60K Service

Comprehensive 60,000-mile maintenance service for the 1970 AMC Rebel Machine including fluid changes, filter replacements, ignition system service, and complete inspection of critical components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine oil (10W-40 or 10W-30) × 1 — Use API SF or higher rated oil
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Standard 390 V8 oil filter
• Automatic transmission fluid (Type A) × 1 — Use Dexron or equivalent if original Type A unavailable
• Rear differential gear oil (SAE 90 hypoid) × 1 — Use API GL-5 rated gear oil
• Spark plugs (set of 8) × 1 — Champion N-12Y or equivalent
• Ignition points set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Distributor condenser × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Distributor rotor × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Distributor cap × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Air filter element × 1 — Use OEM specification for 390 V8
• Fuel filter × 1 — Inline fuel filter
• PCV valve × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Breather element × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Chassis grease (NLGI Grade 2) × 1 — Use multi-purpose lithium grease

Fluids

• Engine oil (10W-40) — 5 qt
• Automatic transmission fluid — 4 qt
• Rear differential gear oil (SAE 90) — 2 qt
• Chassis grease

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine and drivetrain to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
4. Gather all tools, parts, and fluids before beginning
5. Safely raise vehicle front end and support on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove front wheels for brake inspection access

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain engine oil and replace filter
   Position drain pan under oil pan drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow oil to drain completely (approximately 10 minutes). While draining, remove oil filter using filter wrench. Clean filter mounting surface on engine block. Apply light coat of fresh oil to new filter gasket. Install new filter hand-tight plus 3/4 turn. Reinstall drain plug after oil stops draining.
2. 2

   Drain and service automatic transmission
   Position drain pan under transmission pan. Remove transmission pan bolts, starting from one corner and working around to allow pan to tilt and drain. Once drained, remove pan completely. Inspect pan for metal particles or excessive debris (some material is normal). Clean pan thoroughly with solvent and allow to dry. Replace pan gasket if equipped, or prepare surface for resealing. Reinstall pan with new gasket.
3. 3

   Service rear differential
   Position drain pan under rear differential. Remove differential cover bolts and carefully pry cover loose to drain gear oil. Clean cover and housing mating surfaces thoroughly with wire brush and solvent. Inspect for metal particles (slight dust is normal, chunks indicate wear). Install new cover gasket and reinstall cover. Locate fill plug on front of differential housing and remove. Fill with SAE 90 hypoid gear oil until level reaches bottom of fill hole. Reinstall fill plug.
4. 4

   Replace spark plugs
   Remove spark plug wires one at a time to maintain correct firing order. Clean debris around spark plug wells with compressed air if available. Remove spark plugs using spark plug socket. Inspect old plugs for wear patterns and electrode condition. Gap new spark plugs to 0.035 inches using gap tool. Install new plugs finger-tight, then tighten approximately 1/4 turn past finger-tight with socket. Reinstall spark plug wires ensuring each connects to correct cylinder.
5. 5

   Replace distributor points, condenser, cap and rotor
   Remove distributor cap by releasing spring clips or removing screws. Mark rotor position relative to distributor body. Remove rotor by pulling straight up. Disconnect primary wire and condenser wire from points. Remove points hold-down screw and lift out old points. Install new points and condenser, routing wires same as original. Using feeler gauge, set point gap to 0.016-0.019 inches when rubbing block is on distributor cam high point. Reconnect wires. Install new rotor ensuring it seats fully. Install new distributor cap.
6. 6

   Replace air filter and breather elements
   Remove air cleaner wing nut and lift off air cleaner assembly. Remove old air filter element and inspect housing for debris or oil accumulation. Clean housing if necessary. Install new air filter element ensuring proper seating. Remove oil filler cap and extract breather element if equipped. Install new breather element. Reinstall air cleaner assembly.
7. 7

   Replace fuel filter and PCV valve
   Locate inline fuel filter between fuel pump and carburetor. Place rag under filter to catch fuel spillage. Using two wrenches, loosen fuel line fittings on both sides of filter. Remove old filter noting flow direction arrow. Install new filter with arrow pointing toward carburetor. Tighten fittings securely. Locate PCV valve in valve cover or intake manifold. Pull valve from grommet. Install new PCV valve ensuring it seats properly in grommet.
8. 8

   Lubricate chassis components
   Using grease gun, lubricate all steering and suspension grease fittings including upper and lower ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm, and center link. Pump grease until clean grease appears at boot seals. Lubricate driveshaft universal joint fittings until grease purges from bearing caps. Check for additional grease fittings on clutch linkage or parking brake cables if equipped.
9. 9

   Inspect brake system
   With wheels removed, inspect front disc brake pads for thickness (minimum 1/8 inch above rivets or backing plate). Check rotors for scoring or excessive wear. Inspect brake hoses for cracks, swelling, or leaks. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder and top off if needed. Inspect rear drum brakes by removing drums and checking shoe lining thickness and condition. Verify wheel cylinders show no signs of leakage.
10. 10

    Inspect belts, hoses, and cooling system
    Inspect all drive belts for cracks, glazing, or fraying. Check belt tension (should deflect 1/2 inch under moderate thumb pressure). Inspect all radiator and heater hoses for cracks, soft spots, or swelling. Check hose clamps for tightness. Inspect radiator for leaks or damage. Check coolant level in radiator when cold and top off if needed. Inspect water pump for leakage at weep hole.
11. 11

    Refill engine oil
    Lower vehicle to ground. Using funnel, add 4 quarts of fresh engine oil through oil filler opening. Start engine and allow to run for 30 seconds, then shut off. Wait 2 minutes for oil to drain to pan. Check oil level on dipstick and add remaining oil to bring level to FULL mark. Do not overfill.
12. 12

    Refill transmission fluid
    With vehicle level, add approximately 3 quarts of transmission fluid through dipstick tube using funnel. Start engine and allow to idle. With parking brake applied, move shifter through all gear positions, pausing briefly in each. Return to Park. Check fluid level with engine running and add fluid as needed to bring to FULL mark on hot side of dipstick.
13. 13

    Set ignition timing and adjust carburetor
    Connect timing light to number one cylinder spark plug wire. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature. Aim timing light at timing marks on harmonic balancer. Loosen distributor hold-down clamp. Rotate distributor body until timing mark aligns with 5 degrees BTDC specification (verify exact specification on engine decal). Tighten distributor clamp. Adjust idle speed to 600-650 RPM in Drive with air conditioning off. Adjust idle mixture screws for smoothest idle and highest vacuum reading.
14. 14

    Final inspection and test drive
    Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts in star pattern. Double-check all drain plugs, filter, and fill caps are properly installed and tightened. Check ground under vehicle for any fluid leaks. Start engine and verify no unusual noises or warning lights. Test drive vehicle for 5-10 miles, checking for proper operation of engine, transmission, brakes, and steering. After test drive, recheck all fluid levels and inspect for leaks.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all drain plugs are installed with proper sealing washers
2. Verify all fluid levels are correct and caps are secure
3. Confirm all grease fittings have been serviced
4. Double-check spark plug wire routing matches firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
5. Verify timing and idle adjustments are within specification

Verification

• Engine oil level reads FULL on dipstick with engine off and vehicle level
• Transmission fluid level is correct on hot mark with engine running in Park
• No fluid leaks visible under vehicle after test drive
• Engine idles smoothly at 600-650 RPM with no misfires
• All brakes operate properly with no pulling or unusual noises
• Ignition timing is set to specification (5 degrees BTDC or per engine decal)
• All gauges read normal during and after test drive

More procedures for this vehicle