2000 Mercury Cougar replacing sway bar connection to axel

Hello Bruce
I think I know what you are talking about. In the attached pic, are you talking about what the arrows are pointing at, the two bolts that hold the bracket that the sway bar is in? If this is it, then in my opinion it needs to be replaced. To me, any suspension part should not be repaired but replaced if broke. . .. . .mainly for safety reasons. If you look at the size of a tie rod ball joint shaft that the nut is on, it is only about as thick as your little finger. All the weight of that car especially when in a turn is pressing against it. It snaps, both wheels go opposite directions. I have seen tires folded up under fender wells because the ball joint broke. I have 4 girls. . .. . .. . ...they are ruff on cars. . .. . ..I cut corners where I need, but not on what I feel is the safety stuff. Glad to see you are 100% Mr Fix it. . .. . ...hope this helps.