This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front coil springs on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including disassembly of the front suspension components necessary to access and safely compress the springs.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty equivalent
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty equivalent
• Upper control arm bumper (if deteriorated) × 2 — Check during disassembly
• Lower control arm pivot bushing (if deteriorated) × 2 — Check during disassembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely on both sides
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at center of front crossmember
5. Place jack stands under frame rails behind lower control arm mounts
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak
8. Verify adequate working clearance around both front suspension assemblies

Procedure

1. 1

   Support lower control arm
   Position floor jack directly under the lower control arm ball joint area, raising just enough to take slight upward pressure on the lower control arm. This simulates the load normally carried by the spring and prevents the control arm from dropping suddenly. Verify jack is stable and centered.
   ⚠️The jack must remain in place throughout spring removal. If the jack slips, the lower control arm will drop violently.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt at the lower control arm. Remove the nut and bolt securing the shock absorber to the lower control arm. Pull shock absorber upward out of the way and secure with wire to prevent interference.
3. 3

   Disconnect stabilizer bar link
   If equipped with front stabilizer bar, remove the link bolt and hardware connecting the stabilizer bar to the lower control arm on the side being serviced. Note orientation of washers and bushings for reassembly.
4. 4

   Mark and disconnect steering linkage
   Locate the tie rod end connection at the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the tie rod end stud. Use ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Mark the tie rod adjustment position with paint before separation to maintain approximate alignment.
5. 5

   Separate upper ball joint
   Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the upper ball joint stud at the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator or carefully applied pickle fork to break the taper fit between the upper ball joint stud and knuckle. The knuckle will now pivot on the lower ball joint only.
   ⚠Pickle fork tools will damage ball joint boots. Use only if ball joints are being replaced.
6. 6

   Lower control arm and access spring
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the lower control arm. The lower control arm will pivot downward on its frame mounts. Lower until the coil spring is accessible and no longer under significant tension. The spring will remain captured between upper and lower spring seats but will be loose.
   ⚠️Lower the jack very slowly and watch for binding. If any resistance is felt, stop and identify the cause before proceeding.
7. 7

   Install spring compressor
   With the spring relaxed, install coil spring compressor tool according to manufacturer instructions. Ensure compressor hooks engage at least 3 full coils and are positioned opposite each other (180 degrees apart). Tighten compressor evenly and alternately on both sides until spring is compressed enough to be handled safely.
   ⚠️Verify compressor hooks are fully seated in coil grooves. Partial engagement can cause slippage and sudden spring release.
8. 8

   Remove coil spring
   With spring safely compressed, maneuver it out from between the upper and lower spring seats. Note the orientation of the spring, position of any rubber isolators, and the relationship between spring ends and seat pockets. Remove spring compressor only when spring is clear of vehicle and in a safe location.
9. 9

   Inspect spring seats and components
   Clean and inspect both upper (on frame) and lower (on control arm) spring seats for damage, corrosion, or deformation. Inspect rubber spring isolators if equipped and replace if deteriorated. Check upper control arm bumper and lower control arm bushings for wear. This is the ideal time to replace worn suspension bushings or ball joints.
10. 10

    Compress and install new spring
    Using coil spring compressor, compress new spring to approximately the same compressed length as the original spring was when removed. Position spring between upper and lower seats, ensuring proper orientation with spring end tags or pigtails seated correctly in seat pockets. Verify any rubber isolators are properly positioned.
    ⚠️New springs may have different free height than worn originals. Ensure adequate compression before attempting installation.
11. 11

    Raise lower control arm
    Position floor jack under lower control arm and slowly raise the control arm. Guide the spring into proper seating in both upper and lower pockets as you raise. Continue raising until the upper ball joint stud can be inserted through the steering knuckle hole. This requires precise alignment.
    ⚠Watch for spring compressor interference as control arm rises. Spring must remain properly seated in both pockets.
12. 12

    Connect upper ball joint
    With lower control arm raised sufficiently, insert upper ball joint stud through steering knuckle. Install castle nut and tighten securely. Continue tightening until cotter pin hole aligns, then install new cotter pin and bend tabs. Do not back off nut to align cotter pin.
13. 13

    Release spring compressor
    With suspension assembled and upper ball joint secured, slowly and evenly release tension on spring compressor tool. Allow spring to expand into its working position between the seats. Once completely unloaded, remove spring compressor tool from between coils.
    ⚠️Release compressor very slowly and watch for improper spring seating. If spring appears misaligned, recompress and reposition.
14. 14

    Reconnect steering and stabilizer linkage
    Reconnect tie rod end to steering knuckle, install castle nut, tighten securely, and install new cotter pin. Reconnect stabilizer bar link to lower control arm if equipped, ensuring bushings and washers are in correct order.
15. 15

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Pull shock absorber down and align with lower control arm mounting hole. Install lower shock bolt and nut, tightening securely. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if replacing both springs.

Reassembly

1. Install wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground using floor jack
3. With vehicle weight on suspension, torque lug nuts to 75 ft-lb in star pattern
4. Bounce front end several times to settle suspension into normal position
5. All suspension fasteners should be torqued with vehicle weight on wheels (at normal ride height)

Verification

• Verify vehicle sits level front to back with proper ride height restored
• Check that springs are properly seated in both upper and lower pockets with no visible gaps
• Confirm all ball joint castle nuts have cotter pins properly installed
• Test steering for full lock-to-lock movement without binding or interference
• Road test vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from front suspension
• Schedule professional front-end alignment immediately, as suspension geometry has been disturbed
• After 50-100 miles, recheck all suspension fastener torque values

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