Engine Mount - Rear

This procedure covers removal and installation of the rear engine mount on the 2005 Dodge Viper 8.3L V10, requiring engine support and access from underneath the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear engine mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine mount hardware kit (if bolts show thread damage) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine and exhaust system to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
3. Disconnect negative battery cable
4. Raise vehicle on lift or jack vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove rear belly pan or undertray if equipped to access rear engine mount area
6. Inspect work area and identify rear engine mount location (positioned between transmission bellhousing and crossmember)
7. Apply penetrating oil to all visible mount fasteners and allow to soak while preparing engine support

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the Engine
   Position a floor jack with a wide wooden block under the engine oil pan or transmission case (not the drain plug area). Raise the jack until it just contacts the pan with minimal upward pressure—do not lift the engine yet. The jack should be positioned to support the engine when the rear mount is removed. Verify the jack is stable and centered.
2. 2

   Remove Heat Shield if Present
   If a heat shield is installed over the rear engine mount, remove the mounting fasteners. The heat shield typically attaches with 2-3 bolts to the crossmember or mount bracket. Set aside the heat shield and hardware for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove Mount Through Bolt
   Locate the through bolt that passes horizontally through the engine mount assembly, connecting the mount bracket to the engine-side isolator. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the through bolt nut. Remove the through bolt by driving it out with a punch if necessary—these bolts often become seized due to heat and corrosion. Verify the fastener size before selecting a socket, as size varies by application.
   Torque spec

   Mount Through Bolt88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts
   Locate the bolts securing the rear mount bracket to the transmission tailshaft housing or drivetrain. Verify the exact bolt count against factory documentation before removal. Remove these bolts completely using appropriate sockets and extensions to reach into the confined space. Support the mount by hand as the last bolt is removed.
   Torque spec

   Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Raise Engine Slightly
   Carefully raise the floor jack supporting the transmission pan to lift the engine assembly approximately 1-2 inches. This relieves remaining load on the rear mount and creates clearance for mount removal. Raise slowly and watch for interference with hood, firewall, and all hose/wiring connections. Stop immediately if any component shows tension.
6. 6

   Remove Mount-to-Frame Bolts
   With the engine weight now on the jack, locate the bolts securing the lower portion of the rear mount to the crossmember or frame bracket. Verify the exact bolt count and orientation against factory documentation, then remove all frame-side bolts completely.
   Torque spec

   Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove Rear Engine Mount Assembly
   With all fasteners removed, carefully maneuver the rear engine mount assembly out of position. The mount may need to be tilted or rotated to clear the crossmember and bellhousing. Inspect the removed mount for cracking in the rubber isolator, separation of bonded components, fluid contamination, or collapsed rubber. Any of these conditions confirm the need for replacement.
8. 8

   Clean and Inspect Mounting Surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces on the engine block/bellhousing and the crossmember. Remove rust, corrosion, and old thread-locking compound from bolt holes. Inspect the mounting bolt holes in the block and frame for thread damage or elongation. Check the crossmember for cracks or deformation. Inspect adjacent engine mounts for similar deterioration.
9. 9

   Position New Rear Engine Mount
   Position the new rear engine mount assembly between the engine/transmission and the crossmember. Align the mount so that the engine-side bracket holes align with the bellhousing or block mounting holes, and the lower mount isolator aligns with the crossmember bracket. The mount orientation is critical—the offset design only fits one way.
10. 10

    Install Mount-to-Frame Bolts
    Thread the frame-side mounting bolts upward through the crossmember bracket and into the lower mount assembly. Start both bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the mount-to-frame bolts to the factory-specified torque (verify value in the FSM before assembly) using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Lower Engine onto Mount
    Slowly lower the floor jack supporting the engine, allowing the engine weight to settle onto the new rear mount. Lower until the mount bracket holes align with the engine block/bellhousing mounting holes. Verify alignment before proceeding—use a pry bar if minor adjustment is needed to align holes.
12. 12

    Install Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts
    Thread the mount-side mounting bolts through the mount bracket and into the transmission tailshaft housing or drivetrain bracket. Start both bolts by hand to confirm proper thread engagement. Tighten the bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install Mount Through Bolt
    Insert the through bolt horizontally through the engine mount assembly, passing through the mount bracket and rubber isolator. Thread the nut onto the through bolt and tighten to specification. This fastener locks the two halves of the mount assembly together.
    Torque spec

    Mount Through Bolt88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Remove Engine Support and Reinstall Heat Shield
    Carefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the transmission pan. If a heat shield was removed in step 2, reinstall it now using the original fasteners. Verify the engine sits level and the mount is not visibly strained or misaligned.
15. 15

    Reinstall Undertray and Lower Vehicle
    Reinstall the rear belly pan or undertray using the original fasteners. Lower the vehicle from the lift or remove jack stands and lower from the floor jack. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners are torqued to specification during the installation steps above
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment or under the vehicle
3. Ensure all electrical connections remain secure and were not disturbed during engine lifting

Verification

• Start the engine and observe the rear mount area for excessive movement or vibration
• With the engine running, have an assistant shift between drive and reverse (with brakes applied) while you observe the mount from underneath—movement should be minimal and controlled
• Test drive the vehicle and note any vibration, clunking during acceleration/deceleration, or abnormal noise from the rear of the engine compartment
• After the first 50 miles of operation, re-check torque on all mount fasteners to ensure they have not loosened

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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