Combat Split Wheel Rim Nut
Combat wheel rim nut
Combat wheel — 8 pieces per rim
Hexagonal nut for fastening the two halves of the split combat wheel rim. These rim nuts were used from late 1941 onwards on all WWII jeeps fitted with split rim combat wheels and are essential for safe assembly of the rim halves.
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Thread size 1/2-20 NF-2 |
Spanner size 3/4 inch (19 mm) |
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Material Steel |
Per rim 8 pieces |
Features
- Thread specification: 1/2-20 NF (National Fine) - class 2
- Original Ordnance part number: A-5471
- Spanner size: 3/4 inch hexagonal (19 mm socket)
- Nut height: 9/16 inch (14.3 mm)
- Sold individually — 8 nuts required per combat wheel
- Tightening torque: build up in stages to 65-70 ft-lb (88-95 Nm) in cross pattern
★ Reproduction of original WWII rim nut for combat wheels. Note: modern reproductions are often chrome-plated instead of the original phosphate coating.
Application
For all split rim combat wheels 16 x 4.50 inch as fitted to WWII 1/4-ton trucks from Willys MB serial number 120700 (late 1941) and all Ford GPW vehicles. Also used on Hotchkiss M201 and early M38.
Installation notes
Combat wheel assembly: place both rim halves around the mounted tyre and inner tube, screw all 8 nuts hand-tight onto the bolts protruding through the square holes. Tighten in cross pattern: first all nuts to 10 ft-lb (14 Nm), then 25 ft-lb (34 Nm), next 40 ft-lb (54 Nm), and finish at 65-70 ft-lb (88-95 Nm). Tighten nuts near the cutouts in the rim last. Use 3/4 inch deep socket or ring spanner.
Compatibility
NOT to be confused with the wheel nuts (lug nuts) that fasten the rim to the hub — these are A-475/A-476 with right-hand and left-hand thread. This GPW-5232 nut is specifically for fastening the two halves of the combat wheel together. Fits ONLY on 1/2-20 NF combat wheel bolts (A-5470). Modern rim nuts often have a steeper taper (60°) instead of the original 45°.
Historical context
The two-piece combat wheel was developed in 1941 by Kelsey Hayes to simplify wheel changes in the field and enable fitting of a beadlock, allowing the jeep to travel 40+ miles on damaged tyres without air pressure.
This description was generated automatically. Unsure about fitment? Contact us at info@willys.be.
This part is intended for the restoration of historic military vehicles. Fitting, aligning, deburring or reworking is part of that work and is inherent to the nature of these goods. Dimensional variation also exists between original vehicles.
Installation requires technical knowledge of the vehicle. Unsure whether this part suits your version? Ask us before purchase at info@willys.be.
This part fits:
| Model | Years |
|---|---|
| Military jeeps | |
| Willys MB | 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 |
| Ford GPW | 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 |
| Hotchkiss M201 | 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966 |