WWII Aircraft Landing Gear Strut Assembly – Hayes Wheel with Goodrich 5.00-4 Tire | Original Surplus Component

Aircraft Strut Wheel Assembly. Secure a genuine piece of aviation history with this original World War II–era landing

gear strut assembly featuring a Hayes Industries wheel paired with a Goodrich 5.00-4 aircraft tire. This heavy-duty surplus

component displays authentic period wear and remains mechanically intact, making it an outstanding acquisition for vintage

aircraft restorations, museum collections, historical displays, or specialty aviation projects.

Sourced from U.S.-origin military surplus, this assembly represents the rugged engineering standards that defined wartime aircraft hardware.

The unit retains its original character, including visible oxidation and service patina that collectors and restorers often seek

when preserving historical authenticity. For those involved in classic aircraft preservation or military aviation memorabilia,

components like this are becoming increasingly difficult to locate in complete form.

Aircraft Strut Wheel Assembly

Authentic Vintage Construction

Built during the WWII era, this landing gear assembly reflects the robust mechanical design philosophy of the period. The Hayes Industries wheel remains mounted and rotates freely, indicating preserved bearing functionality. The installed Goodrich 5.00-4 tire completes the assembly, providing a period-correct configuration suitable for restoration reference or static display.

The strut features a swiveling mechanism and spring-loaded linkage, demonstrating the mechanical sophistication used in early aircraft landing systems. Notably, the original safety wire remains present on the upper section—an important authenticity detail valued by collectors seeking minimally altered surplus hardware.

Aircraft Strut Wheel Assembly

Condition Overview

• Manufacturer Part Number: 68-H-880
• Wheel: Hayes Industries
• Tire: Goodrich 5.00-4
• Country of Origin: United States
• Condition: Used WWII surplus with honest wear and oxidation
• Warranty: None

The assembly shows expected age-related patina consistent with genuine wartime hardware. Structural components remain intact, and the wheel rotates smoothly. As with all vintage surplus items, buyers should evaluate suitability for their intended restoration or display purpose.

Aircraft Strut Wheel Assembly

Mechanical Features

✔ Wheel rotates freely
✔ Swiveling strut assembly
✔ Spring-loaded mechanical linkage
✔ Mid-strut manual locking mechanism
✔ Original safety wire still installed
✔ Heavy-duty, complete assembly

The mid-strut locking mechanism appears designed to secure the strut in the raised position rather than to immobilize wheel rotation—an interesting engineering feature typical of certain WWII landing gear configurations.

Aircraft Strut Wheel Assembly

Ideal Uses

This historic landing gear assembly is well suited for:

• WWII aircraft restoration projects
• Warbird parts reference collections
• Aviation museums and educational displays
• Military aviation memorabilia collectors
• Static aircraft builds and replicas
• Specialty fabrication or historical research

Because the exact aircraft application has not been confirmed, prospective buyers should verify compatibility if planning an airframe-specific restoration.

Aircraft Strut Wheel Assembly

Why This Surplus Assembly Stands Out

Original WWII hardware in complete, recognizable form is becoming increasingly scarce. Many surviving components have been parted out, heavily modified, or stripped of identifying features. This assembly’s completeness—including wheel, tire, linkage, and safety wire—adds significant historical and collector value.

The honest service wear tells a story of real operational history, making it particularly appealing for display environments where authenticity matters. Whether mounted in a museum exhibit, incorporated into a restoration project, or preserved as part of a private collection, this piece represents the durability and craftsmanship of wartime aviation manufacturing.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors and Restorers

This WWII Hayes landing gear strut assembly with Goodrich 5.00-4 tire offers a compelling combination of historical authenticity, mechanical completeness, and display appeal. With its original features intact and solid mechanical condition, it stands as a valuable surplus find for anyone dedicated to preserving or showcasing classic military aviation heritage.