M3 Halftrack suspension spring compression tool needed

[maple_leaf_eh]

Originally Posted by David Herbert

Please note that the thread will not be either UNF or UNC ! They hadn't been standardized then but were based on AF and AC standards which were the ones in use in WW2 USA. Most threads are effectively the same but not 1" fine which these bolts might be (Sherman ones are 1" AF). 1" AF is 14tpi and UNF is 12 tpi so they will not fit together. There is another smaller size that is different too but I can't remember what it is now - I blame it on dementia !
David

You are a wise man! Worth investigating. I posed the same Q on Facebook and got a flurry of responses from Keyboard Master Mechanics. Most encourage us to 'go to the hardware store and get a piece of threaded rod'. Ummm? No. Too many variables, especially spring force and risk of injury to be imprudent. Use the correct tool correctly.

For something so fundamental, there has to be a straight forward solution. And for your entertainment, our neighbour in the Green Disease hospital ward offered the following.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4-M...p=desktop#menu