exhaust
Tail Pipe
for 2006 Dodge Viper 8.3L V10 · RWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
13
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
This procedure covers the removal and installation of the tail pipe assembly on a 2005 Dodge Viper with the 8.3L V10 engine, including disconnecting exhaust hangers and flange connections.
Warnings
⚠️Allow exhaust system to cool completely before beginning work. Exhaust components can remain hot for over an hour after engine shutdown and cause severe burns.
⚠Exhaust fasteners may be corroded or seized. Apply penetrating oil and allow to soak before attempting removal to prevent breaking studs.
⚠Support the tail pipe before removing all fasteners to prevent it from falling and causing injury or damage.
ℹ️Inspect rubber exhaust hangers for cracking, tearing, or deterioration during removal and replace if necessary.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
13mm socket and ratchetEssential
15mm socket and ratchetEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
Anti-seize compoundEssential
Safety glassesEssential
Work glovesEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Tail pipe assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Exhaust flange gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Rubber exhaust hangers (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake.
- Place wheel chocks at front wheels.
- Ensure exhaust system is completely cool to the touch.
- Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
- Verify vehicle is stable before working underneath.
- Spray penetrating oil on all exhaust flange bolts and hanger hardware, allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if corrosion is present.
Procedure
- 1Locate tail pipe assemblyPosition yourself under the rear of the vehicle. The tail pipe assembly connects to the rear muffler outlet and routes to the exhaust tips. Verify the actual exhaust routing and tip location against factory documentation for this specific Viper configuration. Identify the flange connection point where the tail pipe bolts to the muffler outlet and locate the rubber hanger supports along the tail pipe routing.
- 2Support tail pipe assemblyPosition a floor jack with a wood block or rubber pad under the tail pipe assembly near its center point to support its weight during removal. Raise jack just enough to take light pressure off the exhaust hangers, but do not lift the vehicle.
- 3Remove rear exhaust hangerLocate the rearmost rubber exhaust hanger connecting the tail pipe to the chassis mount. Using your hands or a pry tool, push the exhaust hanger off the mounting bracket by compressing the rubber isolator. The hanger typically has a cylindrical end that slips into the rubber mount. Work the hanger free from the mount.
- 4Remove intermediate exhaust hangerLocate the intermediate rubber exhaust hanger forward of the rear hanger. Using the same technique, compress and work the hanger free from the chassis mounting bracket. This will allow the tail pipe to have sufficient freedom of movement for flange separation.
- 5Remove exhaust flange boltsLocate the flange connection between the muffler outlet and tail pipe inlet. Using the correct socket size (verify against factory service manual), remove the bolts securing the flange connection. Clean any rust or debris from the flange area with a wire brush. Separate the flanges by pulling the tail pipe rearward. Remove and discard the old flange gasket.Torque specExhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
- 6Remove tail pipe assemblyWith all hangers disconnected and flange separated, carefully lower the tail pipe assembly using the floor jack. Guide the exhaust tips through the rear bumper cutouts and remove the tail pipe from under the vehicle. Inspect rubber hangers on the tail pipe for damage and replace if cracked or torn.
- 7Clean flange mating surfacesUsing a wire brush and scraper, thoroughly clean the muffler outlet flange mating surface. Remove all old gasket material, carbon deposits, and corrosion. The flange surface must be clean and flat for proper sealing. Inspect the flange for cracks or warping and replace muffler if damage is present.
- 8Prepare new tail pipe for installationInspect new tail pipe assembly for shipping damage. Verify rubber hangers are properly installed on the tail pipe brackets. Place new exhaust flange gasket on the muffler outlet flange, ensuring alignment holes match the bolt holes.
- 9Install tail pipe assemblyPosition the new tail pipe assembly under the vehicle and guide the exhaust tips through the rear bumper cutouts. Support the tail pipe with the floor jack and align the inlet flange with the muffler outlet flange. Ensure the flange gasket remains properly positioned during alignment.
- 10Install exhaust flange boltsApply anti-seize compound to the threads of the 2 exhaust flange bolts. Insert bolts through the flange connection and hand-thread to start. Using the correct socket size and a torque wrench, tighten the bolts in a cross pattern to the factory-specified torque (verify against factory service manual). Verify flange connection is secure and gasket is compressed evenly.Torque specExhaust Flange Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
- 11Install intermediate exhaust hangerAlign the intermediate tail pipe hanger bracket with the chassis rubber mount. Push the hanger bracket into the rubber isolator using hand pressure or a pry tool. Ensure the hanger is fully seated in the mount and supporting the tail pipe weight.
- 12Install rear exhaust hangerAlign the rear tail pipe hanger bracket with the chassis rubber mount. Push the hanger bracket into the rubber isolator until fully seated. Verify both hangers are properly engaged and the tail pipe is supported evenly without excessive tension or sagging.
- 13Adjust tail pipe positionRemove the floor jack from under the tail pipe. Verify the exhaust tips are centered in the rear bumper cutouts with adequate clearance on all sides. Check that the tail pipe does not contact the chassis, suspension components, or body panels anywhere along its length. Make minor adjustments by loosening flange bolts slightly, repositioning, and retorquing if necessary.
Reassembly
- Ensure all exhaust hangers are fully seated in their rubber mounts and supporting the tail pipe weight evenly.
- Verify exhaust tips are properly positioned in bumper cutouts with adequate clearance.
- Confirm flange connection is tight and gasket is properly compressed with no gaps.
- Lower vehicle from jack stands and remove wheel chocks.
Verification
- Start engine and allow to idle. Listen for any exhaust leaks at the flange connection. A leak will produce a distinct ticking or hissing sound.
- Rev engine to 2000-3000 RPM and listen for abnormal exhaust sounds or rattles indicating contact with chassis or body components.
- Visually inspect under vehicle while engine is running to confirm no exhaust gases are escaping from the flange connection.
- After a short test drive, recheck flange bolt torque and verify exhaust tips remain properly positioned in bumper cutouts.
- Inspect for any heat discoloration or melting on nearby components that would indicate improper clearance.