winter tune-up for my conquest

[capri302]

Hi Guys, my Argo need some maintenance to be ready for next season.
I need some help, I have a lot of questions.
This is a 2004 8x8 conquest with 145h.
Some bearing play, some chain slack in the front.
I started today by removing one of the rear axle:

Should I swap the mid axles to the front and rear at this point ?

[capri302]

What specific brand and part # for good exterior bearings? I have searched a lot and found Some info about 206-20 bearings but our local supplier says they can vary in thickness.
Any help would be appreciated

[Dan67]

Call the guys at Buffalo Bearings. 1-800-669-8019 Outer Bearing is a uc206-20. While you are replacing the outer bearings, replace both the seals in the flange assembly. You can get these from any argo dealer and they are pretty cheap. Argo part numbers 102-12 and 102-15. One of each in every outer flange assembly. Swap the mids and front/rears. Don't forget to add some paint to the axles to keep rust off.

[Old Tucker]

For the price I would just get the HD upgrade, Comes with new HD bearing and a HD outer flange and gaskets. Every thing you need. Its all just a straight bolt in. That looks like the old style two piece flange axle. Check with Adair sales. They are very good and know their stuff.

[JoeMeg]

I agree with Old Tucker. Just get the HD bearings and be done with it. If put back to original,even with the "axle location swap",it's just buying time til the next rebuild when the axle swap won't be an option.

[capri302]

Any links to those kits? Do you need to replace the axles?

[JoeMeg]

Hopefully this link works.

Argo HD Bearing Adapter Kit | Adair Argo Sales - We Ship Worldwide!

You can re-use your existing 1 1/4" axles. The areas damaged by the original seals will not hinder the installation of the HD units.

Here,let's see if this works also. I was looking for it earlier and finally found it.

http://www.6x6world.com/gallery/g973-hdi-axle-upgrade.html

[JoeMeg]

Oh,BTW,capri302. I was looking for this once before and finally found it too. Assuming by your user name,thought you may be interested.

[capri302]

Oh,BTW,capri302. I was looking for this once before and finally found it too. Assuming by your user name,thought you may be interested.

Nice Capri, I own a 84 RS

[capri302]

Hopefully this link works.

Argo HD Bearing Adapter Kit | Adair Argo Sales - We Ship Worldwide!

You can re-use your existing 1 1/4" axles. The areas damaged by the original seals will not hinder the installation of the HD units.

Here,let's see if this works also. I was looking for it earlier and finally found it.

HDI Axle Upgrade - Amphibious ATV Pictures

Thanks Joe, What's the difference between stock vs HDI ? no seals on the HDI ?
Why does it work without HDI axle?

[JoeMeg]

Here's a pic showing both.

The original is 62mm O.D. the HDI is 72mm O.D. The HDI has the triple internal seal. The only significant difference between late model 1 1/4" axles and the HDI axles that I know of is the heavier flange for the wheel.

[philipatmaxfour]

Here's a pic showing both.

The original is 62mm O.D. the HDI is 72mm O.D. The HDI has the triple internal seal. The only significant difference between late model 1 1/4" axles and the HDI axles that I know of is the heavier flange for the wheel.

Yes, but with the grease hole in the new flange,it offers a straight in access to the" one only grease nipple" and on a new machine with the new drilled wheels it is easy to grease the outside bearings without having to remove your snow tracks or wheels. right?

[capri302]

thanks guys for all the information!
The adair upgrade kit sure looks great , what about the factory Argo kit part # 101-97 ?
I am from Canada, it should be easier and cheaper to go with our local dealer.

[Buzz]

the 101-97 can be made to work on the center axles, but using a 1/4" thick adapter plate is much better. The kit from adair includes this (plus gaskets, bearing, carrier, flange, and length appropriate bolts w/rubber washers, nyloc nuts) and prevents you from having to enlargen the holes in your HDPE tub on the center axles. It also prevents you from having to completely remove your existing bearing extension (housings) from the corner of your machine, purchase newer style extensions, and install those simply so that they'll accept the larger HD bearing and carrier.
Also, I like the idea of the larger surface area of the adapter plate fitting against your tub as well. This method also puts the HD bearing and bearing flange an additional 1/4" further out on the axle which is never a bad thing. Remove the axle paint with a wire wheel to a point just beyond where the HD bearing will ultimately rest before re-assembly. Makes everything go back together w/o any problems at all.

[JoeMeg]

Yes, but with the grease hole in the new flange,it offers a straight in access to the" one only grease nipple" and on a new machine with the new drilled wheels it is easy to grease the outside bearings without having to remove your snow tracks or wheels. right?

Ahha,thanks to this awesome forum,I now know of TWO significant differences between the late model axles and the newer HDI one's. Thanks Warren!