Just a note, sometimes those jacks will run out of fluid if you use them sideways. If you flip it over so that the pump is on the bottom, they will still work when sideways...
Aaron Z
Thanks for the tip, I didn't know that!! I will need a stronger jack for the other side, I'll start off with a 12 ton if it'll fit.
Just a quick tip about that hammer pictured. Take a piece of pipe that's comfortable to grip and weld to onto the rebar handle. I used to have a similar hammer and it was always twisting out of my grip and helping me flatten my fingers. I welded a larger piece of pipe on and it's a whole different hammer. A lot easier to use and you can hit hard and accurately with it now.
I like the way you are documenting this project with pictures. It lets us all enjoy it. Thanks
Edited to add: I don't know how much you are going to use the crawler but I noticed that the sprockets have a bit of wear on them. You could put the wear on the other side of the teeth by switching the sprockets side for side. It's a lot of work I know but you are already half ways there. Just an idea.
Yea, I wasn't using that hammer for the track pins, very awkward and hard to swing! My friend Ben (pictured above leaning over the bull gear) brought that one over, 2 swings with that thing, I said screw this and got my wood handled one! LOL.
I did not even think about swapping sprockets, but I will now! I didn't want to have 2 sides apart, but since it has been mentioned by a few, I will do it. I'm wondering if hiring out a mobile track/heavy equipment undercarriage mechanic to break track on the other side isn't out of the question? That wasn't easy! LOL
A lot of work going into that ol'girl.
She's coming along and looking good.
Tracked vehicles are nice till you have to start working on them, then it seems like it never ends.
You got that right! this is my 1st tracked vehicle experience, Looks like I just might be rebuilding everything on this side and move onto the other.
Great idea!
Absolutely .....swap the sprockets!
A cheap (I did not say easy) way to head off an major issue that will certainly arise if you do nothing.
You got it! I will swap the sprockets, now that I know how to do it!
An excellent idea, AND after seeing the condition of the left side, opening up the right side to replace the sprocket bearing should be done. Easy for me to say....
Resorting to the "universal wrench", aka acetylene torch, was inevitable. I once had to cook an FEL subframe for 1/2h with a torch to get the loader off (photo)!
Anyway, I love the pix, MD. Keep 'em coming.
Thank you, I will open up the other side, when I finish this side up, whenever that will be!
It's a good thing the screen inside the bull gear/spur gear housing is intact. Otherwise those bearings would have gotten into the transmission. Interesting project. B.
Thank you. I have a lot of cleaning to do!
Any chance of damaging stuff when a lot of heat is used?
The old Ford factory service manual for Model A cars cautions against using heat...
I was concerned about all the heat I had to use on those links though...I'd rather hire that work out for someone with the proper tools.
