Bad casting??? I'm under the impression the cross member is fabricated steel like all the frame and steering clutch housing.

At least the first step so the hard part can begin anyway. I love seeing how others make do with what they have and get the job done. Keep up the good work, and keep on posting!

Thanks for updating us. It'll be neat to see the ultimate repair and that very nice Cat back doing what she was designed to do.

Pete.

You are correct old magnet the crossmember is formed from plate steel. I was attempting to call in to question the quality of the plate steel used in this crossmember and made an even poorer quality choice in the words I used. I have been describing the crossmember as being cracked and looking almost shattered like a piece of cast iron. I guess that was on my mind.
Sorry,
Craig

All I can think of is some of that fine foreign steel that flunked the fatigue test.

I would think that the rubber carrier blocks were shot and left the beam slop all around under there, plus pushing and prying on trees and stumps are going to put allot of strain on the equalizer bar.

We moved the D6D Thursday to Lone Star Diesel Service, a local shop seven miles away. I will update again soon. The crossmember has arrived and I will pick it up tomorrow.

Photo 1: Careful, parts are left off!
Photo 2: Made it.
Photo 3: Away we go.
Photo 4: Waiting in the back lot for a repair stall to be available.
Photo 5: What has kept me too busy to update, those who know D7Es will recognize this o-ring for the fuel injection pump.
Craig

We went to get the crossmember from Holt Caterpillar today and took it to Lone Star Diesel Service. The other parts needed were already in. Let the games begin!

Photo 1: They cut the crossmember out of the frame leaving plenty for the welder to work with.
Photo 2: The only thing is a slight deflection in one flange that should not effect performance.
Photo 3: Our stack of goodies.
Photo 4: The master-links are undone, the D6D is up on railroad ties and removing the equalizer bar is next.
The welder is due at 8AM!
Craig

Try a fit up of the equalizer bar saddle/retainer if you haven't already. Might also want to leave it in place during the weld up.

Thanks for the reminder Old Magnet. We need all the imput we can get as this is a big project for us.
We are ready for the welder; let the sparks fly!


Photo 1: Colton is proud of this day's work. We are ready!
Photo 2: Side view.
Photo 3: Colton chases the threads in the crossmember.
Craig

Looks like you've done a good job at providing access for the welder. Can't quite tell from the picture but does the frame slope angle reasonably match the 10Kxxxx cross member? If not I'm sure the welder can make adjustments.