Thoughts on Switching Chain from 50-2 to 50-1 ???

[Buddee]

So I was in talking with a local dealer about chain for my 1990 6x6 that has 50-2 chain. He has the same machine as it turns out. He suggested that I replace all chains with the exception of transmission with 50-1 chain. He said there is no real need for double chain in these machines unless using them for industrial, commerical or heavy use. I will be using mine for family rides and occiasional big game hunting. He said he did this to his own machine awhile ago.... said to use good chain such as Tsbacki (sp).

Has anyone else done this or see any problems with it? He said all the machines from mid 90's use single chain... I think he said 60-1. It would be half the price to do the whole machine.

Thanks

[amphibious drew]

I want to begin by saying, no, I have not done that downgrade. However, it is a downgrade from what you currently have, and some members have upgraded other machines to double 50. I'm sure someone else will chime in, but I would think that switching to 60 will require new sprockets to match. I would never intentionally downgrade my machine and IMHO I don't think it's a good idea or will save you any money long term or short.

[Buddee]

Thanks Drew... I am looking at going from a 50-2 to a 50-1... not a 60-1. I'm guessing someone else must have done this????

[Slimpickin]

The good 50-2 wil probably go three times as long due to less stress. I will never downgrade.

Slim

[Buddee]

Slim... do you think double chain would go that much further? Just thinking out loud here but the newer machines all have single chain?

I'm not just not looking at cost here... but also practical application.... will the single chain be enough or will it cause some uneven stress on the axles and bearings given I will still be using the double sprockets? The argo dealer said he has no problems and it made sense to go single? Interesting isn't though? Not sure what I'll do.... like to hear from anyone has done it.... experiments are good! I've recently just got out of my Jeep rockcrawling hobby of almost 20 years and am trying to see what simlarities and dfifferences there are with these 6x6's.

Thanks

[mike bar]

My question to you is, what is the main reason why you would entertain the thought of doing this? To save money is the only reason I can see. To me, it would be like going rock climbing with 3 of the 6 lugs on your jeeps wheels.If you and your kids were out for a fun filled day and for some unforseen reason got in a tough spot and needed to really put the strain on those axles, wouldn't it be nice to know you have the maximum capability of your machine to get you out of a bad situation? That's just how I look at things. Mike

[Buddee]

Good points Mike! Sometimes less lugs on a rockcrawler with proper spacing and grooves is better?.

I'm wondering why they went from double chain to single chain on the newer machines? Is it a cost factor for building and shipping or is it more about the physics and engineering? I have found over the years OEM design is not always the best way to do things...sometimes it just made sense at the time of design and build at the factory. It doesn't matter whether I spend 200 or 400 dollars on chain.... it is what it is..... just interested in the bigger picture.

Thanks for the replies so far!

[Castro]

I just changed my chain, I went 50-2 diamond. The only 6x6 the I own that as single 50 chain is the one we just got for my oldest son. It's a mini

[Slimpickin]

I think the newer argos have a 60-1 instead of 50-2. I'm not positive of that but if I see one I'll check.

Slim

[Rock Doctor]

I think the newer argos have a 60-1 instead of 50-2. I'm not positive of that but if I see one I'll check.

Slim

This is true, I have one of each.
I was told that going to the single 60 allows for greater misalignment and twisting of the machine. Not sure if I like it or not. Only the back chains are single, the fronts and idlers are still 50-2.
I have broke a 60-1 chain on my conquest, but never one of the 50-2 chains

RD

[Buddee]

Yes RD.... I agree with the twisting theory. Seems the double chain would indeed help keep things "located" and aligned more properly thereby likely reducing uneven strain on other components compared to a single chain. That is my concern with what the dealer is talking about. Interesting again though that 60-1 is at the back only... perhaps due to weight ratio? You also have a 8x8 so maybe that is also a factor?

[Buddee]

Yes RD.... I agree with the twisting theory. Seems the double chain would indeed help keep things "located" and aligned more properly thereby likely reducing uneven strain on other components compared to a single chain. That is one my concerns with switching from double to single. Interesting again though that 60-1 is at the back only... perhaps due to weight ratio? You also have a 8x8 so maybe that is also a factor?

[Slimpickin]

Good to know. I've not broke a chain yet, but I do have a couple sets of the front ones that will have to be changed before long.

Slim