suspension
Trailing Arm Bushing
for 2006 Dodge Viper 8.3L V10 · RWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
2.5 h
Tools
10
Steps
15
🔍Draft — verification in progress. This procedure was built from OLP's spec database on September 13, 2026 and is queued for line-by-line review by Chris Hackleman — master technicians with 20+ years each. That review typically completes within 3 days of generation, and this banner changes to a verified badge the moment it does. Until then, cross-check every torque value and fluid capacity against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. If something looks off, report it below — a real person reads every report.
Replace the rear trailing arm bushings on a 2005 Dodge Viper by removing the trailing arm from the vehicle, pressing out the old bushings, installing new bushings, and reinstalling the arm with proper torque specifications.
Warnings
⚠️Vehicle must be securely supported on jack stands rated for its weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
⚠Suspension components are under load. Ensure vehicle is properly supported and suspension is unloaded before removing fasteners.
⚠Trailing arm bushings must be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels or equivalent load applied to suspension for proper alignment and bushing longevity.
ℹ️Mark alignment positions before disassembly to assist with reassembly and future alignment.
Tools required
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Parts
- Trailing arm bushing (rear) × 2 — Use OEM specification
- Trailing arm bushing (front) × 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 surface and engage parking brake
- Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
- Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under manufacturer-approved lift points
- Remove rear wheels
- Spray trailing arm mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak if fasteners show corrosion
Procedure
- 1Mark alignment reference pointsBefore removing any fasteners, mark the position of the trailing arm mounting points relative to the chassis and subframe using a paint marker or scribe. This will help approximate the alignment position during reassembly and minimize alignment adjustment needed afterward.
- 2Support the trailing armPlace a floor jack under the trailing arm near the wheel hub area to support the weight of the suspension components. Raise the jack just enough to take the load off the trailing arm bushings but not to lift the vehicle off the jack stands.
- 3Disconnect shock absorber lower mountLocate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the trailing arm. Remove the bolt securing the shock absorber to the trailing arm. Support the shock to prevent it from hanging on the upper mount.Torque specStrut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
- 4Remove trailing arm front mounting boltLocate the front trailing arm mounting bolt that secures the arm to the chassis or subframe. This bolt passes through the front bushing. Using a breaker bar and socket, remove the mounting bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reassembly.Torque specControl Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
- 5Remove trailing arm rear mounting boltLocate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt that secures the arm to the chassis near the differential area. This bolt passes through the rear bushing. Remove the mounting bolt completely. Again, note the orientation of any washers or spacers.Torque specControl Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
- 6Remove trailing arm from vehicleWith both mounting bolts removed, carefully lower the floor jack and maneuver the trailing arm out from the vehicle. The arm should slide out of the bushing mounting points. Set the trailing arm on a clean work surface for bushing removal.
- 7Press out old front bushingUsing a hydraulic press or bushing press tool kit, press the old front bushing out of the trailing arm. Position the arm in the press with the bushing centered over an appropriately sized receiver that allows the bushing to pass through. Apply steady pressure until the bushing is fully removed. Inspect the bushing bore for damage or corrosion.⚠Ensure the press is properly aligned to avoid damaging the trailing arm bore. Use bushings drivers matched to the bushing outer diameter.
- 8Press out old rear bushingRepeat the pressing process for the rear bushing. Position the trailing arm in the press with the rear bushing centered over the receiver and press out the old bushing completely. Clean the bushing bore with a wire brush to remove any rust, debris, or old bushing material.
- 9Prepare new bushings for installationInspect the new bushings to confirm correct orientation. Most trailing arm bushings have a specific orientation with voids or cutouts that must align properly. Apply bushing installation lubricant or soapy water to the outer sleeve of the new bushings to ease installation.
- 10Press in new front bushingPosition the new front bushing at the bore opening with correct orientation. Using the hydraulic press with an appropriately sized driver that contacts only the bushing outer shell (not the inner sleeve), press the bushing into the trailing arm bore until it is fully seated and flush with the arm. Ensure the bushing is not cocked or misaligned during pressing.⚠Press only on the bushing outer shell. Pressing on the inner sleeve or rubber will damage the bushing.
- 11Press in new rear bushingRepeat the installation process for the rear bushing. Press the new rear bushing into the trailing arm bore with correct orientation until fully seated. Verify both bushings are properly seated and aligned before reinstalling the arm on the vehicle.
- 12Install trailing arm to vehiclePosition the trailing arm back into the vehicle, aligning the bushing bores with the mounting points on the chassis and subframe. Use the floor jack to support and position the arm as needed. Insert the front and rear mounting bolts through the bushings and thread them into their mounts, but do NOT torque at this time. Thread bolts in by hand to avoid cross-threading.
- 13Reconnect shock absorber lower mountAlign the shock absorber lower mount with the trailing arm mounting point. Install the lower shock mounting bolt and thread it in by hand. Torque the shock bolt to specification.Torque specStrut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
- 14Install wheels and lower vehicleInstall the rear wheels and thread the lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded. This allows the suspension to settle to ride height.
- 15Torque trailing arm mounting bolts at ride heightWith the vehicle weight on the wheels (or with equivalent load applied to suspension if using jack stands), torque the front trailing arm mounting bolt to specification, then torque the rear trailing arm mounting bolt to specification. This is critical to prevent premature bushing failure and binding. After torquing, fully lower the vehicle and torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern.⚠Trailing arm bolts MUST be torqued at ride height (vehicle weight on wheels) to prevent bushing bind and premature wear. Do not torque with suspension hanging.Torque specControl Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Reassembly is covered in the procedure steps above
- Ensure all suspension fasteners are torqued to specification with vehicle weight on wheels
- Verify shock absorber is properly connected and torqued
Verification
- Test drive the vehicle and verify no clunking, binding, or abnormal noises from the rear suspension
- Check for proper tracking and handling characteristics
- Inspect all trailing arm mounting bolts for proper torque after 50-100 miles of driving
- Schedule a four-wheel alignment to verify rear suspension geometry is within specification