Coil Springs - Rear Pair

Remove and replace the rear coil springs on a 2008 Dodge Viper, requiring suspension disassembly and spring compressor use for safe handling of compressed spring energy.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or performance equivalent
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or performance equivalent
• Shock absorber lower mounting hardware × 1 — Inspect and replace if corroded
• Control arm bushings × 1 — Inspect while disassembled, replace if worn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Chock front wheels securely in both directions
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified support points on rear subframe or chassis rails
6. Remove both rear wheels completely and set aside
7. Spray all suspension fasteners to be removed with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
8. Inspect spring compressor tools to ensure threads are clean, hooks are not cracked or deformed, and all components function smoothly

Procedure

1. 1

   Support rear suspension lower control arm
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood on the saddle under the lower control arm to support it during removal of the coilover assembly. Raise the jack just enough to make light contact and support the weight of the control arm so it does not drop when the lower shock/spring bolt is removed.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt that passes through the lower control arm. Using appropriate socket and breaker bar, remove the lower shock mounting bolt and nut. The shock absorber will remain attached at the upper mount. Pull the lower end of the shock away from the control arm to provide clearance for spring removal.
   ⚠The shock lower mount bolt may be very tight. Ensure socket is fully seated to prevent rounding the fastener head.
3. 3

   Remove sway bar end link connection
   If equipped with rear sway bar, disconnect the sway bar end link from the lower control arm by removing the end link mounting nut and bolt. This provides additional clearance and reduces tension on the suspension during spring removal. If vehicle does not have rear sway bar, proceed to next step.
4. 4

   Slowly lower control arm to release spring tension
   Unbolt the upper coilover mount, then support and remove the complete coil-over spring/shock assembly from the vehicle. The spring remains captive and preloaded on the shock body; do not attempt to relieve spring tension by lowering the control arm. Transfer the assembly to a bench for spring compressor work.ocess.
   ⚠️Lower the jack very slowly and maintain control at all times. If the spring binds or shifts position, stop immediately and reposition before continuing.
5. 5

   Remove coil spring from vehicle
   With the coil-over assembly on a bench, install a coilover spring compressor, compress the spring to relieve tension on the upper seat, then remove the upper spring seat/retainer nut and transfer the spring off the shock body. Note the orientation and any markings on the spring and isolators.bottom or left/right position.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor on new coil spring
   Lay the new coil spring on the ground in a safe work area. Install the coil spring compressor according to the tool manufacturer's instructions, ensuring the compressor hooks are positioned at opposite sides (180 degrees apart) and engaged on secure coils, typically 2-3 coils from each end of the spring. Ensure hooks are fully seated in the coil valleys and cannot slip. Verify both compressor assemblies are aligned parallel to the spring centerline.
   ⚠️Never compress a spring with only one compressor or with improperly engaged hooks. The spring must be compressed evenly and the compressor must be rated for the spring's load.
7. 7

   Compress new coil spring
   Using the spring compressor tool, gradually and evenly compress the new coil spring by tightening the compressor drive screws in an alternating pattern (tighten one side a few turns, then the other side). Continue compressing until the spring is shortened enough to fit between the upper and lower spring seats with clearance. The spring should be compressed enough that it will not be under significant tension when positioned in the suspension. Check frequently that compressor hooks remain properly seated as compression increases.
   ⚠️Compress slowly and evenly. Check that compressor threads are engaging properly and hooks are not slipping. Stand to the side, never in line with the spring ends.
8. 8

   Install compressed spring into suspension
   Install any rubber isolators or spring seats onto the new spring in the same orientation as removed from the old spring. Carefully position the compressed spring assembly between the upper and lower spring seats in the suspension. Ensure the spring end coils are properly seated in the spring seat pockets/tabs and oriented correctly (match marks or orientation noted during removal). The spring must be positioned so that when expanded, it will seat properly in both upper and lower seats.
9. 9

   Raise control arm to load spring
   Using the floor jack under the lower control arm, slowly and carefully raise the control arm back to its normal ride height position. As the control arm rises, the spring will compress between the upper and lower seats and begin to take load. Continue raising the control arm until the lower coilover mounting bolt hole aligns with the lower mount on the control arm, then install the lower bolt. Verify the reassembled coil-over unit is bolted securely at both upper and lower mounts.
   ⚠Raise slowly and watch the spring closely. If the spring starts to slip or shift out of position, lower the jack immediately and reposition the spring before continuing.
10. 10

    Carefully remove spring compressor
    With the suspension control arm raised and the spring now compressed by the vehicle's suspension geometry, carefully loosen and remove the spring compressor tool. Loosen the compressor drive screws gradually and evenly (alternating sides) to release the tool tension. Once the compressor is loose, remove the hooks from the spring coils. The spring is now held in place solely by the suspension components.
    ⚠️Ensure the suspension is fully supporting the spring load before removing the compressor. The spring must be compressed by the suspension geometry, not still dependent on the compressor tool.
11. 11

    Reconnect shock absorber lower mount
    Position the lower end of the shock absorber into the mounting point on the lower control arm. Install the shock lower mounting bolt and nut. Tighten the shock mounting fasteners to proper torque specification. Ensure the shock is properly aligned and the bolt passes through all mounting points cleanly.
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar end link
    If rear sway bar end link was disconnected, reconnect it to the lower control arm. Install the end link mounting bolt and nut and tighten to proper torque specification. Ensure the sway bar moves freely and is not binding.
13. 13

    Remove jack and repeat for opposite side
    Carefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the control arm. Repeat steps 1 through 12 for the opposite side rear spring. It is critical that both rear springs are replaced as a matched pair to maintain vehicle handling balance and prevent uneven ride height.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Raise vehicle slightly with floor jack to remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners should be torqued to manufacturer specifications, which are not provided in the available database for this procedure
2. Suspension fasteners should be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension (at normal ride height) to prevent preloading bushings in the wrong position
3. After completion, have vehicle alignment checked by a professional alignment shop, as suspension disassembly will likely affect rear toe and camber settings

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle several times and verify the suspension rebounds smoothly without clunking or binding noises
• Visually inspect that both rear springs are seated properly in upper and lower spring seats with no gaps or misalignment
• Verify rear ride height appears even side-to-side and matches manufacturer specifications
• Check that all suspension fasteners have been reinstalled and properly torqued
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify normal suspension operation and no unusual noises
• Schedule professional alignment check within a few days of completing this repair

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