74 rear sway bar same as 66?

[Tom D.]

Can a rear stabilizer bar from a 1974 model replace same item on a 1966 427 car? Seller says it measures one/half inch... Thanks!

[Joe L.]

Re: 74 rear sway bar same as 66?

Tom-----

All 1965-74 rear sway bars (except, POSSIBLY, for 1968) used with big blocks only were 9/16" OD. So, I guess that means that the seller's contention that it's 1/2" is an approximate measurement (or, it's not a GM bar). Some very late 74's MAY have used the 75-82 7/16" rear bar.

The 1974 rear bar (9/16" OD)can be used to replace the 66 bar. However, it's NOT the same as the 66 bar. The 1969-74 bars have an "offset" in the horizontal, cross-car section; the 65-67 bars were "straight" with no offset. The 7/16" bar can also be used to replace the bar on a 1966, although the 7/16" bar was never catalogued by GM as a replacement. The 7/16" bar is incorrect with respect to the offset described above AND the diameter. It will change the handling characteristics of the car somewhat, too.

[Tom D.]

Thanks ! *NM*