Replace the front upper control arm bushings on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine to restore proper suspension geometry and eliminate play or noise from worn bushings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front upper control arm bushing kit × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket equivalent
• Upper ball joint castle nut × 2 — Replace if damaged or if cotter pin slots are worn
• Cotter pins × 2 — Appropriate size for upper ball joint castellated nut

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Apply penetrating oil to upper control arm pivot bolts, ball joint nut, and related fasteners
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at frame rail or designated lift point
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails behind front suspension
7. Remove front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the spring seat to support the weight of the suspension. Raise the jack just enough to make contact but not lift the vehicle. This prevents the coil spring from extending and keeps tension off the upper control arm during removal.
2. 2

   Remove the upper ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the upper ball joint castle nut at the spindle. Use a wrench to remove the castle nut completely. Keep the nut if it is in good condition or replace if threads are damaged.
3. 3

   Separate the upper ball joint from the spindle
   Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to break the taper between the upper ball joint stud and the spindle. Insert the tool between the control arm and spindle, then strike sharply with a hammer or tighten the screw-type separator until the joint releases. The spindle will drop down once separated.
   ⚠Do not hit the ball joint stud threads directly. Support the spindle assembly to prevent damage to brake lines or CV components when it drops.
4. 4

   Mark control arm orientation
   Before removing the control arm, mark or photograph the orientation of the control arm relative to the mounting brackets. Note the positions of any shims or alignment cams, as these are critical for maintaining front end alignment. The 1970 Rebel uses shims at the upper control arm pivot points for camber and caster adjustment.
5. 5

   Remove upper control arm mounting bolts
   Locate the two pivot bolts securing the upper control arm to the frame bracket. These bolts pass through the control arm bushings. Use a breaker bar and socket to remove both bolts completely. Support the control arm as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from dropping. Remove any shims and keep them organized by position for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove the upper control arm
   Pull the upper control arm away from the frame mounting bracket and out of the vehicle. Inspect the control arm for cracks, bends, or other damage. If the arm is damaged, replacement is required. Clean the arm thoroughly with a wire brush if it will be reused.
7. 7

   Press out the old bushings
   Secure the control arm in a vise or position it on a hydraulic press. Using a control arm bushing press set, select the appropriate receiver cup and driver that matches the bushing outer diameter. Press the old bushings out of the control arm. The rubber bushing and outer shell should come out together. Note the orientation of any offset bushings before removal.
8. 8

   Clean the control arm bushing bores
   Use a wire brush and solvent to thoroughly clean the bushing bore inside the control arm. Remove all rust, old rubber residue, and corrosion. The bore must be clean and smooth for the new bushings to seat properly. Inspect for cracks or damage in the bore area.
9. 9

   Press in the new bushings
   Apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly or bushing installation lubricant to the new bushing outer shell and control arm bore. Position the new bushing at the bore opening, ensuring proper orientation if the bushing is offset. Using the bushing press set, carefully press the new bushing straight into the control arm until it is fully seated and flush with the control arm housing. Repeat for the second bushing location.
10. 10

    Reinstall the upper control arm
    Position the control arm back into the frame mounting bracket. Install any shims in their original positions as marked during disassembly. Insert the pivot bolts through the frame bracket, bushings, and shims. Thread the nuts onto the bolts hand-tight but do not torque yet. The bushings must be torqued with the suspension at normal ride height to prevent bushing bind.
11. 11

    Reconnect the upper ball joint
    Raise the floor jack under the lower control arm to bring the spindle up to the upper ball joint. Align the ball joint stud with the hole in the spindle and push the spindle onto the stud. Install the castle nut and tighten firmly. Align the castle nut slots with the ball joint stud hole and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
12. 12

    Load suspension to ride height
    With the ball joint reconnected, use the floor jack under the lower control arm to raise the suspension until the vehicle just begins to lift off the jack stands. This simulates normal ride height. In this position, the control arm bushings are in their neutral position without preload.
13. 13

    Torque upper control arm pivot bolts
    With the suspension at ride height, torque the upper control arm pivot bolts. Torque specifications are not available in the database, so refer to a factory service manual or use 75-85 ft-lbs as a typical specification for this application. Torque both bolts evenly and verify shims remain in position.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and install wheel
    Lower the floor jack to unload the suspension. Remove the jack from under the lower control arm. Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle completely off the jack stands. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side to ensure even suspension performance
2. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued and all cotter pins are installed and bent
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the engine bay or suspension area

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify there are no clunks, rattles, or unusual noises from the front suspension
• Check steering feel and response for any changes or abnormalities
• Have the front end alignment checked and adjusted by a professional alignment shop, as changing bushings and disturbing shims will affect camber and caster settings
• After 50-100 miles, recheck all control arm bolt torque values
• Inspect for any fluid leaks or loosened components after the first drive

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