D8 1H Clutch Links

I know the dry clutch is not the most durable design in comparison to the later oil clutch, but those links sure can take some abuse, the pilot bearing in the center of my D7's driven plate was apparently never greased, even with the little metal data plate on the inspection cover stating to do so daily. I got it and it ran about 15-20 hours while that bearing failed and ovalled out the center of that driven plate. Those links took all the abuse, when the clutch plates clamped on to the driven plate, no way it was centered with a failed bearing, there was a lot of vibration, they finally went, I had no idea at the time, but did notice the vibrations early on.

Also worth mentioning, and I think could cause issues ( old magnet or a more knowledgable person may know more about it ) is the engine alignment to the clutch assembly, the serviceman's reference book shows how to take the face and bore measurement, and describes to re-shim the engine if necessary, usually done if the engine has been out though, which I would think you would be smart to take note of the shims and put them back as they were when the engine is re-installed. Not sure if this alignment can be off from any other cause, but if it was out of alignment I would think those links would take the slack and they might wear or fail sooner.

I've wondered where to source and exactly how to use those tools with the dial indicators shown in the serviceman's reference book to take these measurements, I need to check mine.

Shows these links reversed from the way they were installed at the factory, apparently it was to lengthen the service life of them, but only applied to a certain serial number group of D8 tractors, I think the part number is good though.

Yes, the frame being tweaked, motor mounted on frame, sure makes sense, must really have to hammer a tractor to do that. I'll have to make note of that and the loose mounts etc. mine was really vibrating, after taking a look around, belly pan bolts and all kinds of things loosening up from that thing going bad, kind of why I thought to mention it for DGH to see if there was a cause. They certainly are strong those things, it took awhile for them to fail, that clutch was literally flapping around in there, rubbbing on the bellhousing, luckily it did not take anything out, even the pony pinion was ok after.

I found a complete clutch assembly in decent condition so at least I have a good driven plate the other a machinist would have to repair, but I need to re-line the friction material, check the pilot bearing on it, would hope not to have to deal with it again, as the tractor will never see any heavy use. One of those things that I've still not finished, and it's not that big of a deal, been turning both motors over by hand 1x a month for now though, don't need this one to seize up.

I should have some new links.