Some parts questions... (Newb Alert)

[humanshield]

Chain Tensioners:

First off Chain tensioners, my 79 argo (it's a 79 according to Wendy from ODG. I see several different designs. From plain sprockets to auto adjusting springloaded/nylon block type. Any hints of which type? Were to get a decent price? Mine has an adjustable height sprocket (which the shaft was bent on).

Chains:

I thought I might replace the chains on the unit. Should I just buy replacement chains from Richards Relics? I see plenty of people buying bulk chain and making there own up. Is this better/cheaper? What size chains do I need? I see people mention the pitch size? How do I know what I need? And if I by bulk chain how the heck do you put it on? I was looking into chain brakes (Cheap at harbor freight) but again I have no idea what size chain I am dealing with.

Water leaks/seals/bearings

And I have been trying to find a good how-to or at least pictures on the seals and bearings. And I see people mentioned inner/outer bearings. I had this unit in the water once and though it didn't sink like our economy it did take on a pretty decent amount of water. My next step is to fill the tub with water and track down the leaks. But I don't know what to even expect to see when I start removing the bolts around the flange. Or how to kno what replacement parts to get?

There is more but this is a start

This site has been awesome so far!!! You guys are great!

HS

[Rock Doctor]

A few comments to help get you on your way

Chain Tensioners:

First off Chain tensioners, my 79 argo (it's a 79 according to Wendy from ODG. I see several different designs. From plain sprockets to auto adjusting springloaded/nylon block type. Any hints of which type? Were to get a decent price? Mine has an adjustable height sprocket (which the shaft was bent on).

Chains:

I thought I might replace the chains on the unit. Should I just buy replacement chains from Richards Relics? I see plenty of people buying bulk chain and making there own up. Is this better/cheaper? What size chains do I need? I see people mention the pitch size? How do I know what I need? And if I by bulk chain how the heck do you put it on? I was looking into chain brakes (Cheap at harbor freight) but again I have no idea what size chain I am dealing with.


Notes to get you started
Buy bulk, it's much cheaper. Tsubachi, or some other good chain.
Take your chains off and look at them. If it's double wide, it's probably Double 50 (2-50). If it's single wide (I doubt it) it's single 60.
Put it on the same as any chain, Break it at the proper length (EX, Front chain is 20 links + master link). Always put new masters in with new chain. You don't need a chain break, just grind the chain pins off at the proper length and drive the pins out with a punch. (one chain break will work on all argo chain, if you want to get one.
Water leaks/seals/bearings

And I have been trying to find a good how-to or at least pictures on the seals and bearings. And I see people mentioned inner/outer bearings. I had this unit in the water once and though it didn't sink like our economy it did take on a pretty decent amount of water. My next step is to fill the tub with water and track down the leaks. But I don't know what to even expect to see when I start removing the bolts around the flange. Or how to kno what replacement parts to get?

Try to get an exploded view from your Argo dealer, or a parts manual
Your bearings will probably be the same for inner and outer (no step in the shaft). Block up your buggy and try to wiggle each axle. If you feel movement, change those outer bearings (Inner brngs rarely fail, but check them too). Change your axle seals as well.
There is no rocket science there. When you pull your outer flange, you will have a cork gasket, a bearing plate, another cork gasket, a bearing. The inner brng flange is the same, but with paper gaskets.
There is more but this is a start

This site has been awesome so far!!! You guys are great!

HS

Once you tear into it, you will see what's going on. If you need a question answered someone here will be able to help out

[chapy]

Yep! What he said. Tear into it and you will find thats it's alot easier than you think. Good luck!

[Swamper]

Hey HS,
I have a scanned copy of the parts manual and a service manual for the early vehicles 1977 to 1987. PM me with your e-mail and I will send them one at time because of the size.
The idler chain, from the trans to the idler driveshaft is RC40-2, which means roller chain #40 and it is double wide. The chains on your axles are RC50. Again, #50 chain but single wide.
I also argee with Chapy and RD, the best way to know these things, is to get right into them. You are about to find that these vehicles will become an addiction.
Cheers Al