body

Trunk Hinge

for 2017 Dodge Viper 8.4L V10 · RWD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.2 h

Tools

Steps

🔍Draft — verification in progress. This procedure was built from OLP's spec database on September 13, 2026 and is queued for line-by-line review by Chris Hackleman — master technicians with 20+ years each. That review typically completes within 3 days of generation, and this banner changes to a verified badge the moment it does. Until then, cross-check every torque value and fluid capacity against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. If something looks off, report it below — a real person reads every report.

Remove and replace the trunk hinge assembly on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including detaching the trunk lid and separating the hinge from the body mounting points.

Warnings

⚠The trunk lid is heavy and awkward to support; have an assistant or use a padded jack stand to hold it during removal to prevent damage to paint or injury.

⚠Mark hinge alignment before removal to preserve trunk lid alignment and minimize adjustment during reinstallation.

ℹ️Work in a well-lit area as the hinge mounting area may be difficult to see from normal working positions.

Tools required

Socket set (metric)Essential

Ratchet and extensionsEssential

Torx bit setEssential

Floor jack or assistantEssential

Masking tape

Marker or paint pen

Protective blanket or towel

Work light

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Parts

Trunk hinge assembly × 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 surface and engage parking brake
Open trunk and prop it fully open
Place protective blanket or towel on rear fascia and surrounding painted surfaces to prevent scratching during trunk lid handling
Disconnect negative battery terminal if trunk has electric release or lighting that may short during work

Procedure

1
Mark hinge alignment
Use masking tape and marker to mark the exact position of the hinge on both the trunk lid and body. Outline the hinge base plate on the body structure and the hinge mounting point on the trunk lid inner panel. This will serve as a reference for reinstallation alignment.
2
Disconnect trunk wiring (if equipped)
If the trunk has third brake light or other electrical components routed through the hinge area, disconnect the wiring harness connector. Trace the harness from the trunk lid to locate the connector, typically near the hinge mounting area on the body side. Press the connector release tab and separate.
3
Support trunk lid
Have an assistant hold the trunk lid firmly, or position a padded floor jack or adjustable stand under the center of the trunk lid to support its weight. The trunk lid must be supported before removing any hinge fasteners to prevent it from falling or shifting unexpectedly.
4
Remove trunk lid-to-hinge fasteners
Locate the fasteners securing the hinge to the trunk lid inner panel. Remove the 2 bolts attaching each hinge arm to the trunk lid using the appropriate socket. These are typically 10mm or 13mm bolts. Keep fasteners organized for reinstallation.
5
Remove trunk lid
With the trunk lid-to-hinge fasteners removed and the lid still supported, carefully lift the trunk lid away from the hinge assembly. Have your assistant help guide it clear of the vehicle. Set the trunk lid face-up on a protected surface away from the work area.
6
Access hinge body mounting fasteners
Inspect the hinge mounting area on the body structure. The hinge typically mounts to reinforced brackets or mounting points on the body panel behind the trunk opening. You may need to use a work light to clearly see the fastener locations in the recessed mounting area.
7
Remove hinge-to-body fasteners
Remove the 3 bolts securing the hinge assembly to the body structure using the appropriate socket or Torx bit. The fasteners are typically Torx or metric bolts accessing from inside the trunk area. Support the hinge as you remove the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
8
Remove hinge assembly
Withdraw the hinge assembly from the mounting area. Note the orientation and any shims or spacers that may be present between the hinge and body. Keep any shims with the old hinge for reference during installation of the new part.
9
Prepare new hinge
Inspect the new hinge assembly for shipping damage and compare it to the removed unit to confirm correct replacement part. If shims were present on the original hinge, transfer them to the new hinge in the same positions. Clean the body mounting surface of any debris or corrosion.
10
Install hinge to body
Position the new hinge assembly into the body mounting area, aligning it with the reference marks made during disassembly. Install the 3 hinge-to-body fasteners and hand-tighten only at this stage to allow for adjustment. Ensure any shims are properly positioned.
11
Install trunk lid
With assistance, carefully position the trunk lid onto the hinge arms, aligning the hinge mounting points on the trunk lid inner panel with the hinge arms. Install the 2 bolts per hinge arm that secure the trunk lid to the hinge, hand-tightening only to allow for final alignment adjustment.
12
Align and tighten trunk lid
Close the trunk lid and check alignment with surrounding body panels (rear quarter panels and rear fascia). The trunk lid should sit flush with even gaps all around. Open the trunk and adjust the hinge position if needed by loosening fasteners slightly, shifting the trunk lid, and rechecking. Once alignment is satisfactory, tighten all hinge-to-body fasteners securely, then tighten all trunk lid-to-hinge fasteners securely.
13
Reconnect wiring
If electrical connections were disconnected in step 2, reconnect the trunk wiring harness. Ensure the connector is fully seated and the release tab clicks into place. Route any wiring away from pinch points in the hinge mechanism.

Reassembly

Reassembly is detailed in the installation steps above
Reconnect battery negative terminal if disconnected
Remove protective blankets and masking tape alignment marks

Verification

Open and close the trunk several times to verify smooth operation with no binding or interference
Check that trunk lid sits flush with surrounding body panels with even gaps
Verify trunk lid latches securely when closed
Test trunk release mechanism and any electrical functions (third brake light, trunk light)
Inspect for any rubbing or contact between trunk lid and body panels during full range of motion