1958 or 1959 440IC Front Track Idler Play in Shaft

[CedarRidge]

Hi Everyone,

I am very new to posting and 440IC dozers so I apologize in advance if I don't use the correct terminology. I rebuilt both track adjusters but noticed what i think is excessive play in the front track idlers (front wheels). I can move the wheel side to side and feel play on the shaft. I can also feel play where the shaft seats in the brackets to the main rail.

A friend has offered to machine two new shafts but has asked what tolerance is acceptable. Should there be much play on the shafts and if not is there a general rule of thumb for tolerances? Trying to decide if i should leave them alone or reduce the amount of play.

Thanks in advance for any guidance,

Peter

[pop pop]

as a first time owner, an owners manual is a wealth of information,
there are bushings and shims involved with the front idler shaft.
rebuilding one part usually leads to rebuilding all parts involved. thats code for $$$$,
if you have experience with anything old, you know what i'm talking about.
it would help us to know more of your machine history, location, and your intentions with it, to better guide you.
it just takes time and money, but first comes knowledge.

[Lavoy]

There is no listed tolerance, but it isn't much. The shafts are case hardened, so unless you buddy can heat treat, they will burn up on fairly short order. If the shaft is bad the bushings are bad, seldom do you replace just one or the other.
I have NOS shafts on hand, currently out of bushings, just shipped my last on hand, but short delay to get more.
Lavoy

[CedarRidge]

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.

When I bought the machine it was not running and the plugs were left out for months in the rain with no hood on. After a 12V conversion and carb rebuild we were able to get the machine running well (soaked cylinders in penetration oil prior to rolling over). Surprisingly it has decent compression and oil pressure.

Someone had cobbled braces to act as track adjusters and the bracket that supports the upper track roller has a temp repair as well. We have rebuilt the track adjusters and will fabricate a new bracket for the upper track roller/front shaft.

I am leaning towards new bushings only as the shaft does not feel worn. At this point, I want to use it a little bit on the hobby farm before determining if it is worth spending some money into.

Do you have a parts page on the site so I can see what u have available?

Thanks again,

Peter

[Lavoy]

Not any more, give me a call or email.
Lavoy