When I purchased my truck a few months ago the rear MH installed spacers between the springs and axle pad were removed to aid in lowering the truck below 7 ft. for shipping. When I went to reinstall them I was able to tell how they were previously installed due to stains on them. According to the stains one was mounted upside down from the other which didn't make any sense to me. They appear to be designed for a specific mounting configuration. If anyone out there has a MH that they believe hasn't been apart and doesn't mind taking a look I would appreciate it. Here is a picture of the spacer on the driver's side.



Nelson

 

I'll add some moral support if I can, but am not sure I can do much beyond applying logic as you are doing. Your rear spacers (R5-3896) have angled seats to allow the axle to tilt ensuring drive line integrity. My experience is with the smaller 3/4 ton R3-4, R32-4, and M254 models which all use lift blocks that lack the angled surface. Pics below.


I also have an August 1948 copy of your R5-4 manual which lists the spacer as "H5-3896 - Spacer, rear spring to axle (for standard springs)". No other description is given regarding installed position.

So that takes me back to applying logic. I would think achievement of a correctly angled pinion shaft should dictate orientation of the lift blocks. Beyond that I'll defer to Chuck, hoping he drops by to comment. If not, you might email him direct. Stu

Chucks Trucks LLC., Chuck's Trucks, Chucks Trucks

 

First of all, the blocks can't be installed upside down, because the top side has a hole for the spring center bolt to fit into, and the bottom has the head of a spring center bolt sticking out of it, to fit in the hole in the spring pad. These are very important! If you don't have the pins engaged in the holes, the lift blocks will slip out.
What's interesting to me is the blocks that you have. Every M-H 1-1/2 or 2 Ton from 1949 and earlier always had H5-3896 blocks, which were tapered, and 2 1/2" at the high point. In 1950 (or maybe late in '49) the blocks in almost every truck I have seen were R5-3896-C. These were 5" square. These made the most sense, because they kept the u-joint angles parallel, and brought the truck up that much closer to level (still way nose high, but much better looking). Yours appear to be R5-3898. I don't recall ever seeing these. The book says they are tapered 5/16 - 1 1/2? Whatever that means. Maybe a typo. Anyway, the question is, what's special about your truck that required these? Please post the information on the M-H plate, and pictures of the truck.
Chuck

 

Thanks for adding comments Chuck. Here's his picture from the album. Says it's a former fire truck. Stu

 

Thank you Stu and Chuck for the replies.

The spacers' upper and lower surfaces are parallel as best I can tell with a ruler. However, a leading or trailing edge corner of each spacer is "rounded off". That can be seen in one of the pictures. I would imagine this would be the best telltale as to position. The placard information is as follows:

Marmon Herrington Plaque

Chasis Number: 6R5-4-326506
Motor Number: 326506
Chasis Weight: 5000
Total Gross Weight: 14,000

Ford Plaque

Engine Number: 97HT-32605
Series F5 Model: 9H-T

BTW, the 19.5s on the front were installed to lower the vehicle for shipping. The 19.5 hit against the outer edge of the front drums. I have been looking for wheels/tires to replace the widowmakers.

Nelson

 

Well, this explains a couple things. First, in your picture, it looked like the blocks were tapered, so that's why I thought you were asking which way they go. Now that we know they are the standard 1950 and later 5" square ones, the question remained why were they in your 1949 truck? Until I read your serial number. Your truck is a 1950.
Chuck

 

Cool truck! Pardon my ignorance, but what is that on the front?

 

Chuck,

That's interesting that it is a 1950. It is registered as a 1949. Thanks for looking that up.

I asked the question about the blocks because of the one rounded-off edge and because of the way the support structure is set up within the casting itself. It just looks like it would have an intended position.

Joe, The structure on the front is a mount for a snow plow. The plow must have been large as the mount is quite substantial. It is homemade but someone did kind of a nice job. However, I did not get a blade with the vehicle and I will not be needing it in Florida. I will replace it with a bumper at some point.

Nelson

 

Stu,

I know you are the wheel/tire guru here and if you don't mind I'd like to tap into your expertise. And please, anyone else that would like to chime in, please do so. Any input is appreciated.

I am able to run 8.25 20 tires on my F5 MH.

In order to run this size tire, I will need to find lock-ring wheels at least 6 inches wide.

Are these two statements true?

Nelson

 

Yes, and yes. The 8.25" x 20" tire is shown to have a "design" rim width of 6.50", and "permissible" of 6.00". You'll also have plenty of room to handle its 38" outside diameter. The tubeless equal of it is a 9R22.5" which has a "design" rim width of 6.75" and "permissible" of 6.00". Stu

 

Thanks Stu for sharing your expertise.

Nelson

 

In Fla, you'll need a sand plow!

 

Or you could plow hurricane debris from the roadway for a few extra bucks. Shouldn't be too difficult to find 20" lock ring wheels for your truck. There's nothing quite like a full set of 8.25-20 traction tires to set off a truck like yours. Nice find!

 

There is certainly plenty of sand for plowing here . That's where the one piece 22.5s would be the best as there is nothing like a 12 psi tire pressure for sand. I don't think lock-rings like 12 psi so well. But, I have committed myself to them to some extent as I found a bargain on some nice 8.25 traction tires while on vacation in central MI. I did find a number of lock-rings but they were too rusty. I am sure a common problem. These older wheels and tires you don't find in my area so much as they don't have the farm trucks like they do in the midwest. But, I go to farm country for vacation on occasion.

Nelson