1990ish argo magnum drive

[Normable1973]

Hello, I've got a nice argo 8x8 that needs a new inner frame, chains, sprockets, tensioners, they are double chains, can I change it over to a single chain system?

[locolouie]

I was wondering the same thing, like single 60

[amphibious drew]

You could probably just use single 530 on the current sprockets. Changing all the sprockets to single 60 would add up in costs as all new sprockets would need to be installed. It may be cheaper to just run the double chain. I know it's not cheap, but do you really want to modify your machine to use cheaper parts and make the drive train less durable?

[Supermag]

Your machine was designed for the double 50. Although they are similar in many ways there are some differences. When I installed new axels on my magnum, I went from straight 1.25 inch axle to the 1 inch inner bearing. My floor pans were not made to accommodate the 2 thrust washers and thrust bolts the axle was designed for. I needed to buy new conquest style floor pans to accommodate this modification. Check sprocket diameter clearance to your original floor pans. The single 60 sprocket will have longer teeth than the single 50 therefore increasing overall diameter which may cause clearance issues between chain and floor pan. The cost of a new floor pan would offset the cost savings of converting to single 60. The newer floor pans have more clearance where the chains travel than the magnum style pans. Just something to check before putting any $$$ up for new sprockets and chains.

Dave

[Supermag]

Your machine was designed for the double 50. Although they are similar in many ways there are some differences. When I installed new axels on my magnum, I went from straight 1.25 inch axle to the 1 inch inner bearing. My floor pans were not made to accommodate the 2 thrust washers and thrust bolts the axle was designed for. I needed to buy new conquest style floor pans to accommodate this modification. Check sprocket diameter clearance to your original floor pans. The single 60 sprocket will have longer teeth than the single 50 therefore increasing overall diameter which may cause clearance issues between chain and floor pan. The cost of a new floor pan would offset the cost savings of converting to single 60. The newer floor pans have more clearance where the chains travel than the magnum style pans. Just something to check before putting any $$$ up for new sprockets and chains.

Dave

[Normable1973]

I wouldn't even have considered doing this if it was replacing a few part, but i have to get everything new and fabricate a new frame

[amphibious drew]

I wouldn't even have considered doing this if it was replacing a few part, but i have to get everything new and fabricate a new frame

Ah yes, I sometimes have trouble keeping track of all the new members and the machine they acquired. This was the mint machine pulled out of storage in the bush but then had the rotted frame. The old lemons into lemonade proverb applies here. Yes you have to fab a new frame. It's an opportunity to build it a bit beefier. Maybe even go fancy with a custom stainless frame and axles. Chain stretch is a constant issue for all our machines. I would suggest going at least factory maybe a grade above. I know a guy building an Attex with something ridiculous like #80 chain. That may be a little extreme, but the point is, the physical work is more of a cost than the actual parts. If you use top quality parts on your rebuild, your machine will last a long time with only proper maintenance. However, if you try and save a buck here and there by fabbing a lighter duty frame and downgrading chains, sprockets, and bearings, you will most likely have to do some work over again and replace wear items like chains and bearings at a much faster pace.

[Normable1973]

Very good point drew

[Normable1973]

I'm trying to learn how to post pics of my now machines, I got the bug, the max 2 is just built so much cheaper than the magnum.

[2014SE]

Working load for a single #60 roller chain is about 1950LBS.
Working load for a double #50 roller chain is about 2450LBS.

Single #60 is about 25% lighter than #50 double.

Now if you want strong, single #80 roller chain is good for about 3300 LBS!!!

Strong is cheaper in the long run if you factor in life span and replacement time!

On eBay #60 sells for around $25-$30 for 10'
I seen #50-2 for around $100 for 10'
Also seen #80 for about $40

Maybe buddy doing a compleat rebuild and thinking of using 80 roller chain is not such a bad idea!!

[ARGOJIM]

The biggest problem with changing the configuration of the current machine is going to be the idler shafts and engineering the gearing. If you were to install the later pieces of the conquest you would gain a few mph with minor power loss ( those Magnums with never run out of power in stock configuration but never win a race ).
Since you're building a new frame adapt the newer style slack adjusters that actually adjust, if you use the 60 chain on the rear chains you should be fine. You will need splined axles which you should have, if you're are replacing those with newer you will need to heat and remold the floor pans.

Good luck.