body

Trunk Hinge

for 2006 Dodge Viper 8.3L V10 · RWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.2 h

Tools

Steps

✓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 replacement of a trunk hinge on the 2005 Dodge Viper, including access through the trunk interior and proper alignment during installation.

Warnings

⚠The trunk lid is heavy and awkward to support. An assistant or proper support prop is required to prevent the lid from falling during hinge removal.

⚠Do not allow the trunk lid to rest fully open unsupported once the hinge is disconnected, as this can damage the lid, body, or paint.

ℹ️Trunk hinge bolts may be difficult to access in the confined trunk area. Extension bars and patience are required for proper access.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

13mm socket and ratchetEssential

Extension bar (6-inch)Essential

Torque wrench (10-50 Nm range)Essential

Trim panel removal tool or flat blade screwdriver

Masking tape

Assistant or trunk support propEssential

Marker or grease pencil

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Parts

Trunk hinge assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification - Mopar part varies by side
Trunk hinge fasteners (if corroded) × 1 — 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 the vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake.
Open the trunk lid fully and prop it in the open position.
Clear all items from the trunk to provide working space.
Identify which hinge is being replaced (driver side or passenger side).

Procedure

1
Mark hinge position for alignment reference
Before removing any fasteners, use a marker or grease pencil to trace the outline of the hinge where it mounts to both the trunk lid and the body. This provides an alignment reference for installation. Alternatively, apply masking tape along the hinge edges and mark across the tape-to-metal junction.
2
Access trunk hinge mounting area
Locate the trunk hinge mounting bolts on the underside of the trunk lid and at the body mounting point inside the trunk compartment. Trim and hinge access on the 2005 Viper decklid should be verified against the factory service manual, as configuration varies. Check for any trunk liner panels or carpeted sections that may cover fastener access points and carefully pull back or remove as needed to expose all hinge mounting points. Check for any trunk liner panels or carpeted sections that may cover fastener access points and carefully pull back or remove as needed to expose all hinge mounting points.
3
Support the trunk lid
Have an assistant hold the trunk lid in the open position, or install a suitable support prop between the trunk opening and the underside of the lid. Ensure the support is secure and will not slip. The trunk lid must remain supported throughout hinge removal to prevent it from falling.
4
Remove trunk lid-to-hinge bolts
Locate the bolts securing the hinge to the underside of the trunk lid. Consult the factory service manual for the exact number and size of hinge-to-lid bolts on the 2005 Viper. Using the appropriate socket with extension as needed, loosen and remove these bolts. Keep these bolts organized for reinstallation. Once removed, the trunk lid will be free from the hinge but should remain supported by your assistant or prop.
5
Remove hinge-to-body mounting bolts
Locate the bolts securing the hinge base to the body structure inside the trunk compartment. These bolts mount the hinge pivot point to the sheet metal. Consult the factory service manual for the exact number and size of hinge-to-body bolts on the 2005 Viper. Using the appropriate socket with extension, loosen and remove these bolts. The hinge assembly can now be removed from the vehicle.
6
Remove the hinge assembly
Carefully extract the hinge assembly from the trunk area. The hinge may need to be maneuvered at an angle to clear surrounding body structure. Inspect the mounting surfaces on both the trunk lid and body for damage, corrosion, or elongated bolt holes that would affect alignment.
7
Prepare the new hinge for installation
Compare the new hinge to the old hinge to confirm correct part number and configuration. Check that the hinge moves smoothly through its full range of motion. If the hinge has adjustable tension or a spring mechanism, ensure it is properly assembled and functioning.
8
Install hinge to body mounting point
Position the new hinge assembly at the body mounting location inside the trunk. Align the hinge mounting holes with the body holes, using your alignment marks from Step 1 as a guide. Start all body mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Do not fully tighten at this stage to allow for alignment adjustment.
9
Attach hinge to trunk lid
With the hinge loosely attached to the body and the trunk lid still supported, align the hinge upper mounting points with the bolt holes on the underside of the trunk lid. Use your alignment marks from Step 1 as a reference. Start all trunk lid mounting bolts by hand. The trunk lid position can be adjusted slightly before final tightening.
10
Align trunk lid and tighten fasteners
Check trunk lid alignment by slowly closing it to observe the gap and flush fit with the surrounding body panels. Make small adjustments by loosening the hinge bolts and shifting the trunk lid position as needed. Once alignment is satisfactory, tighten the hinge-to-body mounting bolts to the factory-specified torque using a torque wrench (verify value in the service manual for the 2005 Viper). Then tighten the hinge-to-trunk lid bolts to the same factory-specified torque.
11
Verify trunk operation and final alignment
Remove any support props and have your assistant release the trunk lid. Open and close the trunk lid several times to verify smooth operation through the full range of motion. Check that the lid closes securely and latches properly. Inspect the panel gaps around the entire trunk lid perimeter to confirm even spacing and proper alignment with the rear body panels.
12
Reinstall trunk trim components
If any trunk liner panels or carpet sections were moved or removed in Step 2, reinstall them to their original positions. Ensure all trim clips and fasteners are properly seated.

Reassembly

Reassembly is covered in the procedure steps above, with hinge-to-body and hinge-to-lid fasteners torqued to 27 Nm (20 lb-ft).
If alignment was not perfect on the first attempt, loosen the fasteners and make small adjustments until proper fit is achieved before final torquing.
Test trunk operation multiple times after reassembly to ensure the hinge functions smoothly and the lid closes without binding.

Verification

Open and close the trunk lid at least 5 times to confirm smooth hinge operation with no binding, squeaking, or excessive resistance.
Verify that the trunk lid sits flush with the surrounding body panels when closed, with even gaps on all sides.
Confirm that the trunk latch engages properly and the lid is secure when closed.
Inspect hinge mounting points to ensure no bolts were missed and all fasteners are tight.
Check that the trunk lid does not droop or sag when opened fully, indicating proper hinge tension and secure mounting.