This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front lower control arm bushings on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, restoring proper suspension geometry and handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower control arm bushing kit (both inner and outer) × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent for AMC A-body
• Lower ball joint castle nut × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Spray all control arm mounting bolts, ball joint nuts, and shock absorber bolts with penetrating oil

Procedure

1. 1

   Support lower control arm
   Position floor jack under the lower control arm near the ball joint to support the weight of the control arm and compress the coil spring slightly. This prevents the spring from forcefully extending when the ball joint is disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut. Remove the castle nut. Using a ball joint separator or pickle fork, separate the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle. Carefully lower the jack slightly to relieve tension while keeping control arm supported.
   ⚠Do not allow the control arm to drop suddenly as the coil spring is still under tension and compressed.
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower mounting
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt that passes through the lower control arm. Remove the bolt and nut, then swing the shock absorber up and out of the way. The shock may be retained with a single bolt through the control arm on this model.
4. 4

   Mark control arm position
   Before removing the control arm pivot bolts, use a scribe or paint pen to mark the position of the control arm and any adjustment cams or shims relative to the frame bracket. This helps maintain approximate alignment settings during reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove control arm mounting bolts
   Remove the front and rear control arm pivot bolts that attach the control arm to the frame crossmember. Note the position of any washers, spacers, or eccentric cams. Support the control arm as you remove the final bolt, then carefully lower the jack to release spring tension and remove the control arm assembly with the spring.
   ⚠️If spring tension cannot be safely controlled, install a proper coil spring compressor before removing the final pivot bolt.
6. 6

   Remove coil spring from control arm
   With the control arm removed from the vehicle, carefully release any remaining spring tension and separate the coil spring from the control arm. Note the orientation of any spring insulators or seats for proper reassembly.
7. 7

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or appropriate bushing removal tool, press out the old inner and outer bushings from the control arm. The bushings may consist of an inner sleeve, rubber isolator, and outer shell. Apply pressure evenly and support the control arm properly on the press bed to avoid distortion. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush after removal.
8. 8

   Install new bushings
   Apply a light coat of vegetable oil or soapy water to the new bushings (never use petroleum-based lubricants on rubber). Position the new bushings in the control arm bores, ensuring proper orientation per manufacturer instructions. Using the hydraulic press and appropriate installation tools, press the new bushings into place until fully seated. The bushings should be centered in their bores with equal metal shell visible on both sides.
9. 9

   Reinstall coil spring
   Position the coil spring onto the control arm in the correct orientation with any spring seats or insulators properly aligned. If needed, use a spring compressor to compress the spring enough for easier installation.
10. 10

    Install control arm to frame
    Raise the control arm assembly into position and align it with the frame mounting brackets according to the alignment marks made during disassembly. Install the front and rear pivot bolts with any washers, spacers, or eccentric cams in their original positions. Thread the bolts in but do not fully tighten yet. The bushings must be torqued at normal ride height.
11. 11

    Connect lower ball joint
    Raise the floor jack under the control arm to compress the spring and align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut on the ball joint stud and tighten firmly. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and ball joint stud, bending the ends to secure.
12. 12

    Reinstall shock absorber
    Position the lower end of the shock absorber into the mounting hole in the lower control arm. Install the mounting bolt and nut, tightening securely but not final torquing yet.
13. 13

    Torque all fasteners at ride height
    Lower the vehicle until the wheels are back on the ground or support the lower control arm with the jack so the suspension is at normal ride height position. In this position, torque all control arm pivot bolts, ball joint castle nut, and shock absorber mounting to factory specifications. This prevents bushing bind and premature wear. Since specific torque values are not provided in the database, consult a factory service manual: typical values for 1970 AMC are approximately 75-95 ft-lbs for control arm pivot bolts and 50-60 ft-lbs for ball joint nuts.
    ℹ️Control arm bushings must be torqued at ride height to prevent premature bushing failure from torsional stress.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install the front wheels and thread lug nuts on by hand. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to factory specification, typically 75-80 ft-lbs for this vehicle.

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if both bushings are being replaced
2. Check that all cotter pins are properly installed and bent
3. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
4. Remove all tools and equipment from under vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from front suspension
• Check for proper steering response and no pulling to either side
• Visually inspect all connections for proper installation and no fluid leaks
• Have front end alignment checked and adjusted by a qualified technician within 50 miles of driving

More procedures for this vehicle