Tail Pipe

Remove and replace the tail pipe section of the exhaust system on a 2008 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10, disconnecting from mid-pipe and removing hangers.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail pipe assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust flange gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust hanger bushings (if deteriorated) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, stable ground and apply parking brake
2. Allow exhaust system to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after last engine operation)
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at rear subframe or axle stands
4. Apply penetrating oil to all exhaust flange bolts and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate tail pipe connections
   Position yourself under the rear of the vehicle with adequate lighting. The tail pipe connects to the mid-pipe/muffler section via a flanged connection whose exact location should be confirmed against the vehicle's actual exhaust routing before proceeding. Identify the flange bolts and the rubber exhaust hangers supporting the tail pipe. On the 2008 Viper, there are typically 2 exhaust hangers supporting the tail pipe section.
2. 2

   Remove flange connection bolts
   Using the correct socket size (verify against OEM specification), remove the bolts securing the tail pipe flange to the mid-pipe flange. Support the tail pipe with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from dropping. If bolts are severely corroded and will not break free, apply additional penetrating oil and use a breaker bar for extra leverage. Remove and discard the old exhaust flange gasket.
   ⚠Corroded bolts may break off flush with flange. If this occurs, flange may require drilling and re-tapping or replacement.
3. 3

   Separate tail pipe from mid-pipe
   Pull the tail pipe rearward to separate it from the mid-pipe flange. If the connection is stuck due to carbon buildup, gently twist the tail pipe while pulling to break the seal. The tail pipe will now be supported only by the rubber exhaust hangers.
4. 4

   Remove tail pipe from forward hanger
   Locate the forward exhaust hanger approximately 12 inches behind the flange connection. The exhaust pipe has a metal hanger loop that fits into a rubber bushing mounted to the vehicle body. Using a pry bar or by hand, push the tail pipe upward and toward the flange connection to compress the rubber bushing and release the metal loop. Alternatively, use an exhaust hanger removal tool to spread the rubber bushing and release the hanger.
5. 5

   Remove tail pipe from rear hanger
   Move to the rear hanger located near the rear fascia exit point. Using the same technique, release the metal hanger loop from the rubber bushing by pushing upward and manipulating the pipe angle. The tail pipe assembly should now be free from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Lower and remove tail pipe
   Carefully lower the tail pipe assembly and remove it from under the vehicle. Inspect the rubber exhaust hanger bushings on the vehicle body for tears, deterioration, or excessive wear. Replace any damaged bushings before installing the new tail pipe.
7. 7

   Clean flange mating surface
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean the mid-pipe flange mating surface where the tail pipe connects. Remove all old gasket material, carbon deposits, and rust to ensure a proper seal with the new gasket. Inspect the flange surface for warping or damage.
8. 8

   Install new tail pipe into rear hanger
   Position the new tail pipe assembly under the vehicle near its installed location. Starting with the rear hanger, align the metal hanger loop with the rubber bushing on the vehicle body. Push the loop into the bushing by compressing the rubber. You may need to apply a small amount of silicone spray or soapy water to the rubber bushing to ease installation.
9. 9

   Install tail pipe into forward hanger
   While supporting the weight of the tail pipe, manipulate the pipe position to align the forward hanger loop with its corresponding rubber bushing. Push the loop into the bushing using the same technique as the rear hanger. The tail pipe should now be suspended by both hangers.
10. 10

    Connect tail pipe to mid-pipe flange
    Position a new exhaust flange gasket between the mid-pipe and tail pipe flanges, ensuring proper alignment of all bolt holes. Slide the tail pipe forward to mate the flanges together. Insert the 2 flange bolts and hand-tighten them to hold the assembly in position. Verify the gasket is properly seated and not pinched.
11. 11

    Tighten flange bolts
    Using a 15mm socket, tighten the 2 flange bolts in an alternating pattern to ensure even clamping pressure on the gasket. Tighten to the OEM-specified torque value (verify against 2008 Viper service documentation), or until the flange connection is firmly seated without crushing the gasket excessively. The fasteners should be snug but not overtightened to the point of stripping threads.
12. 12

    Verify tail pipe alignment and clearance
    Visually inspect the tail pipe installation to ensure it exits cleanly through the rear fascia opening without contact. Check for adequate clearance between the tail pipe and the rear differential, axle, body panels, and frame components. The pipe should hang level and centered. Adjust hanger positions if necessary by slightly twisting the pipe.

Reassembly

1. Installation is covered in the procedure steps above
2. Ensure all exhaust hangers are properly seated in their rubber bushings
3. Verify no exhaust components contact body panels, suspension, or drivetrain components

Verification

• Lower vehicle from jack stands
• Start engine and allow to idle, listening for exhaust leaks at the flange connection
• Check for unusual exhaust odors in the cabin that would indicate a leak
• Perform a short test drive and verify no rattling or contact noises from the tail pipe
• After test drive, re-inspect flange connection and hangers for proper positioning while engine is still warm

More procedures for this vehicle