A set of Dave Brown retracts would serve you well for your 8 lb T-28. They are not available in 85* style, but that is not real serious on the nose gear type plane. They come with 5/32" struts all around, which is adequate for that weight plane. However, there is no problem with 3/16" struts on the mains and 5/32" on the nose gear if that is what you end up with. This info is based on a number of 8 to 10 lb pattern planes back in the "go fast" days, all with mechanical retracts, and I never had a gear failure, nor did most of my competition.

Clair
AMA 15654