Thanks for all the responses so far! I'm making good progress. Still focusing on the clutch assembly rebuild atm. My questions have been answered in Squatch253's latest video here: at minute 7:30 he starts talking about the 3 pins and then heats them up until red and peens them over. Perfect! Pretty cool that we're both doing the same thing at the same time!
I'm going to see if my neighbor with a metal lathe can help me turn down some grade 5 bolts for the 3 pins on the pressure plate. per part number: 4B9098

can any of the super admins here change the topic of this post from '1952 caterpillar D2 5U wet clutch, unable to get in gear when running' to this: '1952 caterpillar D2 5U9306 - restoration project'

test

I'm in the western North Carolina area and looking for a machine shop that has the capabilities to bore and sleeve the pony motor for my d2, does anyone have any recommendations? or suggestions on what kind of equipment the shop will need to handle the pony motor?

any good engine rebuild shop would be able to help you. they may have to make a special bracket to hold the block that's all as yes most cyl boring machines are vertical.

if they have a line borer not a problem. you will just have to ask them. take the bare block and crank with you. they will know if they can do it as soon as they see it.

note some engines wont need boring to be re sleeved that's if they had sleeve to begin with as the sleeve may be able to be pressed out.

thanks for guidance everyone. I had a local machine shop look over the cylinder bore of the pony motor. The gap is between 10 and 11 thousands and there was rough spots, likely from water. The gap seems pretty extreme though. I'm not not an expert on these motors but 11 thousands seems like a lot. Is that true for these? Also this shops equipment can only hone out the cylinders, so at this point I'm looking to try and source some over sized pistons, 20 thousands or so. I called Florin tractor parts but they are all out. Does anyone else know where I could possibly find some oversized pistons for a d2 pony motor?