Coil Springs - Rear Pair

Replace the rear coil springs on a 2005 Dodge Viper, including disassembly of the rear suspension components to access and remove/install the springs safely.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shock absorber mounting hardware (if corroded) × 1 — Inspect before ordering

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Chock the front wheels securely.
3. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
4. Raise the rear of the vehicle with a floor jack and support it securely on jack stands placed under the frame rails.
5. Remove both rear wheels completely.
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak if corrosion is present.

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm to support the suspension while you disconnect the coilover shock/spring assembly. The spring on this vehicle is captive on the coilover unit and cannot be removed by lowering the control arm.
   ⚠️The jack must remain in place supporting the lower control arm throughout the spring removal process. Do not remove the jack until the new spring is installed and secured.
2. 2

   Disconnect the rear shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the lower control arm. Remove the bolt securing the shock to the lower control arm. You may need to hold the shock shaft with a wrench to prevent rotation while removing the nut. Allow the shock to hang free or secure it out of the way with wire or a bungee cord.
3. 3

   Disconnect the sway bar link (if equipped)
   If the vehicle is equipped with a rear sway bar, locate the sway bar end link connection at the lower control arm or suspension knuckle. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the nut securing the link. Disconnect the link from the suspension. Note: Socket set (SAE and metric)
   Torque spec

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

   Lower the suspension to access the spring
   Support the coilover assembly, then remove the upper and lower coilover mounting bolts to detach the complete shock/spring unit from the vehicle. The spring remains under load on the coilover and must be safely compressed on a spring compressor after removal.
   ⚠Lower the jack very slowly and be prepared to stop if anything binds or appears unsafe. Keep hands and body clear of the spring as it extends.
5. 5

   Remove the coil spring
   Once the spring is fully decompressed and loose, carefully remove it from between the upper and lower spring seats. Note the orientation of any spring isolators or rubber pads on the top and bottom of the spring. Remove and inspect these isolators for damage or deterioration.
   ℹ️Mark or photograph the spring orientation and isolator positions before removal to ensure correct installation of the new spring.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean the spring seats
   With the spring removed, inspect both the upper spring seat (on the frame) and lower spring seat (on the control arm) for rust, damage, or debris. Wire brush the seats clean and inspect for cracks or deformation. Check that any alignment features or locating tabs are intact.
7. 7

   Prepare the new coil spring
   Transfer the spring isolators (rubber pads) from the old spring to the new spring, ensuring they are positioned in the same orientation. If the isolators are worn, cracked, or compressed, replace them with new ones. Verify that the new spring matches the old spring in terms of length, diameter, and coil count.
8. 8

   Install the new coil spring
   Position the new coil spring between the upper and lower spring seats, ensuring proper orientation. The coil end positions must align with any locating features on the spring seats. Make sure the spring isolators remain in place during installation.
   ℹ️Some springs have a specific top and bottom orientation based on coil spacing or end design. Verify correct orientation before proceeding.
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 the jack, the spring will compress between the seats. Continue raising until the suspension reaches approximately ride height and the spring is fully seated in both upper and lower seats. Verify that the spring ends are properly located in their seats.
   ⚠Raise the jack slowly and verify that the spring remains properly aligned as it compresses. Stop immediately if the spring begins to shift or bind.
10. 10

    Reconnect the shock absorber lower mount
    With the suspension at approximately ride height, align the shock absorber lower mounting eye with the mounting point on the lower control arm. Install the mounting bolt and tighten to specification. Hold the shock shaft if necessary to prevent rotation during tightening. Note: Shock Absorber Lower Mount Bolt
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect the sway bar link (if equipped)
    If disconnected, reconnect the sway bar end link to the suspension. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key and install the nut. Tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat for the opposite side
    Lower the jack from under the control arm and move it to support the opposite side rear suspension. Repeat steps 1 through 11 to replace the spring on the opposite side of the vehicle. Both rear springs should always be replaced as a pair.
13. 13

    Reinstall the rear wheels
    Install both rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded.
14. 14

    Final torque and inspection
    With the vehicle weight on the ground, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle completely. Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension. Perform a final visual inspection of all fasteners and components.
    Torque spec

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

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be tightened to the specified torque values.
2. Suspension fasteners should be torqued with the vehicle at normal ride height (weight on wheels) when specified.
3. Verify that all spring isolators are properly seated and that springs are correctly positioned in their seats.
4. Check that no tools, rags, or parts were left in the suspension area.

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for proper handling and ride quality.
• Listen for any rattling, clunking, or squeaking noises that might indicate improper installation.
• Verify that the vehicle sits level and that ride height appears correct on both sides.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all suspension fasteners and verify spring position.
• Have the rear wheel alignment checked by a professional alignment shop, as spring replacement can affect alignment settings.

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