Seized sway chain stabilizer

[93Ford1715]

Hello all...1st post and newbie tractor maintainer here...I have a 1993 Ford 1715 w/ a Woods 5ft bush hog and the hog is swaying so far on one side that it hits the rear tire. It looks like I need to adjust the sway chains but I'm pretty sure they have not been touched since 1993.

Look at the photos and see if these are salvageable or if I should replace.



I was thinking of soaking with anti-seizing oil/lube or heating it up to loosen it up but before I get started I wanted to hear your thoughts.

Thanks!!

 

[Shaneard]

Heat them, take them apart then clean the threads, grease them and use them.

 

[oosik]

Shaneard - - - +2. That little bit of rust only shows - age, maturity & wisdom.

 

[WranglerX]

I would try salvaging them first.... The white paint(?) looks as if the has preserved the threads fairly well.... Soak with PB Blaster or diesel, if you can get them to move, your golden.... Disassemble, wire brush threads , grease, run parts in and out several times, reinstall, adjust....

Dale

 

[3Lfarms]

Just soak them with PB blaster for a couple of days, then put the biggest wrenches you have on it and work it loose. Take them apart and chase the threads is you have a tap and die set big enough, or a wire wheel on a bench grinder will clean them up as well.
In the future, lube them with Fluid Film. It’s expensive ($10 a can), but a little goes a long way and will stay in place until you hit it with a pressure washer. It will keep them nice and slick, and prevent rust without attracting a bunch of dust and dirt.