Coil Springs - Rear Pair

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear coil springs on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including lowering the rear axle assembly to safely release spring tension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring - left × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent heavy-duty spring rated for Rebel Machine
• Rear coil spring - right × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent heavy-duty spring rated for Rebel Machine
• Spring isolator pads (upper and lower) × 4 — Replace if deteriorated

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid concrete surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground (do not remove)
4. Apply penetrating oil to all shock absorber mounting bolts and U-bolt nuts, allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack positioned at rear differential housing
6. Place jack stands under frame rails just forward of rear spring mounts, ensuring stands are on solid frame members
7. Lower vehicle onto jack stands, keeping floor jack in place under differential with slight pressure for stability
8. Remove both rear wheels completely
9. Inspect brake lines for damage or excessive wear before proceeding - replace if questionable
10. Position transmission jack or second floor jack under rear axle housing for controlled lowering

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect rear shock absorbers
   Working on one side at a time, remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt from the axle bracket. You may need to support the shock absorber to prevent it from falling. Leave the upper mounting bolt attached to keep the shock from dropping completely. Repeat for the other side. The shock absorbers will limit downward travel of the axle, so they must be disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear sway bar if equipped
   If your Rebel Machine is equipped with a rear sway bar, disconnect the end links from the axle housing on both sides. Remove the bolts securing the end links and set aside. This will allow the axle to drop freely without binding on the sway bar.
3. 3

   Support the rear axle assembly
   Position the transmission jack or second floor jack directly under the center of the rear axle differential housing. Raise jack until it makes firm contact and is supporting the weight of the axle assembly. The jack stands under the frame should still be bearing the vehicle's weight. Ensure the jack is centered and stable before proceeding.
4. 4

   Mark spring orientation and position
   Before removing springs, note the orientation of the spring ends relative to the mounting pockets. The top and bottom of the spring may have different end configurations. Use chalk or a paint marker to mark the front-facing side of each spring for proper reinstallation. Also note the position of any isolator pads.
5. 5

   Slowly lower the rear axle assembly
   Very slowly and carefully lower the transmission jack, allowing the rear axle to descend. Monitor both brake lines and shock absorbers to ensure they do not reach maximum extension or bind. Lower the axle approximately 6-8 inches or until the coil springs become loose in their pockets. Stop immediately if you feel any resistance or if brake lines appear stressed. Have an assistant help guide the axle down evenly if possible.
6. 6

   Remove driver side coil spring
   Once the spring tension is completely released and the spring can move freely in its pocket, carefully remove the driver side coil spring. You may need to use a pry bar to guide it out of the upper pocket. Tilt the spring as needed to clear the upper spring seat, then lower it down and remove it from between the axle and frame. Remove and inspect upper and lower isolator pads.
7. 7

   Remove passenger side coil spring
   Repeat the spring removal process for the passenger side. Be aware that the axle may shift slightly once one spring is removed, so maintain firm control of the transmission jack. Remove both upper and lower isolator pads and set aside for comparison with new pads.
8. 8

   Inspect spring seats and mounting areas
   With springs removed, thoroughly inspect the upper spring seats on the frame and lower spring seats on the axle housing for rust, damage, or deformation. Wire brush away any rust or debris. Check that the spring seat surfaces are flat and smooth. Any significant damage or rust perforation requires repair before installing new springs.
9. 9

   Install new isolator pads
   Install new lower isolator pads onto the axle spring seats, ensuring they are properly centered and seated. Install new upper isolator pads into the frame-mounted upper spring pockets. These pads prevent metal-to-metal contact and must be in good condition.
10. 10

    Install passenger side coil spring
    Position the new passenger side coil spring into place, aligning it with the lower spring seat on the axle. The spring end configuration should match your orientation marks from the original spring. Tilt the top of the spring to align with the upper frame pocket. Ensure the spring is properly seated in the lower pocket before proceeding.
11. 11

    Install driver side coil spring
    Install the new driver side coil spring using the same procedure. Ensure both springs are positioned correctly in their lower pockets with proper front-to-rear orientation before raising the axle. Double-check that isolator pads have not shifted out of position.
12. 12

    Raise rear axle assembly into position
    Very slowly and carefully raise the transmission jack, lifting the rear axle assembly. As you raise it, the coil springs will begin to compress and seat into the upper frame pockets. Guide the springs with your hands (while wearing gloves) to ensure they seat properly into the upper pockets. Continue raising until the axle reaches its normal ride height position. The springs should be fully seated in both upper and lower pockets with no visible gaps.
13. 13

    Reconnect shock absorbers
    With the axle at normal ride height, reinstall the lower shock absorber mounting bolts on both sides. The shock should align easily with the mounting bracket without forcing. Install bolts and tighten securely. Note: Without specific torque specifications in the database, tighten firmly using standard practices for this size fastener, typically 45-65 ft-lbs for 1/2-inch shock bolts.
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar if equipped
    If your vehicle has a rear sway bar, reconnect the end links to the axle housing on both sides. Install mounting hardware and tighten securely.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Carefully raise the vehicle using the floor jack to remove the jack stands from under the frame. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to factory specification (typically 75-85 ft-lbs for this era AMC) in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. After the vehicle is on the ground, bounce the rear end several times to settle the springs into their final position
2. Recheck all shock absorber mounting bolts and sway bar connections for tightness
3. Verify that brake lines have adequate clearance and are not contacting any suspension components
4. Test parking brake function before moving the vehicle

Verification

• Measure rear ride height from ground to frame on both sides - measurements should be equal within 1/4 inch and match factory specifications (approximately 11-12 inches depending on model year and tire size)
• Visually inspect that both coil springs are fully seated in upper and lower pockets with no visible gaps
• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle - springs should compress and rebound smoothly without noise or binding
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for any unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper tracking - vehicle should not pull to one side under acceleration or braking
• After 50-100 miles of driving, recheck all fasteners for tightness and verify ride height has not changed
• Consider having a professional alignment check performed, as spring replacement can affect rear axle positioning

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