Argo Axles and Bearings - Argo Magnum Project Part 2

[@DougsMessyGarage]

Once the weather warms back up, I will have to give new to me '96 a thorough look over on the bearings and chains. You provided lots of good information, thanks.

[@Hellbillyhok]

I'm thinking your original bearing play was due to those crappy rubber gaskets after seeing the cork compressed nicely,great video mate,I'm thinking of getting one to strip down and fix up,your videos are great for reference,cheers from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@RockyX13]

This Argo is really cool! I've only seen 1 in real life when I was young so it's really cool to see the in's and out's. KZbin recommend your channel to me, so here's to hoping more people will discover your channel!

[@RustRehab]

Thanks! I've always loved these machines, it's cool how the KZbin algorithm picks up on your I terestes and makes it easier to find other people who like the same stuff

[@Benandlandon]

hey, thanks for the post. I have a 2022 argo frontier. Made right here in Ontario:) cheers from terrace bay ontario

[@RustRehab]

2022 frontier, nice! I'd love to have one from new like that

[@darrellroberts4538]

Love the video, I am purchasing like 4 - 6 of these things in the next month, that was quite helpful in explaining

[@RustRehab]

4 - 6 Argo's?! That's amazing, and too many for one person. You'll have to drop one off up my way ;)

[@stephanelachance6195]

I bought the exact same model 3 years ago and did a total tear down and rebuild. I have the soft cabine, 20 inch rubber tracks, 6000lbs and 2000 lbs winches and plow. A new unit with 23 hp and this equipement starts at around 30.000 canadian. I got a lucky occasion and got mine for bargain price of 2000.00$. In the end I ended up spending 6500.00$ in parts only, including the so very expensive kohler m18 engine rebuild. I use the argo every day in winter and for my needs this is the best machine for me. My region gets around 4-5 of snow and the traction with those tracks is very impressive ( if you have plastic tracks throw them in the garbage...haha) and the best part is the heated cabine. I removed the fire wall and modified the muffler and installed a fan. At -20c I have to take off my jacket. I will never get that comfort on an atv or snowmobile. On the down side....very slow speed ( but so powerfull) and the noise level in the cab is horrible. Ear protection is a must. You can't have a conversation with the passengers....come to think of it....it's like a side by side haha!! Moral of the story...if you engage in this type of project restoring an old argo you will spend alot more money than you expected and before starting anything make a list of all the parts needed and be sure that they are still available. Be aware that no matter how much money you invest, a busted transmission ( no more available) will make you argo useless and worthless. I highly recommend to buy a newer model like an avenger because in the end it will not cost you much more.

[@RustRehab]

Unfortunately, I do have the plastic tracks which is a pain. I think I'm going to build a set of chanel tracks in the future, that would be the best for the much more limited snow we get in NB compared to Quebec. At this point I actually have the Argo all ready to go, my motor and trans seem to be in good shape and and the bearings are all done. I have a 6.5k front which I'm wiring in (one I repaired for free) but I may need new tires, which is a lot. Argo's, and their parts, seem to be a lot more expensive in NB than Quebec, it's actually cheaper for me to make a weekend trip to Quebec then to buy parts local. Machine with tracks and cabins here are sometimes upwards of 50k! I'm lucky to have a low hours unit, some of the higher ones are pretty beat. I also had the same idea you did with the muffler for heat, but I chickened out because I'm nervous of trapping the exhaust fumes in the cab I plan to build. I run an 08 avenger for work, and having that heated cab is a god send. If my transmission ever dies I plan to either rebuild, machine new parts, or just drop in a newer one. A little bit of fab work to make it work is okay with me. As for noise protection, mine is pretty quiet still but I am considering adding a silent exhaust kit, someone on the 6x6 forms added one for hog hunting and said it worked well. If you have any photos or videos of your unit I'd love to see it! I'll take any recommendations for modifications or improvements you may have for these older units too

[@stephanelachance6195]

@@RustRehab I was concerned too about the muffler heating system. When I first got the argo it was terrible. My wife is very sensitive to exhaust odours and she could not ride in the argo. I took everything apart and reinstalled with muffler cement on all the joints and made a custom exhaust that followed the windshield brace that ended over the argo top. Problem solved ...wife happy....me happy!! I also installed thermofoil under the seat ( screwed under the seat and all the way to the floor) to retain the heat around the feet. I did the same thing with the thermofoil to divide the cabine right behind the backrest. The area to heat becomes very small thus heating very fast. I do have alot of pics to send to you but since I'm not familiar with the latest technology what would be the easiest way to send them to you. Thanks have a nice day!!

[@stephanelachance6195]

Forgot to mention the most important detail as to why I get so much heat in the cabine. I removed the heat shroud around the muffler but did install a heat shield between the muffler and the drive belt. Even without a fan, the turning action of the belt will bring the heat in the cab. I am lucky to have an experienced argo dealer near home and all of the modifications I did were discussed beforehand. I only use my argo during winter time and I have had to problems whatsoever....only benefits !!

[@RustRehab]

My wife is also very sensitive to the exhaust fumes, she does not like moving slowly in the passanger seat because of them. I can smell the gas when mine runs though, so I suspect that I am running very rich and I will need to adjust my carb. As for the photos, your best bet is probably to find a place to host (upload) them and then let us know where you chose. A place like 6x6 world or imgur would be possibilities

[@dnovello]

Really great to see another update. It made my day to get the new video notification. You really know your stuff; and, the Argo is a super interesting vehicle. I really enjoyed this video. Your methods as usual were well thought out and your advise is practical. You did a fantastic job! Thank you for sharing this with us!!! Really sorry about your back! Hope you feel better soon!

[@RustRehab]

Thanks Paul, appreciate the kind words! My back is much better now. I actually had all that work done a few weeks ago, but I was unable to sit down long enough to actually edit it. I got out on my first real test drive in the woods yesterday and it went very well. It was so warm here the other day that we lost quite a bit of snow, and I can now get to the international so I'm excited to start at that in the next month or so as well.

[@dnovello]

@@RustRehab happy to hear that you are feeling better and I look forward to seeing your progress on the International.

[@HODGEPODGEDODGEGARAGE]

What an awesome project my friend! 😀👍 I'm glad that the parts are still readily available though. Always helps to start with a machine that's in good shape like yours. I'm sure most of those were used and abused 😣

[@RustRehab]

Oh god yeah, a lot of them are in terrible shape and because they are kind of uncommon people don't really know how to maintain them. These can cost between 30-50k Canadian, I'll never understand how someone neglects something so expensive!

[@2artactical55]

The inner bearing and bearing flange at the beginning of the video is not made or used by Argo that I know of. Argo used a two piece 4 hole bearing flange that match the 4 holes drilled on the frame. Your frame has 4 bolt holes on it, which leads me to think someone put new inner Bearings in with a two bolt hole flange from a tractor supply store. Also, all the Argo axles I've seen and worked on have a thrustbolt and trust washer on the end which holds the axles in place and keeps it from sliding out. Yours will be the first I've seen like that.

[@RustRehab]

My Argo is a little different than the newer ones. Mine is an 1988, and is the first model to have splined axles instead of pinned. The 2 hole non greaseable bearing holder and axles are stock that way, they match the user manual and other argos one seen from that area. That being said , both designes are outdated and if I ever break an axle I plan to upgrade to the HD ones.

[@michaelrichards7223]

Just to add a detail, my 1993 magnum, appears to be very similar to his. There are 4 holes in the frame, but only 2 are used.

[@alanp621]

Nice work!!! This video was super helpful despite being a different model than mine. I have a 75 Argo SS (supersport) 6x6 and the axels and bearings are mounted in a similar fashion. Expect for in one key aspect, instead of screws to hold the outer axel to the inner axel they used coiled pins. Literally just a coil of rolled steel in a spiral shoved into the holes to keep the axels together.... Not normally a problem to remove but after 50 years of rust... They are a bitch to say the least. Thanks for the effort you put into this video. It helped me a lot and saved me a lot of time!!!

[@RustRehab]

Glad to hear it! I've heard about those pinned axles before, and let's just say I'm thankful their your problem and not mine! I've done a lot more work on that machine, I'll have to get back to KZbin when life calms down and do some updates on it

[@alanp621]

@@RustRehabyeah I still haven't been able to bust them out just yet... It will be worth it though. This particular model has a 440 cc 2stroke that makes 45 HP! Just finished getting it running too so once I get these bearings taken care of she's gonna fly! Please do! It's hard to find good content on these old machines. I would love to see a follow up video! I'm curious to see what progress you've made.

[@Zircon_215]

Thanks for this video. I have a 2009 Argo Avenger 750efi and I have to start a new bearing project soon. When you say that you can’t buy the axels new, do you mean for any Argos or just for the machine you are working on here?

[@RustRehab]

@@Zircon_215 I was just referring to that older generation of Argo, but I was actually wrong thankfully and you can still buy new from a few spots. Depending on the year, I think your avenger may have a very different bearing set up then this Argo does. Check out "Alaska Adventures" videos, I believe he has a video or two on avenger style bearings.

[@The1980toyota]

I’m thinking of buying a 89-91 model 6 wheeler. The machine looks well maintained. It has double chains but unfortunately the axles have roll pins through the sprockets. Wish there was a video on how hard it would be to repair a pin in the field. Or should I just steer clear of this unit?

[@RustRehab]

That's hard to say. If you're up for the fight, you could just replace them all when you get the machine so that way you know their in good shape and will be easier to service in the field if one does fail. Otherwise though, might be best to wait but it depends on how much you're willing to fight it and what sort of deal you're getting. I believe the bigfoot 6x6 came out around the mid 90's, if I was picking up a 6x6 that's the one I would shoot for. Being able to run those 25 inch tires makes a big difference when it comes to ground clearance.

[@jamesbanjomanjohnson]

@@RustRehab the big foot was not available in 1996 ,, im not shure when it came out but i have a 96 conquest and the big foot came after that...

[@jamesbanjomanjohnson]

your black firewall piece is on wrong,, it slips into a grove at the top, and you have it on the outside of the machine, the top ducks under one piece and against the other at the top, look and you will see what im talking about,, iv got a conquest that i bought new in 96 and it still looks new,, it took the place of the magnum but is the exact same machine except 4 the engine witch is a 20 hp Kawasaki v-twin and liquid cooled, i don't understand why we can't get parts 4 these old machines anymore, it ain't like you need parts 4 a new one, somebody needs 2 tell odg that and we ain't happy, it also might have a influence on buying a new machine someday...