Sway Bar Links - Front Pair

Replace the front sway bar end links on both sides of the vehicle to restore proper stabilizer bar function and eliminate suspension noise.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Apply penetrating oil to all sway bar link fasteners and allow 15-20 minutes soak time
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at crossmember or manufacturer jack points
6. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails behind front suspension
7. Remove both front wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect existing sway bar links
   Examine both sway bar links for wear patterns, damage, and fastener condition. Note the orientation of washers, bushings, and sleeves for proper reassembly. The 1970 Rebel typically uses a link with rubber bushings at both ends connecting the lower control arm to the sway bar.
2. 2

   Remove driver side upper fastener
   Locate the upper attachment point where the link connects to the sway bar. Use a 9/16 inch wrench to hold the stud or bolt while using a 9/16 inch socket and ratchet to remove the nut. If stud spins freely, use two wrenches or grip the stud with locking pliers. Remove the washer and upper bushing.
3. 3

   Remove driver side lower fastener
   Locate the lower attachment point where the link connects to the lower control arm. Use a 9/16 inch or 1/2 inch wrench (depending on your specific hardware) to hold the stud while removing the lower nut with appropriate socket. Remove the link assembly along with all bushings, washers, and sleeves. Keep hardware organized for comparison with new parts.
4. 4

   Clean driver side mounting points
   Use a wire brush to clean corrosion and debris from the sway bar and lower control arm mounting points where the link attaches. Check for cracks or damage at both mounting locations. Apply a light coating of anti-seize compound to the cleaned threads on the sway bar and control arm if they are threaded studs.
5. 5

   Install driver side new link
   Install the new link assembly starting at the lower control arm. Thread components in this typical order: nut, washer, lower bushing (cup up), through control arm, upper bushing (cup down), washer, sleeve through sway bar, then upper bushing (cup up), washer, and nut. Ensure bushings are oriented correctly with cups facing the metal washers. Hand-tighten both ends only at this point.
6. 6

   Tighten driver side link fasteners
   With the vehicle weight on the jack stands (suspension at normal ride height position), tighten the upper nut until the bushing just begins to bulge slightly but is not over-compressed. Typically this is when approximately 1/4 inch of stud thread is visible beyond the nut. Repeat for the lower fastener. Do not over-tighten as this will crush the bushings and cause premature failure. Hold the stud with a wrench while tightening the nut.
7. 7

   Remove passenger side upper fastener
   Repeat the removal process on the passenger side. Use a 9/16 inch wrench to hold the upper stud while removing the nut with a socket. Remove the washer and upper bushing from the sway bar.
8. 8

   Remove passenger side lower fastener
   Remove the lower nut while holding the stud steady. Remove the complete link assembly with all bushings, washers, and spacers. Compare with the driver side components removed earlier to ensure consistency.
9. 9

   Clean passenger side mounting points
   Wire brush the passenger side sway bar and lower control arm mounting surfaces to remove rust and debris. Inspect for damage. Apply anti-seize to threaded studs if applicable.
10. 10

    Install passenger side new link
    Install the passenger side link assembly in the same order and orientation as the driver side. Ensure all bushings, washers, and sleeves are positioned correctly. Hand-tighten both upper and lower nuts only.
11. 11

    Tighten passenger side link fasteners
    Tighten both fasteners to match the driver side installation, compressing bushings just until they begin to bulge slightly. Ensure equal compression on both sides for balanced sway bar operation. Hold studs with wrench while tightening nuts.
12. 12

    Verify sway bar operation
    Manually push down on each side of the sway bar (carefully, avoiding pinch points) to verify the links move freely without binding. Check that both links have equal bushing compression and that all fasteners are secure. The sway bar should pivot smoothly on both links.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Carefully raise vehicle slightly with floor jack and remove jack stands
3. Lower vehicle completely to ground
4. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern (typically 75-85 ft-lbs for 1970 AMC, verify for your specific wheel type)

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed over gentle bumps to verify no rattles or clunks from front suspension
• Perform several slow speed turns in both directions to confirm sway bar is functioning properly
• Re-check all link fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure nuts have not loosened
• Visually inspect links after test drive to verify bushings are not over-compressed or damaged
• Verify improved handling response during cornering compared to worn links

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