When Ford introduced the S197 Mustang for 2005, it didn't seem possible to improve on it because it was so darned good right off the assembly line. It was the hottest looking and best performing Mustang since the 1960s.
But even Ford knew there was room for improvement, which is why the company worked so closely with the aftermarket industry during the car's development. Summit Racing Equipment has also looked closely at the S197 Mustang and has been doing a lot of listening since 2005 to bring us a wealth of performance goodies, including these super affordable heavy-duty adjustable sway bars for '05-'09 Mustangs. You can bolt these bars onto your S197 Mustang for under $400. They're easy to install to reduce body roll.
Glenn and Julie Eldridge of Southern California are having a ball with their '07 GT/CS coupe. They've added a lot of subtle upgrades to improve drive quality without disturbing the car's original demeanor. Marlo's Frame & Alignment has already lowered ride height and improved handling with aftermarket springs, so now we're installing Summit's SUM-720223 (front) and SUM-720224 (rear) sway bars to reduce body roll in hard cornering, thereby improving stability and safety.
Front Bar
The SUM-720223...
Front Bar
The SUM-720223 front sway bar for S197 Mustangs installs in a matter of 30 minutes. It employs three adjustment settings.
The S197 Mustang isn't like...
The S197 Mustang isn't like your older classic or boy-racer Fox-body. It is clearly different than earlier Mustangs. Although sway bar function is conventional, installation is different. Can you see the front sway bar in this photo? It's that forearm-sized bar mid-image.
On older Mustang front sway...
On older Mustang front sway bars, you have stabilizer links at each end to deal with. On the S197, you have dog-bone style end links bolted at both ends, which is a more durable design. Fastener removal happens at the sway bar end first. You will need an 18mm box-end wrench for the locknut and a 13mm socket to keep the bolt from turning.
This is what the 13mm end...
This is what the 13mm end link fastener looks like from underneath at the sway bar.
Front sway bar bushings are...
Front sway bar bushings are secured to the body as shown. A 15mm socket gets all four fasteners.
The Summit sway bar (left)...
The Summit sway bar (left) is the same size as factory but has three adjustment points. The S197 factory bar does not adjust. It's a good idea to install your Summit bar using the end bolt hole position first. If it's not stiff enough, move to the middle and inside adjustments and take a test drive with each.
Urethane bushings are installed...
Urethane bushings are installed on the Summit sway bar. Use the Summit lubricant provided with this kit to keep the bushings quiet.
After guiding the bar into...
After guiding the bar into place, the bushings and mounts are installed first. Refrain from tightening these bushings until stabilizer links are installed and tightened.
We decided on the middle adjustment...
We decided on the middle adjustment to get started.
Rear Bar
The S197 rear suspension...
Rear Bar
The S197 rear suspension is a three-link design with panhard bar to offer some of the best factory handling ever seen from a Mustang. We're going to improve body roll with an adjustable rear sway bar from Summit Racing Equipment.
Marlon pulls the rear wheels...
Marlon pulls the rear wheels for access. Always use jackstands for support, never just a hydraulic jack. Place jackstands beneath the axle tubes for best results. Marlon supported this axle in the middle.
This is the Summit SUM-720224...
This is the Summit SUM-720224 rear sway bar kit for S197 Mustangs. Everything's here to get the job done, which can be accomplished in about one hour. What makes this bar better than stock is its larger diameter, adjustable design, and the use of urethane bushings. Although Summit has provided Grade 8 hardware, you do have the option of using your Mustang's factory hardware.
The factory rear sway bar...
The factory rear sway bar attaches at the rear axle with a rubber bushing. With quiet and smoothness comes lackluster handling. We're going to change all that with stiffer urethane bushings and a bigger bar to reduce body roll.
Next, Marlon removes the rear...
Next, Marlon removes the rear sway bar here, which frees up the entire assembly.
The Summit SUM-720224 kit...
The Summit SUM-720224 kit includes urethane bushings, which are tapped into end links as shown using the lubricant provided.
Steel sleeves are pressed...
Steel sleeves are pressed into the urethane link bushings as shown. These provide hardware support and prevent collapse. Make sure you don't get them mixed up because both are of similar length.
Sway bar brackets and bushings...
Sway bar brackets and bushings are pressed together, one set for each side. Sleeves are pressed in once bushings are secure.
End links are installed like...
End links are installed like this. Factory hardware will not fit the Summit end links, which means you must use the Summit hardware.
We're securing the Summit...
We're securing the Summit rear sway bar here at the axle. For this image, we're using Summit hardware. If you desire a more stock appearance, use the original hardware.
Urethane bushings are wrapped...
Urethane bushings are wrapped around the bar next, again using the lubricant provided for quiet operation. Because the Summit sway bar is a pinch larger, you must use the larger, stronger bracket provided.
Here, we're securing the sway...
Here, we're securing the sway bar using the outermost adjustment points, which aren't as stiff. If you want stiffer, go to the innermost bolt hole.
The rear sway bar is secured...
The rear sway bar is secured at the support bushings like this.
Completed rear sway bar installation...
Completed rear sway bar installation looks like this-stealthy, but effective.