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Winch Chain

Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2022 11:11 am
by 1952m37lw
I am in the process of adding a winch to my m37. I am curious if anyone could tell me the length and thickness of the chain at the end of the winch cable. Thanks.

Re: Winch Chain

Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2022 10:28 pm
by Cal_Gary
Mine is oversized so I can't help you there. Anyone with the standard winch chain out there who can help?
Thanks,
Gary

Re: Winch Chain

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2022 1:21 pm
by sturmtyger380
You ask a good question. I will put a winch on my M37 once it's done. I collected a bunch of notes on the wire rope but no one can tell me the exact length and weight of the chain. I have heard that is is 5 feet long. No one seems to have any. I haven't seen any at shows. Saw an old one offered once online for $500. I am not spending that much on an old chain with a hook that may or may not be correct.

I gave up and got this that I will use: eBay item number: 265188681323

On the wire rope, the Army started out for the wire rope on the LU-4 with 150' of 7/16.
Then in Jan 1957 changed to 200' 1/2 wire rope.
Then in June 1963 changed to 150' 1/2 wire rope. The extra 50' was too much for the drum to hold.

Re: Winch Chain

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:48 pm
by ez8
I'm rebuilding an original winch right now. My cable and chain are intact, but I don't know what measurements you need.

Let me know what and how you want it measured and I'll get it done some night this week.

Re: Winch Chain

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2022 3:53 am
by 1952m37lw
I would like to know the length of the chain from the cable to the hook.

Re: Winch Chain

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2022 4:58 am
by sturmtyger380
ez8 wrote: Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:48 pm I'm rebuilding an original winch right now. My cable and chain are intact, but I don't know what measurements you need.
Yes, please solve this mystery. We need pictures too. :lol:

Re: Winch Chain

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2022 1:41 pm
by Murf
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Re: Winch Chain

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2022 1:52 pm
by Murf
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Total length of the assembly is 48"
Chain section is 7/16" and 43" long.
Eyelets at the ends of the chain are 3" (7/16" thick)
Hook is stamped " AMERICAN CHAIN AND CABLE" "DROP FORGED"
The original assembly is all 1 piece, no shackles.
Hook is 7".
Please remember, these number aren't just going to "add up" as the links/eyelets/hook overlap in their connections.

Hope this helps!

Re: Winch Chain

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2022 5:40 pm
by ez8
Neat. Here's what I came up with. Ignore my cool orange shoes and all the cat hair. :oops:
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Overall Chain length (excluding the large links that connect to the hook and the wire connection): 40.5"
Each link is roughly 10.5mm thick, 34mm wide, and 50mm long

Re: Winch Chain

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2022 4:28 am
by sturmtyger380
So, that comes out to 4 feet long not the 5 feet that I have always heard.