2005 Avenger TLC/Upgrade

[kingtroller]

This is a 2004... not a 2005 like the thread title states.

Thought I would share with the group my progress on the Avenger.

I just took possession this past April and figured it was time to give it some much need TLC. This is a first generation Avenger and by the looks of it never had any kind of proper maintenance by the original owner.

Laundry list;
1. Upgrade to HD axles and bearings.
2. Replace transmission- 4.1 to 3.3
3. Rebuild driven clutch
4. Replace all chains
5. Replace all chain tensioners with course ratcheting upgrades
5. Replace all tires
6. Perform safety recall on steering column
7. Clean out years of greasy build-up... the never ending project!!!

Pics to follow;

Old tranny before clean-up began.


Tired chains and worn tensioner


New HD axle installed using the Adair adapter kit... real time save!


Cleaned sprockets installed on new axle


Row of new axles!


New 3.3 tranny waiting for installation


More to follow

[Rusty-Gunn]

I also have a 2005 Avenger, bought third-hand and was not told about any safety recall of the steering column. Can you please elaborate? I'd rather not have an accident, so am now seeking more info. Thank you.

I intend to check out this thread regularly to learn more about upgrades, to.

[DerekF]

Nice Post. Ditto for me on the steering recall. First I have heard of it.

My 2005 avenger was the same situation when I bought it. 100% track time and no maintenance at all. Done all the bearings, clutches, etc, etc. Finally (and I mean finally) I can do out without worry. Plus, tomorrow I pick up my Adair tracks! Can't wait.

D

[spookum]

Nice Post. Ditto for me on the steering recall. First I have heard of it.

My 2005 avenger was the same situation when I bought it. 100% track time and no maintenance at all. Done all the bearings, clutches, etc, etc. Finally (and I mean finally) I can do out without worry. Plus, tomorrow I pick up my Adair tracks! Can't wait.

D

Getting Adair tracks? Now I know what i should have asked for for Father's Day!

[kingtroller]

I also have a 2005 Avenger, bought third-hand and was not told about any safety recall of the steering column. Can you please elaborate? I'd rather not have an accident, so am now seeking more info. Thank you.

I intend to check out this thread regularly to learn more about upgrades, to.

I got the info from Recall Bulletin #1, Avenger steering system. All Avenger models manufactured in 2004 prior to serial number V22399. The recall is dated January 3, 2005.

Now here's the funny part... Argo doesn't pay for the part for the recall... so it cost me around 89.00 to do the "recall".

[kingtroller]

I've been calling this a 2005 for some time now... even though it's only a 2004... sorry for the confusion about the steering recall.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Thanks for the info.
Mine is a 2005, so maybe I'm safe?

[nemanuel]

Hello kingtroller,

I was wondering if you had to upgrade the bearing extensions on the front and back axles? When I contacted the local Argo dealer he stated that the original bearing extensions would not work with the new HD axle and bearing. Is that true? I purchased a 2005 Avenger 3 months ago and I can not wait till the weather warms up to work on it. Thanks.

[wrench9]

When you open the tranny make sure you upgrade the low gear snap ring and have the shaft grove machined bigger or purchase a new shaft to accept the larger snap ring it will save your tranny down the road

[JohnF]

I was wondering if you had to upgrade the bearing extensions on the front and back axles?

I've done the same upgrade on the front axles of my '97 conquest and the good news is that using the kit from Adair Argo you do not need to do anything with the extensions. They've fabricated an adapter. It is a quick and easy upgrade. When I did it I talked to Mike; he will need to know which machine you have and which axle and then magically a box shows up with the adapter/stuff you need.

[nemanuel]

Hello JohnF,

I do believe that the conquest bearing extensions have bolts and the avenger extensions have built in studs. Thanks.

[nemanuel]

Hello kingtroller,

I just ordered the kit from Adair. Mike was very helpful. I decided to order the cork gaskets from the local dealer because it was cheaper for me. I was just wondering how many gaskets would I need for all of the axles? Also, is it one gasket before the plate (against the tub) and two after the plate per axle? Thanks.

[avenger8x8]

I just purchased a 2004 avenger aswell. I was wondering aswell if i have to change the front and rear bearing extentions to do the hd upgrade... i wonder if it is only adair that sells that adaptor kit or is it available at our local argo dealer...?

[curtisbyrne]

I'm pretty sure the adapter kit is available at all Argo dealers! And no you don't have to buy new bearing extensions to do the bearing upgrade if I'm not mistaken?

[JohnF]

You'll have to research the upgrade path for your specific machine. Argo's upgrade route is easy for some and does require new axle extensions for others. I have a '97 conquest and my choice would have involved new axle extensions. The Adair kit takes a bit of a different route to the upgrade and they (as far as I know) can adapt any. It is the route I took for the 2 axles I've upgraded.

I guess I'm trying to point out that there are two paths you can follow and the Adair guys can answer for both.