suspension
Sway Bar Link - Rear
for 2017 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10 · RWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
9
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Replace the rear sway bar end links on a 2008 Dodge Viper, which connect the sway bar to the suspension arms and reduce body roll during cornering.
Warnings
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
⚠Sway bar links are under tension when the suspension is loaded. Do not place body parts near the link during removal as it may spring loose.
⚠If fasteners are severely corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak before removal to prevent stud breakage.
Tools required
Floor jackEssential
Jack stands (2)Essential
Wheel chocksEssential
Torque wrenchEssential
18mm socketEssential
15mm wrenchEssential
18mm wrenchEssential
Safety glassesEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Rear sway bar link (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Rear sway bar link (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Chock the front wheels securely
- Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
- Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at approved lift point
- Support vehicle securely on jack stands under rear subframe or axle
- Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
Procedure
- 1Inspect sway bar link conditionLocate the rear sway bar links connecting the sway bar to the rear suspension (lower control arm/knuckle mounting point per the factory service manual). Inspect both links for worn ball joints, torn boots, or damaged hardware. The links are roughly vertical and connect the sway bar to the rear suspension mounting point. Check for any signs of binding or seized hardware that may require penetrating oil.
- 2Apply penetrating oil if neededIf fasteners show corrosion or the vehicle has been exposed to salt/moisture, spray penetrating oil on the upper and lower mounting nuts/bolts where the link attaches to the sway bar and suspension arm. Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes for best results. This step is optional but recommended for vehicles with over 50,000 miles or those in rust-prone climates.
- 3Remove upper link fastenerThe upper end of the link attaches to the sway bar with a stud and nut. Using the correct socket on the nut and holding the stud from spinning (many links use an internal hex/Torx drive in the stud end), remove the upper mounting nut. Verify the exact fastener sizes and stud anti-rotation feature against the factory service manual. If the ball joint spins freely, apply upward pressure on the link while loosening the nut.
- 4Remove lower link fastenerThe lower end of the link attaches to the suspension control arm with a similar stud and nut arrangement. Using the correct socket on the nut and holding the stud from spinning, remove the lower mounting nut (verify exact sizes against the factory service manual, as upper and lower may differ). Once removed, the link should drop free from both mounting points.
- 5Remove sway bar linkPull the sway bar link away from the mounting points. The link should separate easily once both fasteners are removed. Inspect the mounting points on both the sway bar and suspension arm for damage, excessive wear, or deformation. Clean the mounting surfaces with a wire brush if corrosion is present.
- 6Prepare new sway bar linkRemove the new sway bar link from packaging and verify it matches the original in length and ball joint configuration. Check that the protective boots are intact and properly seated. Ensure all mounting hardware (nuts, washers if applicable) is included with the new link.
- 7Install new sway bar linkPosition the new sway bar link between the sway bar and suspension arm mounting points. Insert the upper stud through the sway bar mounting hole first, then align the lower stud with the suspension arm hole. Thread the upper nut onto the stud by hand to hold the link in position, then thread the lower nut by hand. Do not fully tighten yet.
- 8Torque link fastenersWith both nuts started by hand, use the correct socket and torque wrench to tighten the upper nut to the factory-specified torque while holding the stud from rotating. Repeat for the lower nut. Confirm the exact torque value against the Viper factory service manual before final tightening. Tighten fasteners with the suspension at normal ride height or slightly compressed to prevent binding. The link should pivot freely at both ball joints after installation without excessive play.
- 9Repeat for opposite sidePerform steps 3 through 8 on the opposite rear sway bar link. Both links should be replaced as a pair to ensure balanced suspension performance. Verify both links are properly torqued and pivot freely at the ball joints.
Reassembly
- Reinstall rear wheels and thread lug nuts by hand
- Lower vehicle until tires barely touch ground
- Torque wheel lug nuts to factory specification in a star pattern
- Lower vehicle completely and remove jack stands
- Remove wheel chocks
- Perform final torque check on wheel lug nuts after vehicle is on ground
Verification
- Start vehicle and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or unusual noises from rear suspension
- Test drive vehicle at low speed and perform gentle turns to verify improved handling and no clunking noises
- After 50-100 miles, re-inspect link fasteners for proper torque and check that ball joint boots remain intact
- Verify no rattling or clunking noises from rear suspension over bumps or during cornering