Strut Mount - Rear

This procedure removes and replaces the rear strut mount assemblies on a 2008 Dodge Viper, requiring suspension disassembly and working with loaded spring assemblies.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount nuts (upper) × 1 — Typically included with mount assembly
• Alignment shims (if equipped) × 1 — Reuse existing unless damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove).
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at approved rear jacking point.
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at manufacturer-specified rear support points on chassis rails.
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.
7. Inspect strut mount area from inside trunk - note position of upper mount nuts and any shims or alignment plates present.
8. Apply penetrating oil to all visible fasteners and allow to soak while preparing tools.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access Upper Strut Mount from Trunk
   Verify the actual upper mounting location of the rear coil-over shock on this SLA-suspension vehicle. The upper shock mount attaches to a frame/crossmember structure and is typically accessed from underneath the vehicle at the wheelwell, NOT from inside the trunk. Confirm access point against the factory service manual before proceeding. Note the presence and position of any alignment shims or washers on the mount studs before proceeding. Take a photo for reference if shims are present.
2. 2

   Support Rear Suspension
   Position a floor jack with a wood block on top under the rear lower control arm or knuckle assembly to support the weight of the suspension. Raise the jack just enough to take up slack and slightly compress the suspension, but do not lift the vehicle off the jack stands. This prevents the suspension from dropping suddenly when upper fasteners are removed.
3. 3

   Disconnect Sway Bar End Link
   Locate the rear sway bar end link where it attaches to the lower control arm or suspension link near the strut assembly. Using appropriate wrenches, remove the end link fastener connecting it to the suspension. The fastener count and configuration varies, but typically consists of a single through-bolt with nut. Swing the end link away from the suspension to provide clearance.
4. 4

   Remove Lower Strut Mounting Bolt
   Locate the lower strut mounting bolt where the strut body attaches to the rear knuckle or suspension arm. This is typically a large single through-bolt. Use a breaker bar and socket to remove this bolt completely. You may need to hold the opposite side with a wrench. Remove the bolt and retain any spacers or bushings. The strut assembly is now free at the bottom but still supported by the jack.
5. 5

   Remove Upper Strut Mount Nuts
   Remove the upper shock mount fastener(s). Verify the exact fastener count and type against the factory service manual, as the Viper's coil-over shock upper mount does not use the typical 3-stud MacPherson strut configuration. Hold the studs from spinning if necessary using an appropriate wrench on any flats provided. Carefully retain any shims, alignment plates, or washers and note their orientation and position. Once all nuts are removed, the strut assembly is free but still supported by the jack below.
6. 6

   Lower and Remove Strut Assembly
   Carefully lower the floor jack supporting the suspension, allowing the strut assembly to drop down. Guide the upper mount studs through the chassis holes as you lower. Once clear, tilt and maneuver the complete strut assembly out from the wheelwell. The assembly is heavy - use proper lifting technique. Set the assembly on a stable work surface.
7. 7

   Install Spring Compressor
   With the strut assembly on a stable surface, install an appropriate coil-over spring compressor tool suitable for the Viper's coil-over shock assembly, following the manufacturer's instructions. Verify the correct compressor type for this coil-over design rather than an internal strut-style compressor. Install compressor hooks or arms on opposite sides of the spring for balanced compression. Ensure the compressor is properly seated and will not slip during compression.
   ⚠️Verify the spring compressor is correctly installed and rated for the spring load before proceeding. The Viper uses high-rate performance springs under extreme tension.
8. 8

   Compress Coil Spring
   Slowly and evenly compress the coil spring using the spring compressor tool. Alternate tightening between opposite sides to maintain even compression. Continue compressing until the spring tension is relieved from the upper strut mount - you should be able to see a gap between the spring and the upper mount seat. The strut shaft should have minimal or no load on it.
   ⚠️Never place any body part in line with the spring during compression. Stand to the side and compress slowly. If the compressor slips or appears unstable, stop immediately and reinstall.
9. 9

   Remove Strut Shaft Nut and Upper Mount
   Refer to the factory service manual for the correct method of separating the spring from the coil-over shock. The Viper's coil-over does not use a MacPherson-style central shaft nut and integrated bearing mount; verify the actual retention method before disassembly. Use an appropriate socket to remove this nut while holding the strut shaft from spinning using a wrench on the shaft flats or a strut rod holding tool. Once the nut is removed, lift off the upper strut mount assembly, noting the order of any washers, bushings, or bearings. Remove the spring seat and dust boot if they are separate components.
10. 10

    Inspect and Install New Strut Mount
    Inspect the strut shaft for damage or corrosion. Clean the threads with a wire brush if needed. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the shaft threads. Install the new upper strut mount assembly in reverse order of removal: place the spring seat or bearing assembly onto the shaft, then the new mount, ensuring proper orientation. The mount has a specific front-to-rear orientation - verify the mounting studs align with the chassis holes when visualizing installation.
11. 11

    Install and Torque Strut Shaft Nut
    Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft by hand, ensuring proper thread engagement. Hold the shaft from spinning and torque the nut to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the mount assembly rotates freely if it is a bearing-type mount (there should be no binding).
    ℹ️Exact torque specification for strut shaft nut is not available in database - verify with service manual or OEM specification before final torque.
12. 12

    Release Spring Compressor
    Slowly and evenly release tension on the spring compressor tool. Alternate loosening between opposite sides to maintain even release. Ensure the spring seats properly into the upper mount and lower spring seat as tension is released. Once the spring is fully seated and supporting the assembly naturally, completely remove the spring compressor tool.
    ⚠Release spring tension slowly and verify the spring is seating correctly as you release. If the spring appears misaligned, re-compress and reposition before continuing.
13. 13

    Install Strut Assembly to Vehicle
    Lift the complete strut assembly into position in the wheelwell. Guide the upper mount studs through the chassis holes. Use the floor jack to raise the lower suspension and align the lower strut mounting point with the knuckle or suspension arm. You may need to maneuver the jack height to align both upper and lower mounting points simultaneously.
14. 14

    Install Upper Mount Fasteners
    From inside the trunk, install any shims or alignment plates in their original positions onto the upper mount studs. Thread the upper mount nuts onto the studs by hand. Do not fully torque at this time - snug the nuts finger-tight plus one turn to hold the mount in position while securing the lower mount.
15. 15

    Install Lower Strut Bolt
    Install the lower strut mounting bolt through the strut and knuckle/suspension arm, ensuring any spacers or bushings are in their correct positions. Thread the nut onto the bolt. With the vehicle weight still supported on jack stands and the suspension at ride height (achieved by jack positioning), torque the lower strut bolt to specification.
    ℹ️Exact torque specification for lower strut mounting bolt is not available in database - verify with service manual or OEM specification before final torque.
16. 16

    Reconnect Sway Bar End Link
    Reconnect the sway bar end link to the suspension using the original fasteners. Torque the fastener to specification.
    ℹ️Exact torque specification for sway bar end link fastener is not available in database - verify with service manual or OEM specification before final torque.
17. 17

    Torque Upper Mount Nuts
    From inside the trunk, torque all upper strut mount nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even loading on the mount.
    ℹ️Exact torque specification for upper strut mount nuts is not available in database - verify with service manual or OEM specification before final torque.
18. 18

    Repeat for Opposite Side
    Repeat steps 2 through 17 for the opposite side rear strut mount. Use the same procedures, torque values, and precautions.
19. 19

    Reinstall Wheels and Lower Vehicle
    Install the rear wheels and thread the lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle carefully to the ground using the floor jack. Once the vehicle weight is on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Note: Wheel lug nut torque for the 2008 Viper is approximately 125 ft-lb - verify exact specification with owner's manual or factory service information before final torque.
    ℹ️Typical wheel lug nut torque for Viper is approximately 100-110 ft-lb - verify exact specification with owner's manual or service information.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification - never reuse self-locking nuts if specified as one-time-use.
2. Verify all trunk trim panels disturbed during access are reinstalled securely.
3. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the wheelwell or trunk area.

Verification

• With vehicle on ground, bounce each rear corner several times and verify no unusual noises, clunks, or binding.
• Visually inspect upper mount area from trunk to verify all nuts are installed and torqued.
• Verify sway bar end links are connected on both sides.
• Test drive at low speed in a safe area - verify no abnormal handling, pulling, or noise from rear suspension.
• MANDATORY: Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately. The strut mount replacement affects camber and must be aligned before normal driving.

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