Driveshaft - Rear

Remove and replace the rear driveshaft on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including disconnection from the transmission output flange and differential pinion yoke.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Differential pinion yoke nut × 1 — Use OEM specification - single-use nut
• Rear driveshaft assembly × 1 — OEM replacement or equivalent

Fluids

• 75W-140 synthetic GL-5 — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Chock the front wheels securely
3. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a lift or floor jack and support on jack stands at the rear subframe or axle stands
4. Ensure vehicle is stable and will not shift during work
5. Place a drain pan under the differential to catch any fluid leakage

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using a marker or paint pen, mark the relationship between the driveshaft and the transmission output flange at the front, and between the driveshaft yoke and the differential pinion yoke at the rear. These marks are critical for maintaining proper driveshaft phasing during reinstallation and preventing vibration.
2. 2

   Support driveshaft
   Position a floor jack or jack stand under the center of the driveshaft to support its weight. The driveshaft will become unbalanced once disconnected and can fall or bind during removal.
3. 3

   Remove rear driveshaft connection
   At the differential end, verify the connection type before proceeding — the driveshaft may connect via a U-joint with bearing cap straps or via a bolted flange. Remove the appropriate fasteners securing the driveshaft to the pinion yoke per the vehicle-specific service manual. Use a pry bar or screwdriver to carefully separate the U-joint from the pinion yoke if it does not come free easily. The bearing caps may stick to the yoke. Note: Some Viper models use a flange-to-flange connection at the differential; if equipped with flanged connection, remove the 4 flange bolts instead.
   Torque spec

   U-Joint Strap Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Lower rear of driveshaft
   Carefully lower the rear of the driveshaft away from the differential pinion yoke. Slide it rearward slightly to disengage the U-joint from the yoke. Support the driveshaft on the jack to prevent it from hanging on the transmission output shaft.
5. 5

   Remove front driveshaft connection
   At the transmission end, remove the 4 flange bolts connecting the driveshaft flange to the transmission output flange. Have an assistant hold the driveshaft or use a transmission output shaft holding tool to prevent the shaft from rotating while loosening bolts.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove driveshaft assembly
   With all fasteners removed, carefully slide the driveshaft rearward to disengage it from the transmission output flange. Lower the driveshaft using the support jack and remove it from under the vehicle. Be careful not to damage the transmission output seal or differential pinion seal during removal.
7. 7

   Inspect components
   Inspect the removed driveshaft for worn U-joints, damaged splines, bent tubing, or missing balance weights. Check the transmission output flange and differential pinion yoke for wear, scoring, or damage. Inspect both seals (transmission output and differential pinion) for leakage or damage. Replace any worn or damaged components before reassembly.
8. 8

   Install driveshaft to transmission
   Raise the replacement or serviced driveshaft into position using the floor jack. Align the front flange with the transmission output flange, ensuring the alignment marks made during disassembly are matched. Install the 4 flange bolts finger-tight. Do not torque at this time.
9. 9

   Connect driveshaft to differential
   Slide the rear of the driveshaft forward and align the U-joint or flange with the differential pinion yoke, matching the alignment marks from disassembly. If equipped with U-joint straps, position the bearing caps into the yoke and install the 2 strap assemblies with their 4 bolts. If equipped with a flange connection, align and install the 4 flange bolts finger-tight. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to U-joint strap bolt threads before installation.
   Torque spec

   U-Joint Strap Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque rear connection
    Using a pinion yoke holding tool or chain wrench to prevent rotation, torque the rear driveshaft fasteners to the factory-specified value in a cross pattern. Verify the correct torque spec for the strap or flange configuration in the vehicle-specific service manual before final tightening.
    Torque spec

    U-Joint Strap Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque front connection
    Hold the transmission output flange stationary using a holding tool or large screwdriver, and torque the front driveshaft flange bolts to the factory-specified value in a cross pattern. Verify the correct bolt count and torque spec in the vehicle-specific service manual before final tightening.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Flange Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Check differential fluid level
    Remove the differential fill plug and check the fluid level. Top off with the OEM-specified synthetic GL-5 gear oil (verify correct viscosity and any required limited-slip friction modifier per the service manual) if needed due to leakage during driveshaft removal. The fluid should be level with the bottom of the fill hole. Reinstall the fill plug.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all alignment marks are matched to maintain driveshaft phasing
2. Apply threadlocker to U-joint strap bolts as specified
3. Torque all fasteners to specification in the sequence provided
4. Top off differential fluid if any was lost during the procedure

Verification

• Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left under the vehicle
• Check that the driveshaft rotates freely by hand with no binding or interference
• Lower the vehicle and test drive at low speed (15-25 mph) to verify no vibration or unusual noises
• Gradually increase speed to highway speeds and verify smooth operation with no vibration
• Re-check all fastener torque after initial test drive
• Inspect for any fluid leaks at the transmission output seal and differential pinion seal

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