Coil Spring - Rear

Remove and replace the rear coil springs on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including safe suspension disassembly and compression of the spring assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at approved rear jacking point
5. Place jack stands under rear frame rails at approved support points
6. Remove rear wheels and set aside
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm, just enough to support the suspension so the coilover assembly can be unloaded during removal. This will support the suspension assembly during disassembly. Do not lift the vehicle - only support the control arm.
2. 2

   Disconnect the shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the lower control arm. Remove the mounting bolt and nut. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings. Push the shock absorber up and secure it out of the way with a wire or bungee cord to prevent damage during spring removal.
3. 3

   Mark suspension positioning
   Before disassembly, mark the position of any adjustable components (such as camber or toe adjustment points) with paint or a marker to aid in reassembly alignment. This will help maintain approximate alignment settings.
4. 4

   Disconnect the stabilizer bar link
   Remove the stabilizer bar end link from the lower control arm or mounting point. This typically involves removing a nut while holding the stud with a hex key or wrench to prevent spinning. Keep hardware organized for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Lower the suspension to access spring
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack to unload the coilover assembly, then remove the upper and lower coilover mounting fasteners and take the complete coilover shock/spring assembly out of the vehicle. The spring is retained on the shock body and must be compressed on a bench before it can be separated.
6. 6

   Remove the coil spring
   With the coilover assembly on the bench, install a coil spring compressor and compress the spring, then remove the upper spring seat/retainer to release the spring from the shock body. Note the orientation of any spring insulators or cushions on the top and bottom of the spring - these must be reused or replaced. Do not remove the retainer until the spring is fully compressed and unloaded.
7. 7

   Inspect spring seats and isolators
   Inspect the upper and lower spring seats for corrosion, damage, or wear. Check the rubber spring isolators (if equipped) for cracking, compression set, or deterioration. Replace any damaged isolators. Clean the spring seat surfaces with a wire brush to ensure proper seating of the new spring.
8. 8

   Install new coil spring
   Position any spring isolators on the new coil spring in the same orientation as the original. Install the new coil spring into the lower spring seat, ensuring it is properly seated in the locating pocket. Rotate the spring so the end sits in the correct position relative to the lower control arm stop or tab. The spring end orientation is critical for proper suspension geometry.
9. 9

   Raise suspension and seat spring
   Carefully raise the floor jack under the lower control arm to compress the suspension. Guide the upper end of the spring into the upper spring seat while raising. Ensure the spring is properly seated in both the upper and lower spring pockets and that any isolators remain in position. Raise the suspension until the lower control arm is at approximately normal ride height.
10. 10

    Reconnect stabilizer bar link
    Reconnect the stabilizer bar end link to the lower control arm or mounting point. Install the hardware and tighten the nut while preventing the stud from spinning. Do not fully torque at this time - suspension fasteners should be torqued at normal ride height.
11. 11

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Guide the shock absorber back into position at the lower mounting point. Install the lower shock mounting bolt with any washers or bushings in their original orientation. Thread the nut onto the bolt but do not fully torque at this time.
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 11 for the opposite rear coil spring. It is important to replace springs in pairs to maintain balanced suspension characteristics and ride height.
13. 13

    Torque all fasteners at ride height
    With the vehicle still supported on jack stands and the floor jack supporting the lower control arm at normal ride height, torque all suspension fasteners. Torque the shock absorber lower mounting bolt and stabilizer bar link fasteners to specification. The suspension should be at normal ride height (not drooping) when torquing rubber bushing fasteners to prevent binding.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Carefully raise the vehicle slightly to remove the jack stands, then lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners with rubber bushings must be torqued at normal ride height, not with the suspension hanging
2. Replace spring isolators if they show any signs of deterioration
3. Alignment should be checked and adjusted after any suspension work

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the vehicle to verify the suspension operates smoothly without binding or unusual noises
• Verify all fasteners are properly torqued
• Check that ride height is equal side-to-side
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper suspension operation
• Have wheel alignment checked and adjusted by a qualified shop immediately after completion

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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