Subframe Bushing

Replace the front or rear subframe bushings on a 2008 Dodge Viper, requiring subframe support, partial lowering, and bushing removal/installation with specialized tools.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front subframe bushing kit (if replacing front) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear subframe bushing kit (if replacing rear) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Subframe mounting bolts (if corroded or damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle has been driven
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise vehicle using floor jack at designated lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at frame rails, ensuring sufficient clearance for subframe lowering (minimum 18 inches of working height recommended)
6. Remove all four wheels
7. Spray all subframe mounting bolts and bushing bracket hardware with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Document subframe position and alignment
   Before disassembly, measure and record the subframe position relative to the body. Use a tape measure to record distances from subframe mounting points to body reference points on both left and right sides. Take photographs from multiple angles. This documentation is critical for proper alignment during reinstallation, as improper subframe positioning will affect suspension geometry and handling.
2. 2

   Disconnect affected components from subframe
   For FRONT subframe: Disconnect lower control arms from the subframe by removing the control arm pivot bolts. Disconnect the steering rack from the subframe mounting points. Disconnect sway bar end links if they attach to subframe-mounted components. For REAR subframe: Disconnect rear lower control arms, toe links, and any other suspension links that connect the rear knuckles to the subframe. Verify how the rear differential is mounted on the 2008 Viper before disconnecting anything. If the differential is supported by the rear cradle/subframe, disconnect its mounting fasteners and support the differential with a separate jack. Consult the factory service manual for the exact mounting configuration. Label all hardware and connections for correct reassembly.
3. 3

   Disconnect exhaust system (if applicable)
   If the exhaust system passes near or attaches to the subframe being serviced, disconnect it at the closest flanged joint or hanger to provide clearance. For the front subframe, this typically involves disconnecting exhaust hangers or the catalytic converter connection. Support the exhaust with wire or a separate stand to prevent strain on remaining connections.
4. 4

   Position subframe support equipment
   Place a transmission jack or dedicated subframe support fixture under the center of the subframe. Position wooden blocks or specialized adapters on the jack saddle to distribute load evenly across the subframe. Raise the jack until it just contacts the subframe with light pressure but does not bear the full load yet. Ensure the jack is stable and properly centered.
5. 5

   Remove subframe mounting bolts
   Locate the subframe-to-chassis mounting bolts. Locate the subframe/cradle mounting bolts for your specific Viper configuration. Do not assume a bolt count—consult the factory service manual for the exact number and locations of mounting fasteners, as the 2008 Viper uses a hydroformed steel frame structure that differs significantly from a conventional bolt-on subframe. Using a breaker bar and deep socket, carefully loosen each bolt 2-3 turns in a cross pattern (front left, rear right, front right, rear left). Do not fully remove any bolt until all are loosened. Once all bolts are loose, raise the transmission jack slightly to ensure it is bearing the subframe weight, then remove all 4 mounting bolts completely. Keep bolts organized by location.
6. 6

   Lower subframe for bushing access
   Slowly and carefully lower the transmission jack to drop the subframe away from the chassis. Lower only enough to access the bushings—typically 3-6 inches is sufficient. The bushings are located where the subframe mounts to the chassis. Inspect the amount of clearance needed based on your specific bushing removal tools. Ensure all disconnected components have sufficient slack and are not binding as the subframe lowers.
7. 7

   Remove old bushings from subframe
   The subframe bushings consist of a rubber bushing pressed into a bracket on the subframe, with a metal sleeve through the center. Using a bushing removal tool, hydraulic press, or large C-clamp with appropriate adapters, press or drive the old bushing out of its mounting location. Work carefully to avoid damaging the subframe mounting ears or brackets. If bushings are severely degraded, they may come apart during removal. Remove all old rubber material and inspect the bushing bore for damage, corrosion, or distortion. Clean the bushing bore thoroughly with a wire brush and solvent.
8. 8

   Inspect subframe bushing mounting areas
   Examine the subframe bushing mounting bores for cracks, elongation, or damage. Check the chassis mounting points where the bushings contact for corrosion, deformation, or cracking. Minor surface rust can be cleaned with a wire brush. If significant damage is found, the subframe or chassis structure may require professional repair or replacement before proceeding. Measure bushing bore diameter to confirm it is within specification and not enlarged from wear.
9. 9

   Install new bushings into subframe
   Clean new bushings and apply a light coat of soapy water or bushing installation lubricant to the outer diameter (do not use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber bushings). Align the bushing with the mounting bore, ensuring any orientation marks or voids are positioned correctly per manufacturer instructions. Using a bushing installation tool, hydraulic press, or arbor press with appropriate adapters, press the new bushing squarely into the bore until it is fully seated and flush with the mounting surface. The bushing should press in evenly without cocking to one side. Verify the center sleeve rotates freely if it is a serviceable design.
10. 10

    Raise subframe to chassis
    With all new bushings installed, carefully raise the transmission jack to lift the subframe back toward the chassis mounting points. Align the subframe mounting holes with the chassis holes, using the measurements and photos from Step 1 as reference. This may require slight repositioning of the jack or use of a pry bar to fine-tune alignment. Do not force alignment—if holes do not line up easily, lower slightly and reposition. Thread the subframe mounting bolts by hand to verify alignment before proceeding.
11. 11

    Install and torque subframe mounting bolts
    Install all 4 subframe mounting bolts and hand-tighten. Start torquing in a cross pattern (front left, rear right, front right, rear left) to draw the subframe up evenly. Torque to specification in multiple stages: first to 50% of final torque, then to 75%, then to final specification. Final torque specifications are not available in the database for this vehicle, so consult factory service manual or measure existing bolt torque on an undisturbed reference vehicle. Do not guess subframe bolt torque—these are torque-critical structural fasteners. Obtain the exact factory torque specification from the 2008 Viper service manual before tightening. Verify all bolts are fully seated and torqued.
12. 12

    Reconnect suspension and drivetrain components
    Reconnect all components that were disconnected in Step 2, working in reverse order. For front subframe: reconnect steering rack, lower control arms, and sway bar links. For rear subframe: reconnect lower control arms, toe links, and differential mounts. Install all bolts and hardware to their original locations. Torque all suspension fasteners to specification per factory service manual. Do not fully torque suspension bushings until vehicle is at normal ride height.
13. 13

    Reconnect exhaust system
    If exhaust was disconnected, reconnect at the flanged joint or reinstall hangers. Ensure exhaust has adequate clearance from subframe, suspension components, and body panels. Install new exhaust gaskets if flanges were separated. Torque exhaust fasteners to specification.
14. 14

    Final torque suspension bushings at ride height
    Remove jack stands and lower vehicle until tires just touch the ground (vehicle weight on suspension but not full weight on ground). At this ride height position, torque all suspension bushing fasteners that were loosened during the procedure to their final specification. This ensures bushings are not preloaded in a deflected state, which would cause premature wear. Alternatively, load the suspension to simulate ride height using jack stands under the lower control arms.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all four wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle completely to ground
3. Perform final torque check on all subframe mounting bolts and suspension fasteners
4. Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify no unusual noises or handling issues
5. Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately, as subframe removal/installation will affect suspension geometry

Verification

• Verify all subframe mounting bolts are torqued to specification and show no signs of looseness
• Check that all suspension components reconnected to subframe move freely through their range of motion without binding
• Inspect for adequate clearance between exhaust system and subframe/suspension components
• Road test vehicle and verify normal handling characteristics with no clunking, rattling, or unusual noises from suspension
• Confirm steering operates normally with proper centering and no binding (if front subframe was serviced)
• Have four-wheel alignment performed and verify all angles are within specification

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