Missing chain tensioner's

[Maniac]

I have an mid 80's 6x6 argo. I have been changing jack shaft bearings and front axle bearings. The previous owner put double chains and sprockets on it. As I was reassembling it tonight I realized there are no chain tensioner on it. Looking at the parts manual it looks like it should have one. I think I need to take a 1/2 or 1 link out of some of the chains as they are touching the belly when I turn the wheels by hand. How much slack should be in a chain? Has anyone made their own chain tensioner? I am thinking of using hardwood blocks under the chains to keep them from rubbing through the belly. I don't really want to use screws to hold it in place. That would put more holes in the belly. Anyone have any bright ideas?

[chapy]

On my 2000 bigfoot there are no tensioner on the front chains either. When I first got it the chains on one side were rubbing on the belly so I replaced the chain. If it's rubbing chaces are its time to get some new ones. Pretty easy to change. I changed both sides at the same time just to get them done.

[spits]

chain tensioners

My 82 6x6 has no tensioners. It looks like there never was. I replaced the bearings and chains and everything came in tight with no chain drag on the belly.

[Rock Doctor]

Hey Maniac,
I have never seen an Argo with a front axle chain tensioner. It's such a short run that it is not needed. As mentioned, it sounds like you need to replace the chains. I would recommend that you stay away from "half links", but that's just my opinion. I forget how many links should be in a front chain, but I'm sure someone here will be able to tell you. Make sure to check your front sprockets for wear, if they are starting to wear, you might want to swap them from one side to the other. This will flip the sprockets around, and you will have the "un worn" side of the sprocket teeth running against the new chain. (This works for the jackshafts as well)
Also, I believe that the double chain and sprockets on your Argo are "stock", and were not added after.

Have a great day

RD

[Maniac]

The previous owner told me he replaced the chains a couple of years ago but if they have not been maintained properly I suppose they could be wore out. Although when I had them out they did not seem to be to sloppy. He may have miss counted the links as well.
Thanks for the info I will carry on

[Maniac]

Hi Again. My 6x6 argo has no chain tensioner on any of the chains front center or rear. Would a mid 80s argo have tensioner on the back chains?

[greggv2007]

chain tensioners

My 83 6x6 has them on the center and rear

[Maniac]

Hi greggy2007
I'm thinking mine should have them on the same chains. Do you have single or double roller chain?

[greggv2007]

I have two machines running, one has double chain with nylon blocks for tensioners and the other has single chain with idler sprockets for tensioners.

[swampdonkey]

i was wondering if anyone else is getting chain slap on the drivers foot pan in their machines. mine is making a terrible grinding noise until i get uo to speed and then when i try to turn to the right.. notcied if i hold my foot down on the passenger side of the pan the noise is deafened quite a bit. maybe just pan needs to be fixed??

[ArgoGirb67]

my 78 Tech.4 stroke has double #40 from trans.#50 single to axles,tensioners on mid and rear axles!

[Maniac]

I will have to come up with something as the chains do slap around somewhat. Does anyone have any ideas. Easy ideas would be nice, but i'll take what I can get.