Wider wheel base? Thoughts?

[Rck90]

I purchased an six wheeled argo with super tracks but instead of the track spacers the guy had welded together two rims (he explained that he didn't want to buy the spacers). I drove it around a few times and it did ok until the old tires went flat then the track popped. I'm tearing this argo apart to make a trailer and when I was pulling the tires I wondered if I added these wheels to my conquest that already had track spacers on it if it would improve anything.
So far I have this.
PROs:
Help with straddling ruts.
Less tippy in water.
Cons:
Wider stance on thinner trails.
More stress on axles?

Any one want to chime in on pros or cons of this set up?

[Lundtastic]

The only comment that I can make is the further the wheels and tracks are away from the drive the more stress is applied to the shafts. This may lead to failure, or it may not. So I agree with your stress comment on the axles for sure! Another con would be if you trailer it? Does it fit in the trailer........

[Noel Woods]

I have two wide machines. A Super Swamp Fox, and a home-built. They are harder to operate on trails than the normal 54-60 inch wide machines. Neither has been stuck in a situation they couldn't get out of, but it has been challenging on a few occasions.

The wide machines are more stabile in the water, and can also carry more load. I think that in this case there is going to be more stress on the drivetrain than its going to be worth. Scrap out the rims that were welded together and use some wheel spacers. Wheel spacers are a superior option.

[Rck90]

Noel, I didn't mention it but my conquest already has spacers for my track, so adding these home made spaces to the conquest would make it 4-5 inches wider and I think cause the pronounced axle stress.

[Noel Woods]

Yes, I think that it would add additional stress and lead to component failure. That extra width would be a lot to handle on tight trails as well.

[philipatmaxfour]

Didn't Recreatives used to show a short promo video of a Maxiv with i8 tires. Was great to look at.

[Buzz]

Good points being made. The further out you move your tire centerline, the more leverage your axle body, flange, and outer bearing will see. This is fine up to a point. Manufactured wheel spacers of 2.5" or less are far superior and won't put as much leverage on components as larger spacers. Added stress increases exponentially as you go up in wheel spacer width. Ideally, you'd also have HD parts at least on the machine's corners. Welded spacers from adair are strong and a great value. Additionally, you can also opt to move your outer bearings (on axles w/o factory bearing extensions) further out by using UHMW bearing extensions in conjunction with an HD outer bearing upgrade kit. If you use spacers of 2.5" or less, this isn't necessary, but it makes for a stronger set up.
As a minimum, use spacers 2.5" or less, ensure you have bearing extensions on your corners, then consider upgrading to the newer axles (thicker flange) and HD outer bearing...at least on the corners. I run wheel spacers exclusively and have never had problems navigating anywhere because of the small increase in wheelbase. The added stability sidehilling and in the water is worth it. As you know, it's not like you have to stick to a quad-trail if you're driving an argo with tracks.

[ARGOJIM]

Didn't Recreatives used to show a short promo video of a Maxiv with i8 tires. Was great to look at.

Think the 18 wheeled "Maxilla" was privately owned, by a member here?


A Max dealer had a nice dual wheel set up using 22's inner and 21's outer for less stress, on my mind also.

[philipatmaxfour]

Think the 18 wheeled "Maxilla" was privately owned, by a member here?


A Max dealer had a nice dual wheel set up using 22's inner and 21's outer for less stress, on my mind also.

You are right Jim." Maxilla"would not come to my mind but the thought of it still does. I have experimented with 26" Terra tires on the inside and rawhide iiis on the outside. The terra s were a bit bigger in diamater but they sure threw water! mostly into the machine.

[Rck90]

Thanks guys.