I am surprised none of the others has not given you a warning, about the tail seat. All D2's tend to "buck and pitch" going over the smallest gopher mound. And from what those that drove them tell me, a tail seat more than doubles the force trying to pitching up onto the hood.

I had 30 years of operating all sizes and brands of crawlers when I first drove a D2. And I still got pitched up onto the air cleaner the first time going over a berm on a standard seat D2. So being overly careful is a good idea until you have a few hours in the seat.

Ray54

I have many times written cautions here on the BB of the dangers of those "CAT-apults" just waiting to launch the unwary or inattentive operator.
No amount of experience will ever replace the careful attention required when sitting in those seats.
It is imperative to ensure the "grab bars" are solid and intact. They tend to break at the threads where they attach to the seat, generally at the lock nut.

The smallest of hidden objects can offer the greatest thrill rides one can experience!

I grit my teeth when I say " enjoy that tailseat D2 " my recollections just do not hold much enjoyment from many hours spent on a 3jD2.

Stay Safe,
CTS

I member once when i had a young guy pushing dirt with a 3J to me at a right angle and then i would push the dirt up a slope---he was a novice and got launched out of his seat, over the hood and blade and landed on the ground in front of me--that was his last push for the day--shook him up good!

Everyone please convince him the ridge breakers don't help please LOL. They have their place, but limited to level ground and crossing man made irrigation ditches, berms etc.
Wow CTS did not bring up the subject of blistered hands from not using gloves while attempting to ROPE start a pony engine. Safety first!
The tail seat D2s and 22s tended to bounce about more due to the geometry of track frame mounting, compared to say a larger D4. I have had some D2s ride very rough, due to loose and worn items, others drive very nicely.
Lets hope you get things buttoned up for the spring time and put the old gal to work. More photos please! JM