Seat - Rear

Removal and installation of the rear seat assembly in a 2005 Dodge Viper, including seat cushion and seat back components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear seat cushion assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear seat back assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Verify the vehicle is in park with parking brake engaged
2. Move front seats fully forward to maximize rear access
3. Remove any items from rear seat area
4. Inspect seat belt hardware to ensure it is not routed through seat components in a way that would require additional disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Rear Seat Cushion
   Locate the mounting fasteners at the front edge of the rear seat cushion. These are typically accessible from the front lower edge. Remove the 2 mounting bolts securing the cushion to the floor pan using a 13mm socket. Lift the front edge of the cushion upward and pull forward to disengage any rear retention clips or hooks from the seat back area. Remove the cushion from the vehicle.
2. 2

   Access Seat Back Lower Mounting
   With the seat cushion removed, inspect the lower mounting area of the seat back. The seat back is secured at the bottom where it meets the floor pan. Identify the lower mounting bolts, typically 2-3 bolts accessible from the front lower edge of the seat back structure.
3. 3

   Remove Seat Back Lower Mounting Bolts
   Using a 13mm socket and extension, remove the lower mounting bolts securing the seat back to the floor pan. Support the seat back with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling backward.
4. 4

   Disconnect Seat Belt Anchor (if applicable)
   Check if any seat belt anchor points are mounted directly to the seat back structure. If present, remove the seat belt anchor bolt using a 13mm socket. Note the orientation and any washers or spacers for reinstallation. If the seat belt anchors only to body structure and not the seat, this step can be skipped.
5. 5

   Remove Seat Back Assembly
   With all lower mounting bolts removed, carefully tilt the seat back forward and lift upward to disengage any upper pivot points or retention features from the body structure. The seat back may have upper hooks or pivots that require lifting vertically after tilting forward. Remove the seat back from the vehicle, taking care not to contact door sills or surrounding trim.
6. 6

   Install Seat Back Assembly
   Position the seat back assembly into the vehicle. Align the upper pivot points or hooks with their corresponding mounting locations on the body structure. Tilt the seat back into position while engaging the upper retention features. Ensure the seat back is fully seated before proceeding to lower mounting.
7. 7

   Install Seat Back Lower Mounting Bolts
   Install the lower seat back mounting bolts finger-tight initially to allow for alignment. Once all bolts are started, torque the mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench and 13mm socket.
   Torque spec

   Seat Mounting Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect Seat Belt Anchor (if applicable)
   If a seat belt anchor was removed from the seat back structure in step 4, reinstall the anchor bolt with any washers or spacers in their original orientation. Torque the seat belt anchor bolt to specification.
   Torque spec

   Seat Mounting Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install Rear Seat Cushion
   Position the rear seat cushion into the vehicle. Engage any rear hooks or clips by pressing the rear edge of the cushion down and toward the seat back. Lower the front edge of the cushion and align the mounting bolt holes with the floor pan. Install the 2 cushion mounting bolts and torque to specification using a 13mm socket and torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Seat Mounting Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Verify Installation
    Test the seat back for secure mounting by attempting to rock it forward and backward. Test the seat cushion by pressing down firmly on multiple locations. Verify that all seat belt components move freely and are not pinched or obstructed by the seat structure.

Reassembly

1. Installation is performed in reverse order of removal
2. All mounting bolts must be torqued to 27.0 Nm (20.0 lb-ft) specification
3. Verify seat belt function and routing after installation is complete

Verification

• Confirm all mounting bolts are tight and torqued to specification
• Test seat back stability by attempting to move it with firm hand pressure - there should be no excessive movement
• Verify seat cushion is securely latched and does not lift or shift when pressure is applied
• Check that all seat belt components operate freely without binding or interference from seat structure
• Return front seats to normal positions and verify adequate clearance

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