Argo Avenger model difference?

[nemanuel]

Hello,

Thanks for the quick reply. Any idea what the RPM should be at? I will try that.

[DerekF]

Mike,

Did you have to get a new input shaft for the new style dog clutch? Or where you able to put the new style retaining clip on your existing shaft? I ask because when I went to get new gears I was directed that the shaft we have on our transmission has been superseded by a new part# 34-130. It looks like the only difference is the retaining clip, maybe a deeper or bigger grove?

Derek

The first generation models had a clip on the input shaft of the transmission that can come loose. If that happens, it allows one of the forward gears to slide on the input shaft to where only the edge of the teeth mesh with the other gears. It can break the teeth. The newer models used a retaining ring to hold a clip in place to prevent this from happening. They also went from a three dog gear to a four dog for better durability. I think the change happened sometime in late 2006 or early 2007. My Avenger is a 2006 model and it had the older style transmission. I had the clip come off of my input shaft and it chewed up the gears.

I don't know how often this happened but it was obviously enough to necessitate a redesign. Just something to keep in mind. The transmission isn't difficult to upgrade to the new style retaining clip but if the teeth get torn up before you do the upgrade, you have to purchase several new gears because the three dog style are no longer manufactured so you have to upgrade both input gears and the center dog to the four ear style.

Here is a photo of my transmission. You can see the clutch dog and the two gears that have to be replaced:

[Mike]

Mike,

Did you have to get a new input shaft for the new style dog clutch? Or where you able to put the new style retaining clip on your existing shaft? I ask because when I went to get new gears I was directed that the shaft we have on our transmission has been superseded by a new part# 34-130. It looks like the only difference is the retaining clip, maybe a deeper or bigger grove?

Derek

I did not purchase a new shaft for the transmission but I still have the retaining clip laying on my desk, so I'm not sure if it fits or not. I put the transmission back together but did not have the right clip at the time. I was sent the wrong clip but didn't know it until I had everything back together. I was planning on replacing the clip once I was done with my T20 swap. I never finished that and my transmission has been sitting, waiting on me to put the right clip back in ever since. So, I really can't tell you. Maybe ask our forum sponsor and Argo dealer Doug from Fox Valley Argo?

[AlaskaGrizzly]

I did not purchase a new shaft for the transmission but I still have the retaining clip laying on my desk, so I'm not sure if it fits or not. I put the transmission back together but did not have the right clip at the time. I was sent the wrong clip but didn't know it until I had everything back together. I was planning on replacing the clip once I was done with my T20 swap. I never finished that and my transmission has been sitting, waiting on me to put the right clip back in ever since. So, I really can't tell you. Maybe ask our forum sponsor and Argo dealer Doug from Fox Valley Argo?

Derek,

I installed the updated clip and thrust washer/retainer in my 2004 avenger transmission when had it apart this winter. I installed the 3.3 gears and was advised to go to the 4 dog style clutch and gears because the are supposed to be better than the 3 dog. Installing those would have required the new input shaft based on what the dealer told me. I believe because of the splines or something. I chose not to buy them. I bought Part #'s 107-14 Retaining Ring LC-125-PA and the 108-85 Washer, Retaining Thrust and they fit right on existing shaft. My 3 dog style clutch was in perfect shape so I'm comfortable that it will last.

After seeing the differences I have the opinion that the only thing wrong with the older style retaining ring is the hard shifting people that are on the end of the shift knob. I'm certain that with proper shifting there would be no problems, but if the shift knob gets hit, or shifted hard, I can see how the old style retainer could be pushed out of its fit. The new one is retained in its groove better, so it can take more abuse.

If your just wanting the 4 dog clutch, then from what I was told, you need the new input shaft too.