Refurbish D2 track frames and pivot shaft

Hi Neil, Do you need to change to 32 link for the larger front idler to fit? Is the D3 roller a straight fit or redrill mount holes?
Thank you
Jamie

Hi Busso20, it actually came as a 32 link which is what it currently has, due to the longer track frames. These were a result with the change to a two-piece clutch shaft introduced at s/n 5U13273 that elongated the clutch compartment part of the transmission case. I bought parts for six total links in case I need to go to 33 links to accommodate the larger idler. To fit D3 bottom rollers, the mounting surface needs to be 1" lower, which can be done by welding a 1" strap along the bottom of the track frame. This then makes it convenient to drill new roller attachment holes because the D3 rollers have differently spaced mounting holes. I got this information from John Parks' General Gear website where he reprints information from a fellow that made this change. For the carrier rollers, I'll probably build a new stand because the current ones are quite wasted from rust, plus the mount for the roller requires a split clamp arrangement. The current carrier roller stand has an axle integral with the stand whereas the D3 roller's axle is a part of the roller assembly, which is how modern carriers are arranged. Are you thinking of updating your machine?

Hi Neil,
here is what I have saved from here in the past for converting a D2 to D3 rollers.
Hope it helps.
Cheers,
Eddie B.

Thats a good piece of steel to beef up the track frame, thank you EDB

Hi Busso20,
the adapter/spacer bar is to make up for the smaller diameter of said D3 rollers and not expressly for beefing up the track frame as such but point taken.
Regards,
Eddie B.

Hi Neil, I'm pretty sure you're going to need 33 links for the later d2 with the clutch coupling and the big idler. I personally wouldn't give up on the d2 bottom rollers, the bushings are fairly easy to replicate and the wear surfaces are no problem to build up. The seals in your later model are just lip seals not the bellows type and are readily available. If you go with the d2 stuff I think I have 2 upper roller stands that would need rebuilt but are a good start.
Looking forward to seeing what you do