Trailing Arm

This procedure covers removal and installation of the rear trailing arm on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including disconnection of suspension components and proper torque specifications for reassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushing kit (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface 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 at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove rear wheel on side being serviced
6. Apply penetrating oil to trailing arm mounting bolts and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear suspension knuckle or lower control arm near the trailing arm mounting point. Raise jack slightly to take up suspension weight but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping suddenly when the trailing arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the shock absorber lower mounting bolt at the trailing arm or knuckle. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. Push the shock absorber upward out of the way to provide access to the trailing arm.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Mark alignment reference
   Before removing any fasteners, use a paint marker or scribe to mark the relationship between the trailing arm and its mounting brackets. This provides a reference point for initial alignment during reinstallation and helps preserve existing alignment settings.
4. 4

   Remove trailing arm front mounting bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm mounting bolt where the arm connects to the chassis or forward mounting bracket. This is typically a large through-bolt with a nut on the opposite side. Support the trailing arm with one hand or secure it with wire to prevent it from falling. Remove the front mounting bolt and nut completely. The bolt may require significant force to remove if the bushings are seized.
5. 5

   Remove trailing arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt where the arm connects to the rear knuckle/hub carrier mounting point. Remove the rear mounting bolt and nut. The trailing arm should now be free to be removed from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   Carefully lower the floor jack slightly if needed to create clearance. Maneuver the trailing arm out of its mounting position, taking care not to damage brake lines or other nearby components. Inspect the trailing arm for cracks, bends, or damage. Inspect bushings at both ends for deterioration, cracking, or separation.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare mounting points
   With the trailing arm removed, inspect the chassis mounting brackets and knuckle mounting points for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush to remove rust, debris, and old thread locker. Check mounting bolt holes for elongation or damage. If bushings are being replaced, press or drive out old bushings from the trailing arm and install new bushings per manufacturer instructions.
8. 8

   Install trailing arm to vehicle
   Position the new or serviced trailing arm into the mounting location. Align the front mounting point first and insert the front mounting bolt finger-tight. Do not fully tighten at this stage. Align the rear mounting point and insert the rear mounting bolt finger-tight. Ensure the trailing arm is properly seated in both mounting locations and alignment marks (if reusing original arm) are reasonably close to their original positions.
9. 9

   Reconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Guide the shock absorber back into position at its lower mounting point on the trailing arm or knuckle. Insert the lower shock mounting bolt and install the nut. Tighten the shock lower mounting bolt to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final torque trailing arm mounting bolts
    With the suspension supported at ride height by the floor jack (suspension neither fully compressed nor fully extended), torque the trailing arm front mounting bolt to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). Torque the trailing arm rear mounting bolt to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). These fasteners must be torqued with the suspension at ride height to prevent bushing pre-load and premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Remove the floor jack from under the suspension. Reinstall the rear wheel, threading lug nuts by hand to avoid cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the wheel.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle's full weight on the wheels, torque the wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the installation steps above
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification with the vehicle at ride height (weight on wheels) before final lowering
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel well or suspension area

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for any unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper rear wheel tracking - the vehicle should track straight without pulling to one side (note: full alignment should still be performed)
• Re-torque all trailing arm and suspension fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving
• Have a complete four-wheel alignment performed by a qualified shop to restore proper suspension geometry

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