Coil Springs - Front Pair

Replacement of both front coil springs on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, requiring suspension disassembly and spring compression.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket rated for 390ci V8
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or heavy-duty aftermarket rated for 390ci V8
• Upper control arm bushings (if worn) × 1 — Inspect during procedure
• Lower control arm bushings (if worn) × 1 — Inspect during procedure
• Shock absorber mounting hardware × 1 — Replace if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Chock rear wheels securely on both sides
3. Apply penetrating oil to all front suspension fasteners, upper and lower ball joint nuts, shock mounting bolts, and control arm pivot bolts. Allow to soak at least 2 hours, preferably overnight
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground
5. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at crossmember or frame rail
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails behind front suspension. Verify stands are rated for at least 3 tons each and positioned on solid frame sections
7. Remove both front wheels completely
8. Inspect spring compressor tool to ensure all threads are clean and functional, with no cracks or damage to compression hooks or threaded rods

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Working on one side at a time, locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt that passes through the lower control arm. Using a socket and wrench, remove the lower shock mounting bolt and washer. Push shock absorber up and out of the way, securing it with wire or cord to the frame to keep it clear of the work area.
2. 2

   Support lower control arm
   Position floor jack directly under the lower control arm ball joint area. Raise jack until it just contacts the control arm with minimal pressure. This will support the arm once the spring tension is released but should not yet lift the vehicle. The jack stand should still be carrying the vehicle weight at this point.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar link (if equipped)
   If the vehicle is equipped with a front sway bar, remove the sway bar end link from the lower control arm. This is typically a bolt passing through a rubber bushing. Remove the nut and pull the bolt free. Move the sway bar link out of the work area.
4. 4

   Disconnect lower ball joint from steering knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut. Using a breaker bar and socket, loosen the castle nut but do not remove completely—leave it threaded on 2-3 turns to protect threads. Strike the steering knuckle boss near the ball joint stud sharply with a hammer to break the taper free, or use a ball joint separator tool. Once taper is broken, remove the castle nut completely and separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle. The knuckle and upper control arm assembly will now pivot upward.
5. 5

   Lower control arm to relieve spring pressure
   Very slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the lower control arm. As you lower, the coil spring will begin to extend. Continue lowering until the spring is fully extended and there is no compression remaining. The control arm should drop several inches. Ensure the spring remains seated in its upper and lower perches during this operation.
   ⚠️Lower the jack very slowly and maintain positive control. If spring becomes dislodged or shifts suddenly, stop immediately and reposition before continuing.
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   With spring fully extended and unloaded, install heavy-duty coil spring compressor according to manufacturer instructions. Position compression hooks diametrically opposite each other through the center of the spring coils, ensuring they engage at least 2-3 coils for secure grip. Verify hooks are properly seated and cannot slip. Begin tightening the compressor evenly, alternating between sides to maintain even compression. Compress the spring until it is approximately 2-3 inches shorter than its free length and can be easily removed from the spring perches.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully engaged and cannot slip. Never stand directly in line with the spring while compressing. Compress evenly and slowly, checking hook engagement frequently.
7. 7

   Remove compressed spring assembly
   With spring safely compressed and secured by the compressor tool, carefully guide the spring assembly out from between the upper and lower control arms. It may be necessary to further lower the jack under the control arm or use a pry bar to create clearance. Remove the spring with compressor still attached and set aside in a safe location where it cannot roll or tip over.
8. 8

   Inspect suspension components
   With spring removed, thoroughly inspect upper and lower control arm bushings, ball joints, and spring perches for wear, damage, or corrosion. Check upper spring perch (mounted to frame) and lower spring perch (on control arm) for cracks or deterioration. Wire brush spring perch surfaces clean. If any bushings show cracking, excessive play, or deterioration, this is the ideal time to replace them. Inspect shock absorber for leaks or damage.
9. 9

   Prepare new spring for installation
   Remove old spring from compressor tool. Install compressor onto new spring in the same manner as removal, with hooks positioned diametrically opposite and engaging multiple coils securely. Compress new spring to approximately the same compressed length as the old spring was during removal (generally 2-3 inches of compression). Verify spring compressor is secure before handling. Note the orientation of any rubber isolators or spring perch pads and ensure they are properly positioned on the new spring.
10. 10

    Install new spring assembly
    Carefully guide the compressed new spring into position between the upper and lower control arms. Align the spring ends with the perches on both the frame (upper) and lower control arm (lower). Ensure any locating tabs or positioning features are properly aligned. The top of the spring typically has a tighter coil pitch and may have a paint mark indicating the top. Verify correct orientation before proceeding.
11. 11

    Release spring compressor and load suspension
    Position floor jack under lower control arm ball joint area again. Slowly raise the jack to begin loading the spring. As the control arm rises, the spring will seat fully into both upper and lower perches. Continue raising until the lower ball joint can be reinserted into the steering knuckle. Monitor spring seating carefully—stop immediately if spring appears to be misaligned. Once spring is fully seated and suspension is at ride height, carefully and evenly loosen the spring compressor tool. Alternate between compression sides to release evenly. Once all tension is off the compressor, remove the tool.
    ⚠️Release spring compressor very slowly and evenly. If spring shifts or makes unusual sounds, stop and verify proper seating before continuing.
12. 12

    Reconnect lower ball joint
    With suspension loaded and lower ball joint stud inserted through steering knuckle, install the castle nut. Tighten castle nut firmly while preventing the ball joint stud from spinning. The factory specification is typically 70-80 ft-lbs, but verify this meets resistance when tightening. Tighten to the next castle slot if necessary to align cotter pin hole. Install new cotter pin and bend ends to secure.
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar and shock absorber
    If equipped with sway bar, reconnect the sway bar end link to the lower control arm and tighten securely. Reposition shock absorber into lower mount on control arm. Install lower shock mounting bolt with washer and tighten firmly (typical specification 20-25 ft-lbs).
14. 14

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Lower the jack from under the completed side. Repeat the entire spring replacement procedure (steps 1-13) for the opposite side front spring. Maintain the same careful approach to spring compression and installation.
15. 15

    Final inspection and wheel installation
    With both springs replaced, perform final inspection of all fasteners and connections. Verify both ball joints are properly secured with cotter pins installed. Check that shock absorbers are connected at both upper and lower mounts. Confirm sway bar links are attached if equipped. Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to 75-90 ft-lbs in star pattern.

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners should be tightened to final torque with vehicle at normal ride height (on ground) when possible, as suspension bushings can bind if tightened while suspension is hanging
2. Road test vehicle in safe area at low speed first, listening for any unusual noises or handling issues
3. Schedule front-end alignment immediately after spring replacement, as ride height changes will affect camber, caster, and toe settings

Verification

• Vehicle should sit level side-to-side with both new springs installed
• Front ride height should be within specification for 1970 Rebel Machine (measure from ground to bottom of frame rail at specified points)
• No suspension squeaking, popping, or clunking noises when bouncing vehicle
• All ball joint cotter pins are installed and properly bent
• Shock absorbers are securely mounted at both ends
• Test drive reveals stable handling with no pulling to either side (though alignment will likely be needed)
• Visual inspection confirms springs are fully seated in upper and lower perches with no gaps or misalignment

More procedures for this vehicle