Towbar Y feet (3/4 in and 1 in feet) Safety

Posted this in another thread but think it is going to get buried and also don't want to hijack that thread.

In reference to the Y feet for towbars (3/4 pins and 1" pins on the same foot).

I've always had folks say the Y feet were removed from the system for safety however I've never seen a safety message on them. I think this is the foot NSN--- 5340-01-046-4770 (2ea) and they were made for the towbar for the M113 FOVs (M578 ). If someone has a safety message concerning them, I'd like to see them.

I saw that thread and mentioned parts as well. I too would like to know if the Y feet are something to collect or avoid.

Rick

The rarity I think is due to the rarity of the towbar they were issued with. That towbar was specifically for the M578. How many of those were out there in the 70s, 80s, and 90s? The towbar for them looked very, very similar to a standard medium. The lunette area looked identical. The legs were the same diameter but were non-extending. It was a piece of tubing from one end to the yoke ends. Then you could either mount a 1.5 inch feet for track or the Y feet with the 3/4 and 1 inch sides. The 1.5 inch feet I think are pretty rare birds also and haven't seen them in years.

Can't imagine feet made to work with a track are 'fragile' but stranger things have happened.

Many of the "Y" feet I have found(and use often) are the ones that work with the "Jr. towbar from ****". It is not adjustable length wise and uses inch and one eighth pins. The feet are made wider at the towbar end and have to be milled down in order to use with the "standard medium" tow bar.

Might this be what you are speaking of? I have bought and sold about 5 of these.

Interesting. I have three (one and a half pair) of the 3/4 & 1" combo feet that fit the medium adjustable towbars and would sure like to know if they're unsafe to use.

I believe the 3/4" - 1" combo Y adapter came with the "light" adjustable tow bar. This is the predecessor of the medium tow bar. The 3/4 pins would have been used for towing M37s back in the day. I personally have used and abused the light tow bar for pulling 5 tons (with the Y adapter) with no failures (before I even knew a medium tow bar existed).

Concur the L&M one got a lot of abuse from me also. They might have issued the Y's with the L&M but not sure. I know for 100% certainty the one for the M113 FOV's did have the Y ones in addition to the 1.5 inch ones.

I found this article that might be helpful and I think the Y is one of these NSNs

http://www.aircraftdynamics.com/uploads/Article-852.pdf

Found this link searching some of the NSNs list in your link:

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+search+is+over.-a0141047612

Carnac,
Great article regarding the importance of having the right tools for the job, let alone being trained to use them. I have a Robo Tool impact (24v), it is a life saver. Keep the research up, I have two tow bars with attachments. I've been looking for a set of Y feet to add to the tool set.
Gimpyrobb,
Chris , I owe you a phone call regarding a deuce J pipe. Looking for NOS unit.
JC

I have a set of 3/4- 1 in adapters also, they have gotten a lot of use with my medium tow bar. I now have the single pin style of adapters also.

FormerNewMVGuy said:

I have a set of 3/4- 1 in adapters also, they have gotten a lot of use with my medium tow bar. I now have the single pin style of adapters also.

Click to expand...

3/4 to 1" adapters? What are those all about?

My brother and I have a bunch of 3/4" feet and we'd like to have some spacers made that would allow us to use them with vehicles that have 1" shackle mounts, but I'm not sure if the 3/4" pins are strong enough. Tried contacting one of the manufacturers, but they haven't return my messages. Anybody have any data on the strength of the 3/4 & 1" pins?

Has anyone milled these down to fit a medium bar and actually used them? I really don't think it would be an issue but it never hurts to check.

Yup, thats been done.

Does anyone have pics of how they milled it?

I know this is an old email but I can save you the milling and bushing. The ones you have are 1-1/8". I'm looking for that type of foot and have some extra 1" ones that you're wanting. If you (or anyone else) wants to swap, I have several sets I'd be wanting to swap.

Based on the GA Rally B/S/T thread figured I'd bring this back up to keep that thread on topic. Here was/is the chance to spout off about Y feet.