Suspension Stabilizer Bar Bushing Kits for the 1979-1987 Mercury Capri
Eliminate suspension clunks and restore handling in your Fox Body Capri by replacing worn stabilizer bar bushings.
- The most common symptom of failure is a clunking noise from the front end when going over bumps.
- You must measure your sway bar's diameter before ordering, as sizes varied between models and years.
- Choose polyurethane bushings (Energy Suspension) for a performance upgrade or quality thermoplastic (Moog) for a quiet, factory-like ride.
- This is a beginner-friendly DIY repair that can significantly improve your Capri's handling and quiet down the suspension.
Symptoms of Failing Stabilizer Bar Bushings
Worn stabilizer bar bushings on a 1979-1987 Mercury Capri will make the car's age show in its handling and noises. The most common symptom is a clunking or rattling sound coming from the front end, especially when driving over bumps, uneven roads, or into driveways. You may also notice the car feels less stable, with excessive body lean or roll during turns. In some cases, a visual inspection will reveal cracked, brittle, or missing rubber around the sway bar.
Listen to Your Car
A rhythmic clunking from the front suspension when going over bumps is the most common sign of a bad stabilizer bar bushing. Don't ignore this sound, as it indicates a loose component that compromises handling stability.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Bushing Kit
Since the 1979-1987 Mercury Capri shares its 'Fox Body' platform with the Ford Mustang, there is a wide selection of aftermarket parts available. Original equipment (OEM) rubber bushings are largely unavailable for a vehicle of this age. Aftermarket kits offer different materials that can change how your car feels.
Material Type: Rubber vs. Polyurethane
- Standard Rubber/Thermoplastic: Brands like Moog, Delphi, and Dorman often use materials that mimic the original factory bushings. These provide a quiet, comfortable ride that is perfect for a daily driver or a stock restoration. They are a direct replacement and require no special maintenance.
- Polyurethane: Brands like Energy Suspension and Nolathane specialize in polyurethane bushings. This material is much stiffer and more durable than rubber. It improves handling response and reduces body roll even further, making it a popular upgrade for performance driving. However, polyurethane can make the ride feel firmer and may require a special silicone grease (usually included) during installation to prevent squeaking.
Measure Before You Buy!
The most common ordering mistake is getting the wrong size. The 1979-1987 Mercury Capri and Mustang came with different sway bar diameters depending on the year, engine, and performance package. You must measure the diameter of your car's sway bar with a caliper or adjustable wrench to ensure you buy the correct bushing kit.
Brand Quality Tiers
For your Capri, aftermarket brands are your main option. They generally fall into a few categories:
- Premium Aftermarket (OE Quality): Brands like Moog and Delphi have a strong reputation for producing high-quality replacement parts that meet or exceed original specifications. Moog is often called the "Problem Solver" in the industry and is a trusted choice for durability.
- Performance Upgrade (Polyurethane): Energy Suspension is a leader in this category, offering complete kits to improve handling. These are for owners who want a sportier feel and are willing to accept a slightly firmer ride.
- Standard/Economy: Brands like Dorman, Mevotech, and QuickSteer offer cost-effective solutions. They are a suitable choice for budget-conscious repairs, though quality can sometimes be inconsistent compared to premium brands.
Cost of Stabilizer Bar Bushing Kits
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Kit (Rubber/Thermoplastic) | $10.79 - $30.00 |
| New Aftermarket Kit (Polyurethane) | $20.00 - $46.29 |
| Shop Labor for Installation | $80 - $160 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What's the difference between stabilizer bar bushings and end links?
The stabilizer bar bushings (or frame bushings) secure the sway bar to the car's frame. The sway bar end links connect the ends of the sway bar to the suspension's control arms. Both can cause clunking noises when worn, but frame bushings are more likely to cause a dull thud over bumps, while end links might make a sharper rattle or clunk, sometimes during turns.
Do I need to lubricate my new bushings?
If you buy polyurethane bushings (like Energy Suspension), you must use the supplied silicone-based grease on all surfaces that touch metal. This prevents squeaking. Standard rubber or thermoplastic bushings do not require lubrication.
Were there any recalls for the Capri's stabilizer bar bushings?
No specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) were found for the suspension stabilizer bar bushings on the 1979-1987 Mercury Capri during a search of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database and other historical records.
Can I replace just the bushings myself?
Yes, this is a very common DIY job for Fox Body owners. It typically requires basic hand tools, a floor jack, and jack stands. The process involves unbolting the two brackets that hold the bushings to the frame, swapping the bushings, and bolting everything back together. It is considered a beginner-level repair.
Technical Specifications
The critical specification is the sway bar diameter. This varied on the 1979-1987 Mercury Capri (from under 1 inch to 1-1/4 inch or more) depending on the specific model, year, and options. The diameter must be physically measured on the vehicle before ordering a replacement bushing kit.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.