Coil Spring - Rear

Replace the rear coil springs on a 2005 Dodge Viper, requiring suspension disassembly and the use of a spring compressor to safely handle stored spring energy.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground, but do not remove
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at differential or rear subframe
5. Place jack stands under manufacturer-specified jacking points on rear subframe or chassis rails
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on shock absorber lower mounting bolts and control arm fasteners; allow to soak while preparing tools

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm on the side being serviced, close to the spring perch. Raise the jack just enough to take the weight of the suspension and compress the spring slightly. This prevents sudden movement when fasteners are removed. The suspension should be at approximately ride height position.
   ⚠️The jack must remain in position throughout the entire spring removal process. If the jack shifts or lowers unexpectedly, the spring can release violently.
2. 2

   Disconnect the rear shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the shock absorber lower mounting bolt where it attaches to the lower control arm. Remove the bolt completely. You may need to hold the shock shaft from rotating if it has a hex feature at the top. The shock will now be free at the bottom but remains connected at the top mount. Note: Shock Absorber Lower Mounting Bolt
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect the sway bar end link (if equipped)
   If the vehicle is equipped with a rear sway bar, locate the end link connecting the sway bar to the lower control arm. Hold the stud with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the retaining nut. Disconnect the end link from the mounting point. If the ball joint stud spins, use locking pliers on the stud shaft while loosening the nut.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower the suspension to release spring tension
   Very slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the control arm. As you lower, the spring will begin to extend. Continue lowering until the spring is fully extended and no longer under any compression load. The control arm will drop down significantly from its normal position. Ensure the shock absorber has enough travel to allow this movement without binding.
   ⚠️Lower the jack slowly and maintain control. Watch for any binding or unusual movement. Keep hands and body clear of the spring and control arm path.
5. 5

   Remove the coil spring
   With the suspension fully lowered and the spring unloaded, carefully remove the coil spring from between the upper and lower spring perches. The spring may be captured by isolators or guides. Note the orientation of the spring and the position of any rubber isolators on the top and bottom. If the spring does not come free easily, check that the suspension is fully lowered and no tension remains. Remove and retain any upper and lower spring isolators or seats. Note: Socket set (SAE and metric)
   ⚠Even when fully extended, springs can have residual tension. Handle carefully and ensure complete unloading before attempting removal.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean spring seats
   With the spring removed, inspect both the upper and lower spring seats for corrosion, damage, or debris. Wire brush both surfaces clean. Check the rubber spring isolators for cracking, compression set, or deterioration. Replace isolators if damaged. Inspect the shock absorber for leaks or damage. Check control arm bushings for wear or cracking.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor on new spring (if needed for installation)
   If the new spring must be compressed to fit between the spring seats during installation, install a coil spring compressor according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks are fully engaged on the coils with at least three coils between compression points. Compress the spring only enough to allow installation between the upper and lower seats. For the Viper rear suspension, you may be able to install the spring without a compressor by jacking the control arm up with the spring in position.
   ⚠️Use only a quality coil spring compressor rated for the spring load. Ensure hooks are fully seated and tighten compressor evenly on both sides. A slipping or failing compressor can cause catastrophic injury.
8. 8

   Position the new spring
   Install the lower spring isolator on the lower control arm spring seat. Position the new coil spring with the properly oriented end (check for paint marks or part number tags indicating top/bottom) into the lower spring seat. Ensure the spring end is properly located in any positioning tabs or pockets on the lower seat. Install the upper spring isolator on the top of the spring if it is a separate piece.
9. 9

   Compress the suspension to seat the spring
   Using the floor jack under the lower control arm, slowly raise the suspension. As you raise, guide the top of the spring into the upper spring seat on the chassis or subframe. Ensure the spring seats properly into any locating features on the upper perch. Continue raising the jack until the suspension is at approximately normal ride height and the spring is fully captured between the upper and lower seats. If using a spring compressor, you can now carefully release and remove the compressor once the spring is captured by the suspension geometry.
   ⚠Verify the spring is fully seated in both upper and lower perches before releasing the compressor. An improperly seated spring can dislodge under load.
10. 10

    Reconnect the shock absorber lower mount
    With the suspension raised to ride height, align the shock absorber lower mounting eye with the mounting point on the lower control arm. Insert the mounting bolt and install the nut. Torque the bolt to the specified value. The suspension should be at ride height when torquing shock mounting fasteners to prevent binding. Note: Shock Absorber Lower Mounting Bolt
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect the sway bar end link (if equipped)
    If previously disconnected, reconnect the sway bar end link to the lower control arm. Install the retaining nut and hold the stud with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification. Ensure the ball joint boot is not torn or twisted during installation.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Lower the jack from under the first side. Reposition the jack and jack stands as needed to access the opposite rear spring. Repeat steps 1 through 11 for the other side of the vehicle. Always replace springs in pairs to maintain balanced suspension characteristics.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Remove wheel chocks.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts142.4 Nm (105 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All fasteners should be torqued to specification with the vehicle at ride height to prevent bushing bind
2. Spring isolators must be properly positioned to prevent squeaking and premature wear
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in the suspension area before lowering the vehicle

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle firmly several times and verify the suspension returns smoothly without clunking or binding
• Inspect for proper spring seating by checking that the spring coils are evenly spaced and the spring is centered in the perches on both sides
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify normal suspension operation, no unusual noises, and proper handling response
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all suspension fasteners to specification as initial settling may occur
• Have the rear wheel alignment checked by a professional alignment shop, as ride height changes from new springs can affect camber and toe settings

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle