Idler spring length

[Buckhorn]

Hi,
I'm getting ready to adjust the tracks on my 420C. I'd it gives me trouble I'm thinking of replacing the threaded rod and nuts.
If I change the rod and nuts, what is the preloaded length of the spring set to?
Thanks, Pete

[420C-Mike]

Pete- I am in the process of a similar rebuild. figure 165-15-2 in the 420 service manual shows a compressed spring length of 14- 13/16 inches.
Mike

[Buckhorn]

Thank you.
I'm thinking of using some threaded rod to replace the existing bolts. I was going to weld a nut on one end to make a bolt. Thats only if the existing ones give me trouble. I keep putting the juice to the nuts, hoping they will move when I attempt to loosen them.

[420C-Mike]

I am using a similar approach. The biggest challenge was removing the springs. Bolts were rusted beyond a capability to loosen. Ultimately made a compression jig with threaded rods to further compress the springs and cut off the bolt heads. Still a work in progress but on a path. Plan to use multiple nuts as spacers to replace the original sleeves. also found some large 1 inch washers to use as well.
Mike