JD 350C Track Removal *need help*

[sullyt28]

Need a little help with removing the track master pin. The service manual shows snap rings for the master link and goes into detail about removing the grouser bars to access the snap rings. I don't see any snap rings so before I take this step just want to make sure it is necessary.

Really appreciate it if anyone has any knowledge on how to remove the master pin. Understand the pin needs to be placed wither on the sprocket or idler wheel when trying to remove. Any tips on removing would also help.

Thanks in advance.

[gene s]

for placement of pin, I try for 2 o'clock or 10 o'clock on the sprocket depending on side obviously. Your master may have been welded into place in the past, pretty common around here anyway. If so grind off the weld carefully and beat it out.

[sullyt28]

Thanks for the reply. What has me concerned is the service manual calls out for 2 different types of master pins. If the pin in this machine has a snap ring do I not have to remove that first ? The master pin in this machine has the drill hole in the center. I just want to be certain before I start trying to pound the pin out of the track.

[Tigerhaze]

The headed pins on my 2010 crawler have a snap ring. IF the master pin you have has a snap ring, then yes it must be removed to allow the master pin to be driven out of the master link assuming a headed pin (rectangular head). The snap ring (if present) would be on the side opposite the head of the pin in a groove cut into the end. Since you already identified the master pin, you should be able to verify whether a snap ring is present on the opposite end. FYI, even though pins allow use of snap rings, they may not be present. On my 2010, one side has a snap ring on and one doesn't- I couldn't get the pin to fully recess to snap it on, probably because of some dirt in the pin boss.

Besides the the headed pin shown on the parts website, it may be that someone used a Drivemaster pin. It sounds like you have a non-headed pin since you found the dimple. I am not sure but that type of pin may be able to be driven from either side of the link. Someone else should be able to verify.

Remember that even without a snap ring, these pins are really difficult to drive out without really putting a sledge hammer to it, or worst case burn out the ends with a torch. Just make sure a replacement is available before doing that. There are some threads discussing master pin removal that you should read if you have not already done so.

[sullyt28]

Just a quick thanks for your help. Got the master pin out (not a snap ring) used the suggestion to create a jig out of a 2x4 doubled up to hold the punch in place. With some heat the master pin came out not to bad. Suprised to find shims in the middle, hopefully I didn't loose any.

Thanks again.

[Tigerhaze]

There usually isn't any shims on the master link for a non-sealed track. Looking at the parts diagram for your sealed track , it does look like maybe there are spring washers but not clear if those are only for the regular pins or also the master pin.