suspension

Sway Bar Link - Front

for 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 390ci V8 · RWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Easy

Time

1.0 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Replacement of the front sway bar end links connecting the sway bar to the lower control arms on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use properly rated jack stands on solid, level ground.

⚠Original fasteners may be heavily corroded after 50+ years. Apply penetrating oil and allow time to soak before attempting removal.

ℹ️The sway bar is under tension when the vehicle is at rest. Links may be under slight load during removal.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack stands (2)Essential

Wheel chocksEssential

1/2 inch drive ratchetEssential

1/2 inch socket set (SAE)Essential

Combination wrench set (SAE)Essential

Penetrating oil

Wire brush

Pry bar

Ball joint fork or pickle fork

Parts

Front sway bar end link kit (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent aftermarket
Front sway bar end link kit (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent aftermarket

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid surface and set parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (if removing wheels for better access)
Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at factory jacking points
Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under the frame rails
Remove front wheels if desired for improved access (optional but recommended)
Spray all sway bar link fasteners with penetrating oil and allow 15-20 minutes to soak

Procedure

1
Locate sway bar end links
Position yourself under the front of the vehicle. Locate the sway bar running laterally across the front suspension. Identify the end links connecting each end of the sway bar to the lower control arms. The links typically consist of a bolt or stud with bushings and washers on each end.
2
Support sway bar
Use a pry bar or have an assistant support the sway bar to prevent it from rotating or dropping when the link is removed. This maintains alignment and prevents strain on the remaining hardware.
3
Remove upper link fastener
Using the appropriate size socket and combination wrench, hold the nut on the upper attachment point (at the sway bar) while loosening the bolt or stud from below. If the stud spins, use two wrenches to hold both sides. Remove the upper nut, washers, and bushings, noting their order and orientation for reassembly.
4
Remove lower link fastener
Similarly, hold the nut on the lower attachment point (at the lower control arm) while removing the bolt or stud. Remove the lower nut, washers, and bushings. If the fastener is seized or corroded, apply additional penetrating oil and use a ball joint fork to separate stubborn connections if necessary.
5
Extract end link
Remove the sway bar end link assembly completely from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting holes in both the sway bar and lower control arm for damage, elongation, or excessive wear. Wire brush any rust or corrosion from the mounting surfaces.
6
Prepare new end link
Unpack the new sway bar end link kit. Verify that all components are present including the link bolt or stud, bushings, washers, and nuts. Pre-assemble the bushings and washers on the new link according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring proper orientation.
7
Install new end link lower attachment
Insert the new end link through the lower control arm mounting hole from the appropriate direction (typically from below or inside). Install the lower bushing, washer, and nut in the correct order. Hand-tighten only at this stage to allow for alignment adjustment.
8
Install new end link upper attachment
Align the upper end of the link with the mounting hole in the sway bar. Install the upper bushing, washer, and nut in the correct order. Hand-tighten to hold components in place while maintaining some movement for final alignment.
9
Tighten end link fasteners
With the vehicle weight still on the jack stands and suspension unloaded, tighten both upper and lower fasteners firmly. Hold the bolt head or stud with one wrench while tightening the nut with another. Tighten until the bushings are compressed slightly but not crushed or distorted. Typical specification is snug-tight plus approximately 1/4 turn, but avoid over-tightening which will damage the rubber bushings.
10
Repeat for opposite side
Repeat steps 2 through 9 for the sway bar end link on the opposite side of the vehicle. Always replace sway bar links in pairs to maintain balanced suspension performance.

Reassembly

Reinstall front wheels if removed, hand-tightening lug nuts in a star pattern
Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground
Torque wheel lug nuts to proper specification in star pattern with wheels on ground
Verify all fasteners are tight and no tools or parts are left under vehicle

Verification

Bounce each front corner of the vehicle and listen for any clunking or rattling from the sway bar area
Visually inspect both end links to ensure bushings are properly compressed and fasteners are secure
Test drive vehicle at low speed and make gentle turns to verify proper sway bar operation and no unusual noises
Re-check fastener tightness after 50-100 miles of driving

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