I need a brake rod for my 68, looking at the parts list in 71 the part numbers change, what could be the difference? I can't find a 68 on Ebay and Speed and Sport do not have them either. Mine is bent pretty good. I see a 71 style on Ebay but it is listed as 69 but the vin shows to be 71.

Probably minimal difference. Might be slight length but doubt enough to worry about. Might be simply how the rod spring at the back is stopped from sliding along, like a different crimp bit for the washer to sit against for spring to stop against. Might be chrome compared to zinc. All a guess. Oh, early had the square s/arm & "71 had round, if that changes the length maybe. All my guesses.

The 71 round tube swingarm is an inch longer than the early square type .
Potentially the brake rod could be an inch longer to match  .

Here’s the correct part # from my ‘68 Parts Guide.