How to Repair a Thunderbird Stabilizer Bar Link

The stabilizer bar links on a Ford Thunderbird connect the frame of the car to the suspension, and cannot be repaired. You must replace them along with the rubber or polyurethane bushings to maintain the vehicle's suspension dynamics. This will help control the amount of body roll the car experiences and keep all four wheels planted firmly on the ground. You can replace the end links on a Thunderbird's stabilizer bar with only a few tools and in a relatively short period of time.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the Thunderbird with an automotive jack. Support the frame with jack stands.

2

Locate the damaged stabilizer bar end link. The stabilizer bar is positioned just ahead of the engine oil pan and is connected to the frame with two rubber or polyurethane bushings. This is a single bar, at the end of which are the end links.

3

Unbolt the stabilizer bar end link from the stabilizer bar and suspension with a ratchet wrench. Note how it is assembled so you can properly install the replacement end link. There are four bushings, a sleeve, four washers and two nuts to reinstall.

4

Slide the end link bolt through the stabilizer bar hole, then slide a bushing, followed by a washer, the sleeve, another washer and another bushing onto the bolt. Slide this up through the suspension mounting hole that the stock end link was installed through, then slide a bushing, a washer and a nut onto the bolt.

5

Install the bushing, washer and nut onto the bottom of the end link bolt. Tighten the upper and lower nuts into place. This is done by holding the upper nut with a ratchet wrench and tightening the lower nut.