73' 500 Track Alignment?

[FoxTrac68]

Anyone have troubles getting their track run on center? I had troubles last year getting it right last year so i just set the tension and ran it but its tearing up the outside idler wheels now. I just went through the entire drivetrain in this thing (new drivers and bearings throughout) and want it right but it just won't center! I set the tension right and no dice, tightened up right side to get it to move left and no difference at all. None of the idlers or drivers are misaligned or keeping it from going the way it needs to it just won't go. Am I missing something here?? Sorry for long post and thanks for any advice.
Andy

[Jimmy]

If I remember correctly, there is a wire cable that is the track an inch in on both sides, could be this cable is broke. So you can't keep the right tension on the track which makes it run to the side. Maybe someone else has some more input. Jimmy

[JDT]

One very common problem I've seen is a bad drive shaft bearing on the right side of the drive shaft, but from your post I think you replaced that.

Check the rear idler wheels. Maybe one was replaced and the diameter is not correct.

Do you have any wear on the edge of the track or is it just the drive lugs?

Could be the spacing of the drivers/idlers is not correct.

And as mentioned you track can have internal damage.

And finally make you sure you have the correct track.

[FoxTrac68]

- Rear idler wheels all look the same size
- no wear at all on track lugs or drive lugs, track looks like new.
- Spacing on all wheels looks good
- As far as correct track I believe its original
- I noticed the drive lugs on outer right side are rubbing rear idler which makes sense cause the track is running 3/8" too far that way. I'm thining I have a
bummed track which sucks cause it is perfect looking. I have a line on a bunch of NOS tracks so maybe I will slap one on.
Thanks for the help guys.
Andy

[FoxTrac68]

New track on and still no dice. WTF? Does the rear spring tension have an effect on track tension/ alignment? I may just ride it and see where its at on the snow.

[400brian]

OK, I'm going to ask a few obvious questions. Something isn't right here, and I don't know what it is.

1) Did you replace the two bearings on the driveshaft? Is the track centered in the tunnel at the very front?

2) Did you replace the two bearings on the rear idler shaft? Are the idlers wheels centered in the tunnel?

3) Is the track getting tight? You are aware that there two sets of holes to put the track tensioners in?
Are both tensioners in the same set of holes?

[FoxTrac68]

OK, I'm going to ask a few obvious questions. Something isn't right here, and I don't know what it is.

1) Did you replace the two bearings on the driveshaft? Is the track centered in the tunnel at the very front?

2) Did you replace the two bearings on the rear idler shaft? Are the idlers wheels centered in the tunnel?

3) Is the track getting tight? You are aware that there two sets of holes to put the track tensioners in?
Are both tensioners in the same set of holes?

1- All new bearings, no the track is not centered in the front and its not running in center of drivers.
2- bearings in rear idlers are new and everything has been taken apart, lubed, and moves free
3- LOL, yes I'm aware of two sets of holes in rear. I am able to tighen track properly.
I've had a lot of these 100 series/ JDX's apart and restored a few so I am pretty mechanically sound. I had this problem last year and just ran it but I blew
a jackshaft bearing so I rebuilt entire drive line including different drive axle/ sprockets. I'm going to run it today and see what happens, if it doesn't look right I will swap the rear axle assm. from my JDX and see if that helps.

[400brian]

Is it possible you have the driveshaft bearing next to the chaincase in the wrong way around? That would put the drivers out of center.

[JDT]

Good call there Brian. I've seen that before.

[FoxTrac68]

I have the lock collar towards drivers (no lock collar of course). Is that correct? Track needs to go left and is running to right on drivers.
Thanks again for responses guys
Andy

[400brian]

The lock flanges of both bearings point toward the splined end of the driveshaft.

[JDT]

ding... ding... ding... ding...

[FoxTrac68]

Thats some good news right there! Guess I know tomorrow mornings project! That will make getting the drive axle in easier as well! Thanks a lot 400Brian and everyone else, feel a little dumb seeing as though I have a deere manual 10 feet from the sled.

[400brian]

Hope that takes care of the problem.

Collectively we are pretty smart. I wasn't trying to insult you with the questions I asked, you just have to cover all the bases to figure out where the problem might be.

[FoxTrac68]

No insults here, always better with an extra couple pair of eyes....err brains! Do alot of sled work on the side and work part time at a sled salvage place in Fort Atkinson and I ask alot of people the same questions when they come in with problems!