I just finished putting a new clutch in my D2 5J, and am going to replace the cutting clutches and brakes next, which means separating the tracks. I found the 3 piece tool that Cat says you need to pull the plugs in the master link, but I'll be darned if the tool didn't have a 1/2" SAE thread size, and the plugs in the master link have a 3/8" SAE size. So I rigged up a puller and only bent a lot of steel trying to get those plugs out-- I really don't think these things have been out in the 66 years this machine has been around. My question: Is there a way to split this track without taking a cutting torch to the master pin? I would really hate to do that, but my friendly Cat dealer tells me the master pin, plugs, and collars are available (but his computer does not recognize the part number for the master bushing).
Is there another source for these parts?
Thanks in advance,
Dogger

One method some folks have used successfully to pull the plugs is a little heat and a slide hammer.... the shock effect sems to work better than a straight pull such as the Cat tool employs. Here is a picture of a homemade slide hammer someone posted here...

Also be sure to be using grade 8 or better pulling bolt and chase the threads to get all the purchase you can.

If you can get a regular bushing you can machine it to the right length for a master bushing but will need to check the length of if so you know how much to remove from it.Really seems funny that they can,t come up with the master bushing so maybe someone on here like OM can get it from a parts book.

I show a master bushing number of V-223 for either Cat or after market source and would fit the D2, and 933C up to sr. no. 11A2595.

Thanks for the information--I appreciate the help.

I think you'll find, that the older part numbers with less letters and numbers .. such as V-223 .. need to be inputted to the Cat system as a 2 letter, 4 digit part number, which is what Cat standardised on, when computerisation of the parts system was commenced.

Thus, V-233 has to be inputted as 0V-0223 for the system to find it. If the parts man isn't aware of the need to do this, the system will not find it.
Of course, when many of the older numbers are inputted, the standard answer comes up as 'discontinued', and you're shot, anyway ..

I got mine out using the heat and slidehammer method-keep in mind there are plugs in both ends of the pin so you will need to have the pin position low in the rear sprocket or the front idler so you can slidehammer the inside ones too.Once I got both plugs out the pin came out fairly easily.The Farmer