track adjuster question

[stmftr395]

I am beginning to assemble the first track frame of my 1010 rebuild project. The original adjuster tubes were rusted/pitted beyond use so I turned down some pipe for replacements. I am pretty dam sure that I made the new tubes the same length as the originals. Now as I assemble the track frame with the adjuster fully collapsed, the front idler is only 3" from the front end of the frame. I understand that the spring will compress some, but it just doesn't look right to me? I took some pictures and I hope that they will be accessible through the link I am including. Any help will be appreciated. Mark

http://s1002.photobucket.com/albums/af1 ... k%20frame/

[Lavoy]

Something looks odd, it just seems that the tube is too long. There is an awful lot of gap between the adjuster and the upper idler support area on the track frame. Is the spring seated in it's pocket? Is the adjuster tube seated in the end of the spring? Did you disassemble the spring and got the length different?
lavoy

[stmftr395]

Lavoy; Yes the spring and tube are seated. No I did not check the spring length. They are as I removed them. If the tube is long it is no big deal as I can just cut some material off. I would like to establish the required length before I cut though. I will check the spring length next. Do you know if the required length in the manual ? Thanks again. Mark

[Lavoy]

Yes, I think it is in the service manual.
Lavoy