushings unless specifically instructed.
9. 9

   Press in new bushings
   Position the trailing arm in the press with the bushing bore supported evenly. Align the new bushing squarely with the bore opening. Press the bushing into the arm using appropriately sized installation tools or sockets that contact only the bushing outer shell, never the inner sleeve. Press until the bushing is fully seated and centered in the bore. Verify the bushing flange (if equipped) is flush with the arm surface. Repeat for both bushings.
10. 10

    Install trailing arm to chassis
    Position the trailing arm back into the vehicle, aligning the front mounting point first. Use the floor jack to support the arm and align the mounting holes. Insert the front mounting bolt through the chassis bracket and trailing arm bushing, but do not fully tighten yet. Raise or adjust the jack to align the rear mounting point, then install the rear mounting bolt. Leave both bolts snug but not torqued.
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    If equipped with rear sway bar, reconnect the sway bar end link to the trailing arm bracket. Install the nut and torque according to specification. Ensure the link is not twisted or binding.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Reposition the shock absorber lower mount to the trailing arm. Install the lower shock bolt with any washers or spacers in their original orientation. Install the nut and torque to specification. Note: Shock Absorber Lower Mount Bolt
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque trailing arm bolts
    Lower the vehicle so the suspension is at normal ride height with the vehicle weight on the wheels (wheels can remain off but suspension must be loaded). This is critical for proper bushing alignment and longevity. Torque the front and rear trailing arm mounting bolts to specification. These are critical suspension attachment points.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel
    Reinstall the rear wheel, threading lug nuts by hand first. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground, then torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification with vehicle at ride height
2. If both sides were serviced, verify work was completed symmetrically
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely before final torque verification

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or handling issues
• Check for proper rear suspension alignment and that the vehicle tracks straight
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all trailing arm mounting bolts to specification
• Inspect for any bushing movement or fastener looseness

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