the two different styles of leaf spring hangers

[steve-0]

i have only come across one halftrack that still had the early style original spring hangers. i think most where converted or where made later and never had them. as you can see in the pics there is evidence of the military removing them.

[yd328]

Steve,

Now I know where that nasty spot on my frame came from. They must have redesigned that stop and made it part of the spring hanger.

Gary

[WayOffTrack]

The top leaf spring and the hangers themselves in picture one are just like those found on scout cars except without the stop welded to the frame.

[steve-0]

i should have taken another pic of the spring, its very unusual looking.

[WayOffTrack]

Here is a quote from the scout car TM about this style of front leaf spring:

Two types of front springs are in current use. The early type front spring was constructed so that a joint was formed between the center section and the outer section of the 3rd leaf. The appearance of this joint gives the impression of a broken spring leaf. The later type of spring is constructed so that the 3 top leaves wrap around the shackle pin bushing and the center section of the top leaf is articulated with the two intersections.

Kinda sounds like the 2nd scout car style is the first halftrack style.

The part number for the early rear leaf spring hanger is the same as the scout car, C67494. On page 261 of the 11-9-42 TM 9-1710C is a picture of the early halftrack spring on the right side but without the stop welded to the frame.

[FrankUSMC]

I just went out side and looked at my M2.
My springs on the passenger side look just like the one in the first and second photo. The drivers side were completely different. Also, the springs on the passenger side will have to be replace on my M2 because they are broken and have been field repaired.
My M2 was found with the remains of the yellow stars still on it, so it looks like it never went though any rebuilds. I was told it is a Dec 1941 M2 by the serail number.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET

[WayOffTrack]

Any idea why the stop was only on the right hand side?

[steve-0]

i sold the halftrack in the above pics but i just picked up another m2 yesterday with the same springs. here is a pic of the center section.

[FrankUSMC]

Steve
I just went outside (it's cold! and dark!), and looked at my M2. Mine looks just like your photo. The hanger is different on the drivers side than the passenger side. In your photo you can just see the hanger in the back. In your photo, the rubber stop is in much better shape than mine, so let me me know if you get into a weak moment and part the M2 out.
One of the few, Frank USMC RET