Argo springer ?

[rodp]

May possibly be able to get hold of at least one old Argo 8x8 (possibly two) that I wouldn't mind doing major work to. Thinking either remove one axle, space the others out and make it a 6x6 bigfoot (very bigfoot).
Or.
Do a springer conversion ? I don't know to any springers over here so it may not have been done at all, question is, are the parts available here considering we don't have nearly as many quads / buggys driving around. Biggest / hardest parts to locate would be suitable axles, what are you guys using ? Frame, wishbones, hubs etc I can make in house but is there a thread that could help with design? (yes, I've tried search and came up nothing)

Cheers Guys.

[Mike]

There are a few threads here on Argo Springers. Here's one with some photos/videos: http://www.6x6world.com/forums/argo-...-springer.html

I think making a bigfoot 6x6 out of an 8x8 wouldn't be a good idea unless you also raised the tub. The additional space between the axles that you gain by going from an 8x8 to a 6x6 will allow you to go up in tire size some but you will hit the tub next and still have lots of room between the three tires on each side. thebuggyman1 is a member here on the site that has done something similar to a Max II. He move the axles away from each other and also raised the tub but it requires a lot of plastic modification and possibly two tubs. Here is his build thread with more information if you decide to go that route: http://www.6x6world.com/forums/max-a...-tall-tub.html

[rodp]

Thanks for the links Mike. I realise raising the tub has to be done for a bigfoot but I don't think that would be too much of a problem, probably easier than trying to source drive shafts small enough for a springer over here.
I had thought of utilising quad shafts / joints but the ones freely available here are all from Chinese quads and I can't see them lasting long. Most of our riding is through mud, ruts and quarry terrain so a bigfoot would probably be the best option for traction / ground clearance.

I'll see what turns up and take it from there, I'm in no rush. The other option would be to start from scratch, make a frame then clad it in alloy sheet as swimming is not a concern.

[spookum]

Another consideration is the transmission. I hate to admit it by a springer is sporty..... It can go faster due to the transmission. A T-20 reacts better to being sporty IMHO (in my humble opinion. )

If one were to build a springer Argo I would look at car parts from a junk yard. Any compact front wheel drive car will have good parts..... A arms and axles. Broach a key into the axles for a sprocket and then add ecentric locking collars and flanges. It would be even better if you could get it out of the same make and model of cars for innerchangeability.

[rodp]

Another consideration is the transmission. I hate to admit it by a springer is sporty..... It can go faster due to the transmission. A T-20 reacts better to being sporty IMHO (in my humble opinion. )

If one were to build a springer Argo I would look at car parts from a junk yard. Any compact front wheel drive car will have good parts..... A arms and axles. Broach a key into the axles for a sprocket and then add ecentric locking collars and flanges. It would be even better if you could get it out of the same make and model of cars for innerchangeability.

The problem I can see with car drive shafts is the part that slides into the diff will need extending to carry a sprocket and run through two bearings. With using second hand parts it's difficult to ascertain what the material is and therefore get a proper weld to extend this part. I assume that the rotational centre of the inner CV joint will have to be inline with the wishbone (A arm?) mounts and outboard of the tub, if it's to be watertight. I don't have the facilities to machine internal splines unfortunately so can't make a splined extension for the inner shaft, it's weld it on or nothing !
I'll take a walk round a couple of breakers and see what's about that would fit, the less mods I have to do the more likely it will be to get finished. I'm old enough now to realise that what kills most projects is grossly under estimating the work involved.
I'm also still in two minds as to whether to go the big, bigfoot way, it may be more use where we ride. There's very few places around here where speed would be of any benefit, traction and ground clearance definitely would though ! I'm thinking maybe six 36" tyres would make a lot of difference to vehicle ability, be simpler (hence easier) than a springer and take less maintenance ?