I just bought a 93 Argo vanguard 6 wheeler for $1500. After stripping the axles and chains, looks like it all has to be replaced. About $2500 in parts. Is it worth it or should I sell it and look for something newer?
I just bought a 93 Argo vanguard 6 wheeler for $1500. After stripping the axles and chains, looks like it all has to be replaced. About $2500 in parts. Is it worth it or should I sell it and look for something newer?
Build the machine, but try and do a better job sourcing parts. If you buy economically, you will use multiple suppliers to get what you need, not just an Argo dealer or much much worse, Richards Rejected Relics. eBay, members on here, and bearing and industrial supply houses would be a great place to start looking. Even having sprockets turned off and new ones welded on at a local shop could cut down on your spend. I have built, restored, and fixed several machines and never spent that much on a build. As far as buying newer, what I hear is spending more. Any machine you buy on the open market and not from a repeatable dealer or member will need some degree of rebuilding to ensure your safe arrival back from the trails. I prefer to buy cheap and rebuild everything.
l like to buy stuff and no I don't do payments!
Yes, avoid Richard's Relics or you'll quickly go broke trying to put a machine together and become very aggravated by the poor customer service. Also, Argo dealers are very pricey (but at least they have quality parts) so if you got your prices for parts through them, it'll be very expensive to rebuild your machine. Source bearings from places such as Buffalo Bearing. You can get quality USA made chain on ebay, and you can get axles made by 6X6World member Whipper-ag or you can locate good used axles here on the free classified section of 6X6World. You'll be spending A LOT less than $2500 on the rebuild if you go this route.Originally Posted by amphibious drew
"Looks like you have a problem with your 4 wheeler........you're missin' two wheels there"
I just did a complete rebuild on my 8 wheel Argo magnum this spring. It cost me about 2500$. Keep in mind that I added rear bearing extensions, HD axels and bearings on the 4corners, completly rebuilt both clutches, overhauled the transmission including the upgraded shifter shafts and hi and low range gears, replaced my 13 tooth idler shafts with 2 new 11 tooth idlers, replaced oil temp guage and completely rewired the machine. I bought some parts from Argo but allot came from industrial suppliers as stated in previous posts. I basically have a new machine for the cost of purchase and parts put in. I would deffenitely do it again. There is also a sence of pride during the overhaul and when it comes back to life. Good luck
Dave
Last edited by Supermag; 05-28-2013 at 10:02 PM. Reason: Spelling
Absolutely! And plus, if something ever breaks in the future on your machine or someone's you are riding with, odds are you'll know what the issue is since you had your machine completely apart and get the machine back home safely.
"Looks like you have a problem with your 4 wheeler........you're missin' two wheels there"
Thats probably why you only paid $1500 for it.
Even if you put $2500 into it you will have a reliable 6 wheeler for $4000.
Putting it back together is the easy part.
Man. If it is more than 500 bucks for chains and bearings your getting hosed. It is easy to find TSUBAKI CHAIN in 10 foot rolls for a 100 bucks delivered on eBay.... Bearing should be like 4 to 6 bucks each. Big bearing supply.... Take your time and do your home work. Any used Argo u get is going to need something, eventually. Bite the bullet, do it right the first time. When your done it will be dependable. Stick with it!
Last edited by spookum; 05-29-2013 at 03:06 AM.
I've gotten Argo parts from
Argo Adventure | Argo Parts
They also have free downloadable service manuals available on their site.
And bearings from
BearingsOn.com: Pillow Blocks, 2-Bolt, 3-Bolt, 4-Bolt Flanges, Radial Ball Bearings, Insert Bearings
To be fair, I also bought bearings from Richards Relics, with very good service shipping to Alaska. Not all companies like to ship to northern Alaska. Its like they think Alaska is a foreign country or some odd thing.
Last edited by Rusty-Gunn; 05-29-2013 at 02:09 AM. Reason: addes service manual info
True..... Manufacturing supply and big bearing supply do ship to North Pole alaska ( I always leave my phone number, people think it is a prank)... But then I'm not north of the Artic circle!
And gets worst. Estimate from dealer for axles, sprockets, hardware and inner bearings is $1300. Can get the outer bearings and chains after market for about $200, that's $1500 a side. Split the transmission last night, there are some gears warn. Dealer wants $1100 for a rebuilt one. I also need breaks and 1 rotor and new tires. If I do it all I'm going to be close on $7000 for that machine. Is it worth it?
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
