Rear Shocks - Pair

Replace the rear shock absorbers on a 2008 Dodge Viper by accessing them from the wheel wells and suspension area, disconnecting mounting hardware, and installing new shocks.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent performance shock

Preparation

1. Park the vehicle on a level, solid surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels.
3. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is still on the ground.
4. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear differential or designated jacking points.
5. Support the vehicle securely with jack stands placed under the frame rails or designated lift points.
6. Remove the rear wheels completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the upper shock mount
   From the rear wheel well, locate the upper shock mounting point on the chassis/suspension structure. Access on the 2008 Viper is from underneath and through the wheel well rather than the trunk. Remove any splash shields or covers as needed to reach the upper mounting hardware and identify the upper shock mounting bolt.
2. 2

   Support the lower suspension
   Place a floor jack under the lower control arm or rear knuckle assembly on the side you are working on. Raise the jack just enough to take slight tension off the shock, but do not lift the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping excessively when the shock is disconnected.
3. 3

   Remove the upper shock mounting hardware
   From the wheel well/underbody access point, use a socket and wrench to remove the upper shock mounting bolt and nut. The upper mount typically attaches via a through-bolt at the shock eye rather than a shaft-and-nut. Remove the hardware completely and retain any washers or bushings in order for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove the lower shock mounting bolt
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower shock mounting bolt that connects the shock to the lower control arm or rear knuckle. The bolt passes through the lower shock eye and the suspension mount. Remove the lower mounting bolt completely. You may need to support the bolt head with a wrench while loosening the nut from the opposite side.
5. 5

   Remove the shock absorber
   With both upper and lower mounts disconnected, carefully withdraw the shock absorber from its mounting position. You may need to compress the shock slightly or angle it to clear the suspension components. Remove the shock through the wheel well or from above depending on clearance.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting hardware and bushings
   Examine all mounting bushings, washers, and hardware removed from the old shock. Check the upper and lower mounting points on the vehicle for any damage, corrosion, or worn bushings. Clean the mounting surfaces with a wire brush if necessary. Replace any damaged bushings or hardware.
7. 7

   Prepare the new shock absorber
   Unpack the new shock absorber and verify it matches the old unit in length and mounting configuration. Install any bushings, sleeves, or washers onto the new shock in the same order as they were on the original. Extend and compress the new shock several times by hand to purge any trapped air from shipping.
8. 8

   Install the new shock absorber
   Position the new shock into the mounting location, guiding the upper shaft through the upper mounting point and aligning the lower eye with the lower mount. You may need to use the floor jack to adjust the suspension position slightly for alignment. Insert the shock with the orientation matching the original.
9. 9

   Install the lower mounting bolt
   Insert the lower mounting bolt through the lower shock eye and suspension mount. Install the nut on the opposite side and hand-tighten initially. Do not fully torque yet. Ensure any washers or spacers are in their correct positions.
10. 10

    Install the upper mounting hardware
    From the wheel well/underbody access point, install the upper shock mounting bolt and nut along with any washers or bushings in their correct order. Hand-tighten the hardware. Do not fully torque yet.
11. 11

    Torque the mounting hardware
    With the suspension at normal ride height (supported by the floor jack under the lower control arm), torque the lower shock mounting bolt to the appropriate specification. Then torque the upper shock mounting nut to specification. The shock should be tightened with the suspension at ride height to prevent preloading the bushings.
12. 12

    Repeat for the opposite side
    Lower the floor jack from under the lower control arm. Repeat steps 2 through 11 for the shock absorber on the opposite side of the vehicle. Ensure both shocks are installed with matching orientation and hardware configuration.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle carefully from the jack stands using the floor jack. Once the vehicle is on the ground, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all trunk carpeting or access panels are reinstalled securely after upper shock installation.
2. Double-check that both upper and lower shock mounting hardware is torqued to specification.
3. Verify that no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or suspension area.

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and verify the shocks dampen the motion without excessive oscillation or noise.
• Visually inspect both shock mounting points to confirm proper installation and no interference with other components.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify smooth suspension operation without clunking or rattling from the rear.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check the torque on all shock mounting hardware to ensure nothing has loosened.

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