Should You Replace the Entire Track or Just Pins and Bushings on a Dresser TD7G

[MikePhua]

Quick Summary
If the pins and bushings on your Dresser TD7G have already been turned and are worn through, replacing the entire track chain is usually more cost-effective and reliable than attempting another rebuild. Link height, bushing wear, and grease retention are key factors in making the right decision.
Dresser TD7G Background and Undercarriage Design
The Dresser TD7G is a mid-size crawler dozer originally produced by Dresser Industries, later absorbed into Komatsu America. Known for its Cummins engine and straightforward mechanical layout, the TD7G was widely used in forestry, grading, and light construction. Its undercarriage features sealed track chains with bolt-on pads, and depending on the variant, may use either standard sealed chains or SALT (Sealed and Lubricated Track) systems.
The TD7G typically runs a 34-link chain with 9/16" bolt holes, which also fits certain TD8 models. This interchangeability has led to confusion when measuring pitch and link height, especially on machines with mixed components.
Evaluating Track Wear and Replacement Options
To determine whether to replace pins and bushings or the entire track chain, consider the following:

• Link Height
  Measure from the pad mounting surface to the bottom of the link. For 9/16" bolt hole chains:
  • New: 97.5 mm
    
  • 100% worn: 87 mm
    If your links are near or below 87 mm, the chain is fully worn and should be replaced.
    
• Bushing Condition
  If bushings are worn through to the pins or have already been turned, they likely won’t hold grease after another rebuild. This compromises longevity and increases internal wear.
  
• Pad Bolt Pattern
  Chains with offset bolt holes (9/16") are more common on TD8s but also used on TD7Gs. Confirm your chain type before ordering replacements.
  
• Pitch Measurement
  A stretched pitch (e.g., 26.6" over 4 links) suggests excessive wear or mismatched components. Standard TD7 pitch should be closer to 24–24.6".
  

Cost and Labor Considerations

• New Chain and Sprockets
  A full replacement with pad swap typically costs around $3,200 USD, including two sprockets and labor.
  
• Pin and Bushing Turn
  While cheaper upfront, this option may fail to retain grease and shorten service life. Labor-intensive and requires specialized press equipment.
  
• Sprocket Replacement
  Requires a high-torque 3/4" impact wrench. Clean mating surfaces thoroughly before installation and re-torque after initial use.
  

Field Anecdote
In Kentucky, a contractor replaced the rails and sprockets on his TD7G after noticing bushing failure and pitch stretch. He opted for new chains and had a local track shop swap the pads. After 100 hours of use, he re-torqued the master bolts and sprockets, reporting smoother travel and reduced undercarriage noise. He now logs link height and pitch every 500 hours to monitor wear.
Recommendations for Novice Owners

• Seek help from a local track shop or experienced operator before making decisions.
  
• Use calipers to measure link height and pitch accurately.
  
• Document pad bolt patterns and chain type (1/2" vs 9/16") before ordering parts.
  
• Replace the entire chain if bushings are worn through or grease retention is compromised.
  
• Always re-torque sprocket bolts after initial operation.
  

Conclusion
For a Dresser TD7G with worn-through bushings and stretched pitch, replacing the entire track chain is the most reliable and cost-effective solution. While pin and bushing turns may seem economical, they often fail to hold grease and lead to premature wear. With proper measurement and guidance, even novice owners can make informed decisions and extend the life of their undercarriage.