1980 project

[tretch]

I’ve never worked on an Argo before but curious to how much would this thing cost me or would it be cheaper to buy a used running one in the end? I also read that the older Argo axles are not the greatest. Can these be updated to newer axles on a 80’s Argo. I apologize if this has been asked before and if it has can somebody lead me the post to help. Thx.

[ARGOJIM]

Tretch,
Loaded question, finish cost of your project would naturally depend on what needs done and what you have as there is no description or model of questioned machine.
Bearings can be bought aftermarket cheap, chains are costly depending what you buy though you can find deals or buy foreign chain and whether you have single or double chain, replacement engines are out there new and used with some very affordable, tires are an expense if needed, if your axles are still straight they work fine but tracks will eat the spiral pins regular and are easy enough replaceable unless you feel the need to upgrade.

First I am a sucker for old machines as it's nice to know I can still run the old machines capably.
I am currently running a 1985 Argo K 6x6 that was a Kohler Magnum 18 machine, the machine was a manual braked-spiral pinned - double chain machine that I bought as a basked case missing parts. Currently the machine is built as a HT with a used Tecumseh and used 22" Rawhide 3 tires on Max and Hustler rims, I found the chain and bearings reasonable on ebay, repaired the frame, put used axles we removed from dad's 78 8x8 in 1993 as they were missing when machine was purchased, borrowed the Tecumseh powerpack from another machine and am in it reasonably.
So far the machine has been exceptional with my only issue being the loss of 15 year old tire beads on one 30 hour weekend and the loss of the 30 year old fuel pump before even riding the second 12-15 hour weekend, some of the spiral pins have walked but no breakage( checking them at the end of a trip would help). The machine has been amazing as to what it will go through no powerhouse but amazing, but that's another story. I am either by myself with a cooler or one passenger.


So in effect if you plan on driving 20 miles into the bush loaded with 500lbs or so of gear with tracks then yes a newer machine may be in order, however, remember that a newer machine may still need repairs hidden ( unvisible) at the time of purchase unless you go new. Should you go newer be sure to check the bearings and chains, trans for noise and all the other stuff on the check list.
Personally if I were to go newer I'd check with a local dealer to see what they have or know of that a customer has, generally this means the machine has been repaired or rebuilt recently or the dealer knows the history of the machine. Hours on the machine mean less than the maintenance and driving style of the previous owner.

Hope this helps and good luck.