Sway Bar - Rear

Remove and replace the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including end link disconnection and bushing bracket removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar bushings (pair) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Sway bar end links (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground 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 using floor jack at manufacturer-specified rear jacking point.
5. Place jack stands under rear suspension mounting points or frame rails rated for vehicle weight.
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before working underneath.
7. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.
8. Apply penetrating oil to all sway bar mounting hardware and allow to soak while preparing tools.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect driver side sway bar end link
   Locate the driver side sway bar end link connecting the sway bar to the rear lower suspension component (control arm or knuckle bracket per the Viper's independent rear suspension). Verify the exact attachment point against the factory service manual. Hold the end link stud from turning (using the appropriate hex, Torx, or Allen hold feature) and remove the nut securing the end link to the sway bar. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings. Disconnect the end link from the sway bar and allow it to hang from the control arm.
2. 2

   Disconnect passenger side sway bar end link
   Repeat the end link disconnection process on the passenger side. Using a wrench to hold the ball stud, remove the nut securing the end link to the sway bar. Disconnect the end link and allow it to hang from the control arm. The sway bar is now free at both ends.
3. 3

   Remove driver side bushing bracket bolts
   Locate the sway bar bushing bracket on the driver side of the rear subframe or crossmember. The bracket secures the sway bar bushing to the chassis. Remove the bolts securing the bracket to the chassis using a socket and ratchet. There are typically 2 bolts per bracket. Support the sway bar to prevent it from dropping.
4. 4

   Remove passenger side bushing bracket bolts
   Locate and remove the bolts securing the passenger side bushing bracket to the chassis using a socket and ratchet. There are typically 2 bolts per bracket. With both brackets removed, the sway bar is now free from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Lower and remove sway bar
   Carefully lower the sway bar from the vehicle, maneuvering it past any exhaust components, suspension arms, or chassis obstructions. Note the routing and orientation of the bar for reinstallation. The bar typically drops down and can be pulled toward the rear or side of the vehicle to clear the suspension.
6. 6

   Remove and inspect bushings and brackets
   Remove the rubber bushings from the old sway bar by sliding them off. Inspect the bushings for cracking, tearing, or compression damage. Inspect the brackets for cracks or deformation. Remove any brackets or hardware from the old bar that will be reused on the new bar. Clean the mounting surfaces on the chassis with a wire brush.
7. 7

   Prepare new sway bar
   Install new bushings onto the new sway bar, ensuring they are centered on the bar where the bracket mounting locations will align with the chassis mounting points. The bushings should have a split to allow installation; orient the split toward the rear or as specified by the bushing design. Apply a light coating of silicone lubricant to the inside of the bushings if recommended by the manufacturer to reduce squeaking.
8. 8

   Install new sway bar into position
   Maneuver the new sway bar into position under the vehicle, routing it in the same path as the original bar. Align the bushings with the chassis mounting locations. Position the bar so the end link attachment points are accessible and properly oriented toward the suspension control arms. You may need a helper or support stand to hold the bar in position.
9. 9

   Install bushing brackets
   Place the bushing brackets over the bushings on both sides of the vehicle. Align the bracket bolt holes with the chassis mounting holes. Install the bracket bolts and tighten them finger-tight initially. Ensure the bushings are properly seated in the brackets and not twisted. Once both brackets are in place, torque the bracket bolts evenly, alternating between bolts, to the specified torque value.
10. 10

    Connect sway bar end links
    Raise the sway bar ends to align with the end link attachment points. Install any washers and bushings in their correct orientation. Thread the end link nuts onto the ball studs and tighten while holding the stud with a wrench to prevent spinning. Tighten the end link nuts to the specified torque value on both sides. If installing new end links, ensure they are installed with the correct orientation and all hardware is in place.
11. 11

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels and thread the lug nuts on by hand. Raise the vehicle slightly off the jack stands using the floor jack, remove the jack stands, and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Once the vehicle is on the ground with suspension loaded, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications once vehicle is on the ground with suspension at normal ride height for accurate bushing and end link torque.
2. Verify all hardware is secure and no tools or parts have been left under the vehicle.
3. Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for any unusual noises from the rear suspension.

Verification

• Visually inspect all mounting points to confirm brackets are secure and bushings are properly seated.
• Rock the vehicle side-to-side while parked to verify the sway bar is functioning and no rattles or clunks are present.
• Test drive the vehicle through turns at moderate speed to confirm improved handling response and no abnormal noises.

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