Trailing Arm

This procedure covers removal and installation of the rear trailing arm on a 2008 Dodge Viper with 8.4L V10. The trailing arm is a critical rear suspension component that locates the rear wheel assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm bushing set (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification

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
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed at designated support points on chassis
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on trailing arm mounting bolts and allow to soak while preparing tools

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear suspension
   Position a floor jack under the rear lower control arm or hub assembly to support the suspension at approximately ride height. This prevents the suspension from dropping suddenly when the trailing arm is disconnected and maintains proper working geometry.
2. 2

   Mark trailing arm position
   Use a paint marker or chalk to mark the position of the trailing arm relative to its mounting brackets at both the forward chassis mount and rear hub attachment point. This reference will aid in alignment during reinstallation and preserve existing suspension geometry settings.
3. 3

   Remove rear hub attachment
   Locate the trailing arm attachment point at the rear hub or knuckle assembly. Remove the mounting bolt that secures the trailing arm to the hub assembly. This is typically a large diameter bolt. Support the trailing arm with your hand or a secondary support as you remove the fastener to prevent it from dropping.
4. 4

   Access forward chassis mount
   Move to the forward mounting point where the trailing arm attaches to the chassis or subframe. Verify the actual orientation and mounting points of the rear suspension link against factory service documentation, as the 2008 Viper uses an independent double-wishbone rear suspension rather than a longitudinal trailing-arm design. Inspect the mounting area for any brackets, shields, or exhaust components that may restrict access to the mounting bolts.
5. 5

   Remove forward mounting fasteners
   Remove the forward trailing arm mounting bolt(s) at the chassis bracket. The trailing arm typically pivots at this point through a bushing. Use a breaker bar if necessary to break loose the fastener, then remove completely with a socket. Note the orientation of any washers, bushings, or spacers for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm
   With both mounting points disconnected, carefully remove the trailing arm from the vehicle. Maneuver it out of the suspension area, being careful not to damage brake lines, ABS wiring, or other nearby components. Inspect the removed arm for cracks, damage, or worn bushings.
7. 7

   Inspect and clean mounting points
   Inspect both the chassis mounting bracket and hub mounting point for damage, excessive wear, or corrosion. Use a wire brush to clean mounting surfaces and bolt holes. Check that bushings in the chassis bracket (if applicable) are in good condition. Replace any worn bushings as necessary.
8. 8

   Prepare new or replacement trailing arm
   If installing a new trailing arm, verify it matches the removed component in length, mounting hole positions, and bushing configuration. If reusing the original arm, ensure bushings are in good condition or replace them. Apply a thin film of anti-seize compound to the bolt threads (avoid getting anti-seize on torque surfaces).
9. 9

   Install trailing arm to chassis
   Position the trailing arm into the chassis mounting bracket at the forward attachment point, aligning it with your reference marks from removal. Insert the forward mounting bolt through the bracket and trailing arm bushing, along with any washers or spacers in their original orientation. Thread the fastener hand-tight but do not fully torque yet.
10. 10

    Connect rear hub attachment
    Maneuver the rear end of the trailing arm to the hub assembly mounting point. You may need to use the floor jack to raise or lower the hub assembly slightly to align the mounting holes. Insert the rear mounting bolt and thread hand-tight. Verify the trailing arm is seated properly at both ends.
11. 11

    Align trailing arm to reference marks
    Before final torquing, check that the trailing arm aligns with the reference marks made during removal. Adjust position as needed to match original geometry. The suspension should still be supported at approximately ride height by the floor jack for proper bushing load during torquing.
12. 12

    Torque trailing arm fasteners
    With the suspension at ride height (supported by floor jack), torque the trailing arm mounting bolts in sequence: first the forward chassis mount bolt, then the rear hub attachment bolt. Torque specifications are critical for this component. Do not guess torque values for safety-critical suspension fasteners. Obtain the exact factory torque specifications from the 2008 Dodge Viper service manual for both the chassis and hub attachment points before final torquing.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts to manufacturer specification in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands carefully, ensuring all tools and equipment are clear
3. With vehicle on ground, perform final lug nut torque verification
4. If multiple trailing arms were replaced or suspension geometry was disturbed, schedule a professional four-wheel alignment to restore proper suspension geometry and tire wear characteristics

Verification

• Verify all trailing arm mounting bolts are properly torqued and no fasteners were left loose
• Bounce the rear suspension to ensure the trailing arm moves smoothly without binding or unusual noises
• Perform a visual inspection underneath to confirm proper trailing arm alignment and clearance from other components
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for any unusual noises or feeling for abnormal handling characteristics
• After 50-100 miles, re-check trailing arm mounting bolt torque as bushings may settle

More procedures for this vehicle