jd 450-c broken front crosstie

[mcidoug]

I am the proud owner of a 1974 450c with a broken front crosstie. My model has the blade lift arms inside the tracks. My plan is to pull the crosstie out and have it welded. My buddy, the experienced welder, says he can handle the welding ok once it's out. Originally I thought I could pull the crosstie without removing the tracks but the more I look the more I think the tracks need to come off. Has anyone that has been down this road before give me advice on how much has to come off to get the crosstie out?