How "used up" are 43 year old sway bars from a '67 442 convertible? How would one go about "testing" a sway bar? I'm getting ready to put together a rolling chassis and have bought all new springs, ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. Would it be best to go with new front and rear sway bars and if so, should I upgrade to larger diameter ones? If I upgrade what should I be looking for?

TIA,

Jay

 

As long as the bars are not heavily rusted to where the diameter has changed, then they should easily be reusable. The springiness of those should not change much, as they are not under constant pressure, which causes coil springs to sag.

If you decide to change the diameters, i think you are supposed to do both the front and rear at certain amounts to keep the steering response balanced.

 

Make sure the front is larger than the rear. I've never heard of any sway bars wearing out though.

 

Thanks for the replies. The bars are not rusted to any extent except surface rust. Thought that I would media blast them and have them powder coated and use them if the replies were positive. I'll drive it for awhile and if needed then upgrade. Again, thanks for the info.

Jay