RE: Re[6]: [ihc] RE: lug patterns

["Mac McMuffin" <mac@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

## >> Isn't the 6 on 8.75 found on the ubiquitous 2.5 ton 6x6s?  I don't
## >> know the pattern for sure but it is 6 on ~9".  This makes literally
## >> hundreds of thousands of cheap 20" wheels available.  Now the lug size
## >> is 1.5" so that's something to consider, and they are lug center not
## >> hub center, and they are a DRW type wheel.  But 6 on 8.75 seems about
## >> right for the pattern used the various deuce-and-a-half's, but maybe
## >> it's a bit bigger.  I can check later but figure someone knows
## >> offhand.

that's essentially correct, Ken.  many of the older deuce and a halfs as
well as some early five tons are the six on 8.75" lug pattern with 20"
wheels.  as you mention, they mostly use the offset wheels for duals.
HOWEVER; not all of them are dualled, and there *are* some older single
wheel variants running around, though not many at all.  in the very early
'60s IH experimented with single wheel deuce and a half and five ton
military trucks, mostly the five ton as IH was eliminating deuce and a half
production.  they were by no means the only company to experiment with the
single wheels (just the first), and in the '80s single wheels on five tons
were adopted universally throughout the US military, which began the long
excess process to get rid of the dual wheel trucks.  you'd think they'd just
convert the existing duals to singles, but apparently that ain't the way the
military works.

anyway, the point is that single wheels in this wheel type and lug pattern
WERE made.  they're probably hard to find now, but it's possible to either
find them in an old surplus scrapyard or perhaps have some made.  you might
check the wheel shops and see what it would cost to have a set of wheels in
the desired offset and rim size made to fit your lug pattern.

this post excessed the last deuce and a half this year, and they're still
waiting for export in the excess lot.  so far as i know, we're one of the
very last US Army active duty CONUS posts to still have had some deuce and a
halfs in line units.  the local national guard still has some, though, and
we still have a lot of older trailers of various types that still use the
six on 8.75" pattern.  most of the trailers are dualled, but there are some
singles.  most of the singles use offset dual wheels; i've seen one or two
with the single wheel type, but i can't remember what they were on and i
haven't seen 'em recently.

incidentally, all modern five tons are standard industrial ten lug, and
they're all single wheel.  they've started using some cabover five tons
instead of the conventionals, though, which are an interesting experiment in
ugliness.  the Marine Corps has adopted seven ton trucks and are excessing
their own five tons.

my nickel, no grain of salt.

--Mac

---------------------------------------------------------------
Take care and be well, all thee and thine;

May the Hamr lend thee Strength and Courage,
May the Twin Ravens lend thee Wisdom and Guidance,
May the Wolves Guard and Protect thee, and
May the Light of Harmony ever shine brightly upon thee and thine,
Through all thy Life's Journeys, from this life unto the next!

Hail the Gods and Goddesses of our Folk!
Wassail!

Krystof "Mac" MacBryghde
TyrGothi

http://master.triad.ath.cx/
---
This message is certified Virus Free.  However; Don't take *my* word for it,
check it yourself.
"I'd rather have a German Division in front of me than a French one
behind." - General George S. Patton

Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.784 / Virus Database: 530 - Release Date: 2004-10-27