This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front lower control arm on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including ball joint separation and bushing considerations.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower control arm assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Lower control arm bushings (if not included with control arm) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Lower ball joint (if not included with control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint castle nut × 1 — 1/8 inch diameter

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid 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 with floor jack at factory jacking point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails
6. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
7. Spray all control arm fasteners, ball joint castle nut, and pivot bolts with penetrating oil

Procedure

1. 1

   Support lower control arm and compress coil spring
   Position floor jack under the lower control arm directly beneath the coil spring seat. Raise jack until it just contacts the control arm and takes slight load off the suspension. The coil spring on the Rebel Machine sits between the upper and lower control arms, so controlled compression is necessary for safe disassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt that passes through the lower control arm. Remove the nut and bolt retaining the shock to the control arm. Push shock absorber up and out of the way.
3. 3

   Remove sway bar link if equipped
   If the vehicle is equipped with a front sway bar, remove the nut securing the sway bar end link to the lower control arm. The link may need to be held with a wrench on the flats to prevent spinning. Disconnect the link from the control arm.
4. 4

   Remove lower ball joint cotter pin and castle nut
   Locate the lower ball joint at the bottom of the spindle where it connects to the lower control arm. Remove and discard the cotter pin from the castle nut. Using a 3/4 inch or appropriate socket, remove the castle nut from the ball joint stud. Do not fully remove the nut initially - back it off until it is flush with the end of the stud to protect threads during separation.
5. 5

   Separate ball joint from spindle
   Using a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork, drive the tool between the spindle and lower control arm to break the taper fit of the ball joint. Strike the tool firmly with a hammer. Once the taper breaks free, remove the castle nut completely and lower the jack slightly to allow the spindle to pivot upward and away from the lower control arm. Support the spindle and brake assembly with a wire or bungee cord to prevent strain on the brake hose.
   ⚠The ball joint may release suddenly when the taper breaks. Keep clear of pinch points.
6. 6

   Mark control arm position and remove front pivot bolt
   Before removing the control arm, mark or note the position of any shims or alignment adjusters at the front pivot point. Using a breaker bar and 3/4 inch socket, remove the front control arm pivot bolt and shaft that passes through the frame crossmember. This bolt runs front-to-rear through the forward control arm bushing. Support the control arm with the jack to prevent it from dropping.
7. 7

   Remove rear pivot bolt
   Locate the rear control arm pivot bolt that passes through the rear bushing and frame bracket. This bolt typically runs front-to-rear and may require removal from inside the frame pocket. Remove the nut and bolt, keeping track of any washers or spacers. With both pivot bolts removed, carefully lower the jack and guide the control arm down and out from under the vehicle, being mindful of the coil spring.
8. 8

   Inspect and prepare new control arm
   Inspect the coil spring for cracks or damage while it is accessible. Clean the spring seats on the frame and lower control arm pocket with a wire brush. If the new control arm does not include ball joint and bushings pre-installed, transfer or install new components as needed. Many replacement control arms come with bushings and ball joints already pressed in.
9. 9

   Install new control arm to frame mounts
   Position the new lower control arm into place, aligning the front and rear bushing eyes with the frame mounting points. Insert the front pivot bolt through the frame crossmember and control arm front bushing. Install the nut finger-tight only. Insert the rear pivot bolt through the frame bracket and rear bushing, installing the nut finger-tight. Do not torque these fasteners yet - they must be torqued at curb height with suspension loaded.
10. 10

    Raise control arm and install ball joint to spindle
    Use the floor jack to raise the lower control arm until the ball joint stud aligns with the hole in the bottom of the spindle. Push the ball joint stud through the spindle. Install the castle nut and tighten firmly while ensuring the spindle seats properly on the ball joint taper. Tighten the castle nut until it aligns with the cotter pin hole in the stud, then install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
11. 11

    Reconnect shock absorber and sway bar link
    Position the lower shock absorber mount back through the hole in the lower control arm. Install the mounting bolt and nut, tightening securely. If equipped with a sway bar, reconnect the end link to the lower control arm and tighten the retaining nut.
12. 12

    Load suspension and torque pivot bolts
    With the wheel still off, lower the vehicle until the suspension is at approximately normal ride height (the jack stand should just barely be touching or slightly unloaded). This simulates curb weight and ensures bushings are not pre-loaded in the wrong direction. With the suspension loaded, torque the front and rear lower control arm pivot bolts. While specific torque values are not provided in the database, these fasteners are critical - tighten to manufacturer specification if available, or to 75-85 ft-lbs for the 5/8 inch pivot bolts typical of this application.
    ℹ️Control arm pivot bolts must be torqued with suspension at ride height to prevent premature bushing failure.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall wheel and tighten lug nuts in a star pattern
2. Lower vehicle completely to ground
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to proper specification (typically 75-80 ft-lbs for this vehicle)
4. Bounce the front end several times to settle suspension components
5. Verify all fasteners are tight and cotter pin is properly installed

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel full lock in both directions to verify no binding or interference
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no abnormal noises or handling issues
• Check for any looseness in the lower control arm by attempting to move it by hand with vehicle on jack stands
• Schedule a front end alignment as soon as possible, as control arm replacement will affect camber and caster settings
• After 50-100 miles, re-check all fastener torques

More procedures for this vehicle