Strut Assembly - Rear

Complete replacement of the rear strut assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including spring and strut mount components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing and plate × 1 — Often included with complete strut assembly
• Upper strut mount nuts (if corroded) × 3 — Use OEM specification
• Lower strut bolts (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts approximately one turn while vehicle is on ground.
3. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated jacking points and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
4. Remove rear wheel and tire assembly completely.
5. Spray penetrating oil on all strut mounting fasteners if corrosion is present, allow to soak while preparing tools.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut mount from trunk
   Verify the rear shock upper mounting location against the factory service manual. On the Viper's SLA rear suspension the coil-over shock upper mount attaches to a frame/subframe bracket, typically accessed from the wheel well rather than through the trunk.t in place.
2. 2

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm as close to the strut mounting point as safely possible. Raise the jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension and take the load off the strut. This prevents the suspension from dropping suddenly when the strut is disconnected. Maintain this support throughout the removal process.
3. 3

   Remove upper strut mount nuts
   Locate the upper shock mount at its frame/subframe bracket. The Viper coil-over shock typically uses a single upper through-bolt or stud rather than a 3-nut plate; confirm the exact fastener configuration and count against the FSM. Using a socket and ratchet or wrench, remove all 3 nuts completely. Hold the strut shaft if it begins to rotate (there should be a flat or provision to hold it). Do not allow the strut assembly to drop; it is still connected at the bottom and supported by the jack.
   ⚠Keep hand clear of the strut shaft and mount area as you remove the final nut; the assembly has weight and may shift.
4. 4

   Disconnect lower strut mounting bolts
   At the bottom of the shock, locate the lower mounting bolt that connects it to the lower control arm. The Viper coil-over typically uses a single lower through-bolt; verify the exact count against the FSM. Remove it completely using a socket, wrench, and possibly a breaker bar due to high torque. Support the strut assembly as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have a helper support it or control its descent as the final bolt is removed.
5. 5

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   With both upper and lower mounts disconnected, carefully lower the floor jack slightly to create clearance. Guide the strut assembly downward and out through the wheel well. Maneuver the spring and strut assembly clear of the control arms and body structure. Remove the assembly completely from the vehicle and place it on a secure work surface.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor on old assembly
   Place the old strut assembly vertically in a stable position or in a strut vise if available. Install heavy-duty coil spring compressors on the spring, positioning them 180 degrees apart for balance. Ensure the compressor hooks fully engage the coils and are seated properly. Begin compressing the spring gradually, alternating between compressors to maintain even compression. Compress until the spring tension is completely relieved from the upper strut mount.
   ⚠️Verify that spring compressor hooks are fully seated on the coils before applying tension. An improperly seated compressor can slip and release the spring violently.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   With the spring fully compressed, hold the strut shaft using a wrench on the flat or with a strut rod socket. Remove the top strut shaft nut using an appropriate socket. Once the nut is removed, carefully lift off the upper mount assembly, bearing, spring seat, and any washers or bushings, noting their orientation and order for reassembly. Remove the compressed spring from the strut body.
8. 8

   Prepare new strut assembly
   If the new strut is supplied as a complete assembly with spring pre-installed, proceed to installation. If transferring components, inspect the spring, upper mount, bearing, and bushings from the old assembly. Replace any worn or damaged components. Install the compressed spring onto the new strut body, ensuring the spring ends seat properly in the lower spring seat on the strut body.
9. 9

   Reassemble strut with upper mount
   Install the upper spring seat, bearing, and upper mount onto the strut shaft in the exact order noted during disassembly. Ensure the mount orientation matches the original (alignment notches or tabs should match). Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft and tighten it while holding the shaft stationary. Torque the shock shaft nut to the factory-specified value (verify exact torque in the 2008 Viper FSM before assembly).
10. 10

    Release spring compressors
    Once the strut shaft nut is fully torqued, carefully and gradually release tension on the spring compressors, alternating between them to maintain even release. As tension releases, the spring will expand and fully seat against both the upper and lower spring seats. Once all tension is released and the spring is fully seated, remove the spring compressor tools completely.
11. 11

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the assembled strut into position through the wheel well. Guide the upper mount studs through the holes in the strut tower while aligning the lower strut mounting points with the knuckle or control arm. Use the floor jack under the control arm to raise the suspension as needed to align the lower mounting holes. It may be helpful to have an assistant guide the upper studs into place from inside the trunk.
12. 12

    Install upper mount nuts
    From inside the trunk, install the 3 upper strut mount nuts onto the studs and hand-tighten. Torque the upper shock mount fastener(s) to the factory-specified value (verify the exact fastener type, count, and torque in the 2008 Viper FSM).
13. 13

    Install lower strut mounting bolts
    With the jack supporting the lower control arm, align the lower strut mounting holes with the knuckle or control arm. Insert the lower through-bolt (verify count against the FSM) and install the nut. Tighten while the suspension is at normal ride height (jack supporting the control arm at ride height position). Torque to the factory-specified value from the 2008 Viper FSM.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Carefully lower the floor jack from under the control arm. Reinstall the rear wheel and tire assembly, threading all lug nuts by hand first. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern while the vehicle is still on jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground, then torque the lug nuts to the factory-specified value (verify exact lug nut torque for the 2008 Viper in the FSM) in a star pattern.
15. 15

    Restore trunk trim and test
    Replace any trunk carpet or trim panels that were moved to access the upper strut mount. Secure any fasteners or clips. Before driving, bounce the rear of the vehicle to settle the suspension and verify there are no unusual noises or movement. Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper operation before returning to normal use.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification with the suspension at ride height (loaded) for lower mounting bolts.
2. Verify spring seats are fully engaged at both upper and lower positions before releasing spring compressors.
3. If replacing both rear struts, repeat the procedure for the opposite side.

Verification

• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle; the suspension should rebound once and settle without excessive oscillation.
• Visually inspect the strut mount area from inside the trunk to ensure the mount is seated flush and all nuts are tight.
• Test drive at low speed and verify there are no clunking noises, rattles, or abnormal handling characteristics.
• Check for any fluid leakage from the strut body after test drive.
• Verify wheel alignment is within specification; strut replacement typically requires a professional alignment check.

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