How to visually ID a 71-72 rear sway bar

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It seems like every time I see a rear sway bar set up for sale listed as 71-72 B body, it never really is. Gets kind of old....
So, I thought I would take a minute and post pics of the blatantly obvious difference.

Pic one shows the upper/rear mounting plate that gets sandwiched between the axle perch and leaf springs. Note the small hole in the center of the mount plate. This is the 71-72 style off of a 8 3/4 rear end.



Next pic is of 73-74 (and possibly later) rear/upper mount plate for sway bar. Note the huge hole in the middle, extending out to the side of the plate. I know 75-?? later B bodys use a similar (or possibly identical) plate. However, I have never had the chance to compare a known 73-74 plate with a known 75 and later plate.

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here is a seller selling a 73-74?? sway bar listed as 71-72. I politely brought the error to his attention and I see that he has revised his description (amazing!)

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110417522932&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:MOTORS:1123

In this ad, you can see the mounting plates well enough to see the difference.

as far as the straight bar, curved in the middle bar debate....I have no answer. My factory 72 bar is straight.

[Nacho-RT74]

theorically, curved bar is 73 and laters, but somebody told once curved was to 9 1/4 axles...

the NOS I got is curved did meet with the PN on my 74 parts catalog, and my catalog doesn't specify diff axle kind sway bar PNs

the curved ones also has PROBABLY shorter rods, and maybe THATS WHY is curved at center.

[brock]

Good to know Tom

[DynoDave]

I've heard that story many times, but never seen the pictures. Now it makes sense.

Thanks Grandpa!

[71gtx]

as far as the straight bar, curved in the middle bar debate....I have no answer. My factory 72 bar is straight.

mmmmmmmmmmm the 19 72 dana 60 or 1974 9.1/4 curved in the middle bar

[myaerocars]

THanks for showing the pics TOM.. as a new guy I am learning about these differences. I know this is an old thread, but can you tell me of a source for replacement bushings for the bar and the link mount?

The link has the round ones on one end that goes to the plate and the square one in the bracket on the bar. And while we are at it, what about the one that goes to the frame?

THanks and Godspeed,
JON

[hotrodder]

Too bad the pic's of mine are on the other computer.... I'd post a pic or two of it.

[purplecharger]

Firm Feel at on time was thinking or is making a 71-72 sway bar set up.

firmfeel.com/swaybars_b.htm

[myaerocars]

I 've seen the Firm Feel units . extra nice quality.. may use one on my Superbird clone one day.

Guess what I was getting at on my original question --- I already have the rear bar on my car.

My question is this:
Is there a vendor who sells replacement bushings for our unique rear sway bar setup?

maybe I should start a new thread?

Thanks,
JON