Trying to mount M66 ring to M35A2

[Goldy]

I am trying to figure out what holds the rear legs of the mount solid to the cab. I see in a tech instruction reference to rear post mounting brackets and a drawing. are those on all deuces? I have the front clamp bracket and the rear U bolts. Are those brackets only for the gun mount or are there other uses such as convoy light posts? I can't believe that only the U bolts, through basically only sheet metal were all that was used to keep that much weight solid enough to last very long.
Does anyone know of a source for the brackets? If you have a set you want to sell I'm your guy.

thanks, Goldy

 

[Evil Dr. Porkchop]

The early TMs refer to them as the rear gun mount brackets, they are also used for convoys lights. Your truck should have them from the factory, if not I'm sure an SS member will sell you a set. There is also a large reinforcement panel that goes across the inside of the cab used with the gun ring set that is a good idea to install. Kublo's Surplus in PA had those for a good price last I checked.

 

[porkysplace]

There is a reinforcement plate for the back of the cab to support the mount.
[h=1]Cab reinforcement plate[/h]

 

[Valence]

Goldy, you are correct, the only thing holding the rear gun ring legs are those U-bolts through the back of the cab. The rear legs do have large, heavy "tabs" that rest on the u-bolts so you're not just trying to clamp a round bolt to a smooth shaft. I have not had problems as of yet with my gun ring installed with long road trips and some light off-roading.

You do absolutely want the cab reinforcement plate and the other mods that the instructions have you do (upgrading the cab mounting bolts at the rear, corner gussets if not already installed, top corner reinforcements, and adding a bolt to the front leg mount).

You may consider checking out my gun-ring install (EDIT: Whoops, looks like you already did back in September of this year, oh well):
https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?146878-Valence-s-M66-Gun-Ring

I realize my thread gets a little over-wordy for most, but just check out the pictures until you find something worth reading.

To get you started, here are key items of note:
Disclaimer: Use the pictures and information at your own risk, I'm not saying I did it right, but I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Cab top corner reinforcement (note: I added a plate to both top sides, where the instructions & kit only required the passenger side):
https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showt...M66-Gun-Ring&p=1874921&viewfull=1#post1874921

Cab rear mounting bolt upgrades:
https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showt...M66-Gun-Ring&p=1885577&viewfull=1#post1885577

Actual ring and leg installation:
https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showt...M66-Gun-Ring&p=1889426&viewfull=1#post1889426
https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showt...M66-Gun-Ring&p=1889428&viewfull=1#post1889428

Reinforcement plate installation (spans multiple posts):
https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showt...M66-Gun-Ring&p=1891522&viewfull=1#post1891522

Extra bolt on front leg clamp:
https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showt...M66-Gun-Ring&p=1891538&viewfull=1#post1891538

 

[glcaines]

Make absolutely sure you have the cab reinforcement plate installed. Even with the plate installed, there is a lot of cab flexing from the weight. I would highly recommend that you have at least one helper during the install and preferably more. I did the installation solo and that was not a good idea. Be very careful - that ring can kill you.

 

[Valence]

The early TMs refer to them as the rear gun mount brackets, they are also used for convoys lights. Your truck should have them from the factory, if not I'm sure an SS member will sell you a set. There is also a large reinforcement panel that goes across the inside of the cab used with the gun ring set that is a good idea to install. Kublo's Surplus in PA had those for a good price last I checked.

These are what Evil Dr. Porkchop is referring to. As far as I know, all M44 and M809 series cabs have these small plates bolted to the back of the cab where the rear-gun ring legs (or convoy lights, antenna pole masts, or etc) rest.




During my reinforcement plate install, you can see the nuts for those plates attached to the back of the cab:

 

[Goldy]

That's what I'm talking about. Thanks again Valence! Sounds like those should be common and helpful in stabilizing the rear legs.