So I got her pulled apart and the steering clutch throw-out bearing was toast. Found some of the balls and pieces of cage in the bottom of the housing. The oil cup that lubes the bearing was completely plugged which probably explains what happened. Have a new bearing on the way. The clutch itself looks good as does the brake lining.
The questions I have are:
My supplier didn't have a final drive gasket. Should I make a new one or use something like PermaTex?
Since I'm this far into it, is there anything else you would recommend fixing/replacing/checking?
Thanks again for your help!

Lookin good,

I believe cat still sells the gasket, if not available I would make one of similar thickness even if its 2 or 3 pieces.

Re the bearing, Ill bet the new bearing will not have the oil hole. I pack mine with synthetic grease and do away with the oil line, most of them break over time any way.

Did you measure the thickness of the clutch pack ?There is a spec for that. In the rust belt moisture will swell the pack with rust on the plates, not likely where your at. If your happy with your Inspection put it back to gather

Thanks Steve. I ordered the gasket from Cat. I usually don't even think of calling a dealer because the parts guy usually says "You want a part for WHAT?"

I dont even bother telling them what its for, they wouldnt comprehend what the machine is anyway. Just ask if the part number is available.

Yeah, you get tired of the "Wow are you restoring it or something?"
They seem to think that something made in 1952 couldn't possibly still be useful.
I like to think that I'm still useful!

Got the track frame and track on this morning. The final drive went on yesterday. The final drive installation went way easier than I thought it would given how hard it was to pull off. Cut the heads off a couple of 1/2-13x8inch bolts to use as guides then used progressively shorter bolts to draw the case in as I pulled in the steering clutch and rotated the sprocket to line up the clutch discs in the drum. Worked a treat!
The track frame and track went on pretty easy too thanks to the help of John Deere.
A big shout out to Larry at Norcan Parts in Spokane 800-586-3566 for getting the throw-out bearing. I called several of my previous sources looking for the bearing and they all said they would check it out and get back to me. Larry called back within the hour and I had the bearing in 2 days. Still haven't heard back from the others...
Tomorrow the seat, tank and all the rest go back on then with a few adjustments, oil and grease she'll be G2G.

Well done, that is a great feeling getting the tracks back on.
Mike