Rear Shocks - Pair

This procedure covers the removal and installation of both rear shock absorbers on a 2005 Dodge Viper, requiring lift access and suspension work.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM or equivalent performance shock

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. If using a lift, position vehicle on lift and raise to working height
4. If using jack stands, loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove both rear wheels and set aside
7. Inspect shock absorbers for leakage, damage, or excessive wear to confirm replacement is necessary
8. Apply penetrating lubricant to shock mounting hardware and allow to soak while preparing tools

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm near the shock mounting point on the driver side. Raise jack slightly to take up the weight and prevent the suspension from dropping when the shock is removed. Do not lift the vehicle, only support the suspension arm at ride height position.
2. 2

   Remove driver side upper shock mount
   Locate the upper shock mounting bolt/nut at the upper shock bracket on the rear suspension frame. On the 2005 Viper this is accessed from underneath/within the rear wheel well, NOT from the trunk. Verify the exact upper mount location against factory service documentation before proceeding. Remove the upper shock mounting nut using a socket and wrench. Note the position of any washers or bushings for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove driver side lower shock mount
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower shock mounting bolt that secures the shock to the lower control arm or rear knuckle assembly. Remove the lower mounting bolt completely using a socket and wrench. The shock may now be free to remove.
4. 4

   Extract driver side shock absorber
   Carefully lower the floor jack slightly if needed to create clearance. Remove the shock absorber by guiding it out from between the suspension components. If the shock is binding, gently pry the mounting points apart or adjust the jack height. Inspect the removed shock for failure mode (leaking fluid, broken mounts, etc.).
5. 5

   Install driver side new shock absorber
   Clean the upper and lower mounting points with a wire brush. Install the new shock absorber by positioning the upper mount first into the tower, then aligning the lower mount with the control arm or knuckle. Use the floor jack to adjust suspension height for easier alignment. Install the upper mounting hardware finger-tight with all washers and bushings in their correct positions.
6. 6

   Secure driver side shock mounts
   Install the lower shock mounting bolt and tighten finger-tight. Ensure the suspension is at normal ride height position (supported by the jack). Torque the lower shock mounting bolt, then the upper shock mounting bolt, to the factory-specified values from the 2005 Viper service manual (do not use generic strut specs — verify exact torque values before final tightening). Verify all hardware is secure.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Support passenger side suspension
   Reposition the floor jack under the passenger side rear lower control arm near the shock mounting point. Raise jack slightly to support the suspension at ride height, preventing it from dropping during shock removal.
8. 8

   Remove passenger side upper shock mount
   Access the passenger side upper shock mounting nut from the trunk area or suspension tower. Remove the upper mounting nut using a socket and wrench. Keep track of all washers and bushings.
9. 9

   Remove passenger side lower shock mount
   From underneath the vehicle, remove the lower shock mounting bolt that secures the shock to the lower control arm or knuckle assembly. Remove the bolt completely.
10. 10

    Extract passenger side shock absorber
    Lower the floor jack slightly if needed for clearance. Remove the shock absorber by guiding it out from the suspension assembly. Adjust jack height or use a pry bar carefully if binding occurs. Inspect the removed shock.
11. 11

    Install passenger side new shock absorber
    Clean the mounting points. Install the new shock by positioning the upper mount into the tower first, then aligning the lower mount. Use the jack to adjust suspension height for alignment. Install upper mounting hardware finger-tight with all components in correct order.
12. 12

    Secure passenger side shock mounts
    Install the lower shock mounting bolt and tighten finger-tight. With suspension at normal ride height (supported by jack), torque the lower shock mounting bolt, then the upper shock mounting bolt, to the factory-specified values from the 2005 Viper service manual (verify exact torque values; do not use generic strut specs). Verify all hardware is fully tightened.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Remove the floor jack from under the suspension. Reinstall both rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with the vehicle still elevated, but do not torque to final specification yet. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
14. 14

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle on the ground and full weight on the wheels, torque all rear wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

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

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any trunk trim panels or access covers that were removed to reach upper shock mounts
2. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from the vehicle and work area
3. Dispose of old shock absorbers according to local regulations (many auto parts stores accept them for recycling)

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Perform a slow test drive on level ground, checking for proper shock operation and no rattles or clunks
• Test drive over small bumps at low speed to verify shocks are damping correctly
• Recheck all mounting hardware torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify vehicle rides level and handling characteristics are normal
• Inspect for any fluid leaks from new shocks after initial test drive

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