Bumper Reinforcement - Rear

Remove and replace the rear bumper reinforcement bar on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including removal of the rear fascia and access to mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear bumper reinforcement bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Push-pin retainers (if damaged during removal) × 10 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven
4. Apply masking tape to mark the position of the rear fascia relative to the quarter panels for alignment reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear fascia lower fasteners
   Working from underneath the vehicle, locate and remove the lower fascia mounting fasteners along the bottom edge. These consist of push-pin retainers and screws securing the fascia to the lower valance area. Remove all fasteners along the bottom perimeter, taking care not to crack the fiberglass.
2. 2

   Remove rear fascia side fasteners
   Open both rear wheel wells and locate the fascia mounting fasteners along each side. Remove the push-pin retainers securing the fascia to the inner fender liner area on both sides. There are typically 3-4 retainers per side connecting the fascia edges to the body.
3. 3

   Remove upper fascia mounting bolts
   Working from the rear of the vehicle with the rear cargo/decklid area accessible if necessary, locate the upper fascia mounting bolts. Remove the 4 bolts securing the top edge of the fascia to the body structure using a 10mm socket. Support the fascia as you remove the final bolts.
4. 4

   Disconnect license plate lights
   If equipped, disconnect the license plate light electrical connectors. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight out. Carefully route the wiring through the fascia opening as you prepare to remove the fascia.
5. 5

   Remove rear fascia
   With all fasteners removed and wiring disconnected, carefully pull the rear fascia straight back away from the vehicle. Have a helper support the opposite side to prevent twisting or cracking. Set the fascia on a padded surface with the painted side up to prevent scratching.
6. 6

   Access reinforcement bar mounting bolts
   With the fascia removed, the rear bumper reinforcement bar is now visible. The bar is a horizontal reinforcement beam attached to the rear structure. Locate the mounting bolts on each end of the reinforcement bar where it attaches to the body/frame mounting brackets. Locate the mounting bolts on each end of the reinforcement bar where it attaches to the rear body structure mounting brackets.
7. 7

   Remove reinforcement bar mounting bolts
   Using the appropriate socket (verify size per FSM), remove the mounting bolts securing each end of the reinforcement bar to the rear body structure mounting brackets. There are 2 bolts on each side (4 total). Support the reinforcement bar as you remove the final bolts to prevent it from falling.
8. 8

   Remove reinforcement bar
   With all mounting bolts removed, carefully slide the reinforcement bar out from the mounting brackets. The bar may require slight manipulation to clear any brackets or tabs. Inspect the mounting points on the frame rails for damage or corrosion.
9. 9

   Install new reinforcement bar
   Position the new reinforcement bar into the mounting brackets on both frame rails. Ensure the bar is centered and properly seated in the brackets before installing fasteners. The bar should sit flush against the mounting surfaces.
10. 10

    Install reinforcement bar mounting bolts
    Install the 4 mounting bolts (2 per side) securing the reinforcement bar to the frame rail brackets. Start all bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque the bolts to the manufacturer-specified value (verify per FSM), tightening evenly across all fasteners to ensure even loading.
11. 11

    Reconnect license plate lights
    Route the license plate light wiring through the fascia openings and reconnect the electrical connectors. Ensure the connectors are fully seated and the locking tabs engage.
12. 12

    Install rear fascia
    With a helper, align the rear fascia to the body using the masking tape reference marks. Carefully guide the fascia into position, ensuring all mounting tabs align with their corresponding holes. The fascia should sit flush with the quarter panels with even gaps all around.
13. 13

    Install upper fascia mounting bolts
    Install the 4 upper fascia mounting bolts through the top edge of the fascia into the body structure. Start all bolts by hand, then torque to the manufacturer-specified value (verify per FSM).
14. 14

    Install side and lower fascia fasteners
    Working from the wheel well areas, install the push-pin retainers securing the fascia sides to the inner fender areas (3-4 per side). Then install all lower fascia push-pins and screws along the bottom edge. Ensure all fasteners are fully seated and the fascia is uniformly secured.

Reassembly

1. Remove masking tape alignment marks after verifying proper fascia alignment
2. Verify all panel gaps are even and consistent around the entire fascia perimeter
3. Test license plate lights for proper operation if equipped

Verification

• Walk around the vehicle and inspect all panel gaps for uniformity
• Gently push on the fascia at multiple points to verify it is securely fastened with no loose areas
• Verify the fascia sits flush with adjacent body panels with no high or low spots
• Confirm all fasteners are installed and properly tightened
• Check that license plate lights function correctly if equipped

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