Tie Rods - Both Sides

Replace both inner and outer tie rod ends on the front suspension to restore steering linkage integrity and alignment capability.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod end (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification for 1970 AMC Rebel
• Outer tie rod end (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification for 1970 AMC Rebel
• Inner tie rod end (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification for 1970 AMC Rebel
• Inner tie rod end (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification for 1970 AMC Rebel
• Castle nuts for tie rod ends × 4 — Usually included with tie rod ends
• Cotter pins × 4 — 1/8" x 1.5" split pins

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-recommended lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray all tie rod end castle nuts, tapers, and jam nuts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark tie rod length for reference
   Before disassembly, measure and record the exposed thread length from the jam nut to the end of each outer tie rod end. Mark the position of the jam nut on the threads with paint marker. This preserves approximate alignment settings. Measure both sides and record separately.
2. 2

   Remove outer tie rod end castle nut (driver side)
   Remove the cotter pin from the outer tie rod end castle nut at the steering knuckle. Use needle-nose pliers or diagonal cutters to extract the cotter pin completely. Using appropriate socket (typically 15/16"), remove the castle nut from the outer tie rod end stud. Count and note the number of exposed threads.
3. 3

   Separate outer tie rod from steering knuckle (driver side)
   Position tie rod separator tool between the steering knuckle and the tie rod end. Strike the tool with hammer or tighten screw-type separator to break the taper joint loose. The tie rod end should pop free from the knuckle taper. If using pickle fork, be aware this may damage the dust boot.
4. 4

   Remove outer tie rod end (driver side)
   Hold the inner tie rod sleeve with locking pliers or wrench to prevent rotation. Loosen the jam nut on the outer tie rod with appropriate wrench (typically 3/4" or 7/8"). Count the number of turns as you unscrew the outer tie rod end from the inner tie rod. This count will help during reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove inner tie rod castle nut (driver side)
   Locate the inner tie rod end connection at the center link or relay rod. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the inner tie rod stud using appropriate socket (typically 1"). Be prepared to support the center link as you remove components.
6. 6

   Separate and remove inner tie rod (driver side)
   Use tie rod separator to break the taper joint between the inner tie rod end and the center link. Once separated, remove the entire tie rod assembly (inner and outer together if not already separated). Inspect the center link taper bore for damage or excessive wear.
7. 7

   Repeat removal process for passenger side
   Repeat steps 2 through 6 for the passenger side tie rod assembly. Remove outer tie rod castle nut and cotter pin, separate from knuckle, loosen jam nut while counting turns, then remove inner tie rod from center link. Keep track of measurements and turn counts separately for each side.
8. 8

   Prepare and install new inner tie rod ends
   Clean the taper seats on the steering knuckles and center link with wire brush. Thread new inner tie rod ends into the center link connection points on both sides. Install new castle nuts finger-tight, then tighten to secure the taper fit. Tighten until the castle nut slots align with the stud hole, then install new cotter pins and bend ends securely.
9. 9

   Install outer tie rod ends
   Thread the new outer tie rod ends onto the inner tie rod sleeves, using the same number of turns counted during removal. Leave jam nuts loose for now. The exposed thread length should match your initial measurements. This provides a starting point close to the original alignment.
10. 10

    Connect outer tie rod ends to steering knuckles
    Insert the outer tie rod end studs into the steering knuckle tapers on both sides. Install new castle nuts and tighten to secure the taper joint. Tighten until castle nut slots align with cotter pin holes in the studs. If slots don't align, tighten further to next alignment point (never loosen to align). Install new cotter pins and bend ends to secure.
11. 11

    Adjust tie rod length and tighten jam nuts
    Verify that exposed thread lengths match your original measurements on both sides. Make minor adjustments if needed by threading the outer tie rod in or out. Hold the outer tie rod end with wrench to prevent rotation, then tighten the jam nut against the outer tie rod end body securely on both sides. Typical jam nut torque is 35-45 ft-lbs, but verify this is snug.
12. 12

    Verify installation integrity
    Check that all castle nuts are properly torqued and cotter pins are correctly installed and bent. Verify no components bind when turning the steering wheel lock-to-lock (have assistant turn wheel while you observe). Check that tie rod boots are properly seated and not torn. Ensure jam nuts are tight against outer tie rod bodies.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in star pattern
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground using floor jack
3. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in star pattern (typically 75-80 ft-lbs for 1970 AMC)
4. Remove jack stands and lower jack completely

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock, listening for any unusual noises or binding
• Verify steering returns to center properly and feels smooth throughout range of motion
• Check that front wheels point straight ahead when steering wheel is centered
• Inspect all tie rod end connections for proper taper seating and no looseness
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately, as toe settings have been disturbed
• After alignment, test drive vehicle at low speed in safe area and verify straight-line tracking and responsive steering

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