Wow, sounds like it was run close to destruction, and you can really see what is worn now. The pads are an example where if caught earlier, you may have been able to re-use them, though maybe someone can help with a process for those triple bar pads, to build up the mating surface, don't think welding to the rails would suffice for some reason, but it's not the first time someone has spent some time to save the pads, worth consideration, like you said, no inexpensive solution when you have to replace an U/C. Ozdozer over at the ACME site seems to have a wealth of undercarriage knowledge too, in addition to others here and there, he's especially knowledgable on aftermarket manufacture, + your track frame alignment issues, those pads, it's always a pleasure to see how all these guys are willing help people and the combined knowledge they have to share, also post over at ACMOC if you like, more exposure might get some additional ideas. Only reason I mention it is that some of those guys have done some really interesting modifications and other things on track type tractors, using machinist skills etc. another set of eyes if you get my drift. 2 things I enjoy the most is reading the technical discussion, and all the friendly people who help out that have taken these things down to nuts and bolts, there was one guy in the UK that works out of an SUV and takes the finals apart on those D8K's looks like he could probably do that blindfolded + and other big repairs, he was posting photos of the work too, some really interesting threads.
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