This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the outer tie rod end on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, restoring proper steering linkage connection and ensuring safe vehicle operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification for 1970 AMC Rebel
• Cotter pin × 1 — 1/8" diameter
• Castle nut (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at the front crossmember
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under the frame rails
6. Remove front wheel on the side being serviced
7. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod end castle nut, jam nut threads, and ball joint stud if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod position
   Before removal, use a paint marker or tape to mark the position of the outer tie rod end on the inner tie rod threads. Count and record the number of visible threads beyond the jam nut. This reference will help maintain approximate toe alignment during installation and minimize alignment changes.
2. 2

   Remove cotter pin
   Locate the cotter pin securing the castle nut on the outer tie rod end ball joint stud at the steering knuckle. Straighten the cotter pin ends with pliers and pull it out. Discard the old cotter pin as it should not be reused.
3. 3

   Loosen castle nut
   Using a 3/4" wrench, loosen the castle nut on the tie rod end ball joint stud. Do not remove it completely yet; leave it threaded on a few turns to prevent the stud from dropping suddenly when separated.
4. 4

   Separate tie rod end from steering knuckle
   Position a tie rod end separator (pickle fork) or ball joint separator between the steering knuckle and the tie rod end. Strike the separator with a hammer to break the taper fit, or use a screw-type separator according to tool instructions. Once the taper is broken, remove the castle nut completely and pull the tie rod end stud out of the steering knuckle.
5. 5

   Loosen jam nut
   Locate the jam nut (lock nut) on the inner tie rod where it meets the outer tie rod end. Use a 15/16" wrench to loosen the jam nut several turns, but do not remove it completely. This nut locks the outer tie rod end in position on the inner tie rod threads.
6. 6

   Remove outer tie rod end
   While holding the inner tie rod steady with one wrench if necessary, thread the outer tie rod end counterclockwise off the inner tie rod. Count the number of turns required for complete removal to aid in installation. The jam nut will slide off once the tie rod end is removed.
7. 7

   Clean threads
   Use a wire brush to clean the threads on the inner tie rod end. Remove any rust, dirt, or old thread locker compound. Inspect threads for damage; if threads are stripped or severely damaged, the inner tie rod will also need replacement.
8. 8

   Install new outer tie rod end
   Thread the new outer tie rod end clockwise onto the inner tie rod. Use your alignment marks and thread count to position it approximately the same as the old tie rod end. Thread it on the same number of turns as was required to remove the old one, aligning with your paint mark.
9. 9

   Install jam nut
   Thread the jam nut onto the inner tie rod and position it against the outer tie rod end body, but do not tighten it yet. The jam nut should be snug against the tie rod end but will be final-tightened after the ball joint is secured.
10. 10

    Install tie rod end into steering knuckle
    Insert the tie rod end ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Ensure the stud is fully seated in the taper. Thread the castle nut onto the stud by hand, then tighten with a torque wrench to 35-40 ft-lbs (typical specification for this application, verify with shop manual if available).
11. 11

    Install new cotter pin
    Align the castle nut slots with the hole in the ball joint stud. If necessary, tighten the castle nut slightly (never loosen) to align the slots. Insert a new cotter pin through the stud hole and bend the ends over to secure. The ends should be bent in opposite directions around the castle nut.
12. 12

    Tighten jam nut
    Hold the outer tie rod end with a wrench to prevent it from turning. Tighten the jam nut against the outer tie rod end body using the 15/16" wrench to 40-50 ft-lbs (typical specification). This locks the outer tie rod end in position on the inner tie rod threads.
13. 13

    Lubricate if equipped with grease fitting
    If the new tie rod end has a grease fitting (zerk fitting), use a grease gun to pump 2-3 strokes of chassis grease into the ball joint until grease appears at the seal. Wipe away excess grease.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts
2. Lower the vehicle from jack stands until tire contacts ground but weight is not fully transferred
3. Torque lug nuts to 75-80 ft-lbs in a star pattern
4. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands and floor jack
5. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock to verify no binding or unusual noises from the new tie rod end
• Check that steering returns to center properly
• Visually inspect that the tie rod end ball joint stud is fully seated and cotter pin is properly installed
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response
• Schedule a professional front end alignment as soon as possible to set proper toe, camber, and caster specifications

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