just because it might need new track chains doesn't mean brand new you might be able to get good used examples if you hunt around enough. sprockets can be reclaimed so can track rollers provided they arent worn beyond the point were its not feasible any-more.

the dangerous bit is those tensioner springs and yes you need the right tooling knowledge and experience to do it. some people have made tooling in the past. yes the ideal is have a track shop do that work they have the knowledge the experience and the gear. if you can find someone close by take their help.

Track Rail -I tried to look closely at the photo Captain Beans had posted, he has since removed them from the thread.
There appear to be cracks in the rail at the bushing and on second arrow, looks like the rail has broken out.Anyone know why it looks like there could be a "pin" in the rail, shows in two locations in this picture and there were other photos that showed multiple circles in the section of the rail.I do not ever recall seeing "circles" on the wear surface of the rails.  Sorry I did not save those shots.

I tried to draw arrow to cracks, probably in belly pan as my guess?  
Look at the recoil springs, appear to be tightly compressed. That would be in line with the tracks being so tight, which also keeps pin and bushing wear less noticible to those not familiar.
The last photo - showing the end of the recoil spring assembly, has that been "torched off"?  Img 2018

Rail condition is often overlooked, more attention payed to bushing and roller wear.
CTS
 

ctsnowfighter wrote:

Track Rail -I tried to look closely at the photo Captain Beans had posted, he has since removed them from the thread.
There appear to be cracks in the rail at the bushing and on second arrow, looks like the rail has broken out.Anyone know why it looks like there could be a "pin" in the rail, shows in two locations in this picture and there were other photos that showed multiple circles in the section of the rail.I do not ever recall seeing "circles" on the wear surface of the rails.  Sorry I did not save those shots.

I tried to draw arrow to cracks, probably in belly pan as my guess?  
Look at the recoil springs, appear to be tightly compressed. That would be in line with the tracks being so tight, which also keeps pin and bushing wear less noticible to those not familiar.
The last photo - showing the end of the recoil spring assembly, has that been "torched off"?  Img 2018

Rail condition is often overlooked, more attention payed to bushing and roller wea


You have to be one of the most ignorant people on here when it comes to Cat undercarriage.
Bob 
 

I didn't learn anything either Pete,...... please teach us Bob !!

Back in the 60's when 1000's of acres of steep hill land were being farmed here cracked rails were real common with the IH Cats. Many hours were gotten out of these tractors
before rehab by welding. Sometimes a portable welder would be kept right in the field so little time would be lost. I once had a rail break clear in half on my first D2. I was able to chain it together good enough to get back to the shop for repair. Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. There is a lot more meat on the Captain's rails than I had on that ol D2.
Tom