Conquest 8x8 re-build

[mitchamus]

Based on the Chain tensioners, I have narrowed down the year model to somewhere between 1995 and 2002.

The 3 right side chain tensioners were cut through by the previous owner - So I have to replace those also. (I have *almost* stopped asking 'why the **** did they do that!' every time I find something like this)

I have asked for a local quote on a full set of gaskets & seals - mostly as a good laugh for you guys. - I think I will end up ordering parts direct from argoparts.com

I have also managed to track down a second hand hood locally for $400. (original was AWOL)


I've also noticed that they must have hit something hard with the rear left wheel.

The Axle has been 'punched in' toward the body, which has made the bearing slide up the axle and jam tight...

To remove the axle, first they have bashed on the end of the axle where the thrust washers & bolt go in... mushrooming the end of it, and closing over the bolt hole slightly.

That hasn't worked so then they have just cut the bearing housing bolts through... ground off the mushrooming and then slid the axle out.


To get the bearing off, I managed to back out one of the grub screws, but had to cut through the other with a hack saw.

I'm hoping I can use my die-grinder to open up the thrust bolt hole again and save the axle.

[mitchamus]

A little more work accomplished,

The tow receiver has been bolted in. I used a liberal amount of Selly's All Clear around the edge plate where it comes into contact on the tub, and then around each bolt hole.
I wiped each surface down well with alcohol first to remove any oil or dust.

I then accurately torqued the bolts to the exact setting of "as tight as my air Butterfly will get them"


I also purchased the 24 bolts to re-attach the 4 bearing extension housings... @ $3.10 each!!!...

I also priced the bearings from my local supplier at $21.50 each, so around $430 for a full set.

Once i have the new bearings and the new seals, I can start re-assembling the axles and drive train.

I think I will also replace the bearings in the jack shaft while the engine is out.

[mitchamus]

Can anyone tell me how much chain I'll need to replace everything?
I have found a supplier who sells RC50-2 in 10' lengths

[mitchamus]

never mind - I found this formula posted by Planter Bob:

((42+40+70+96+96) x 2 x .625) / 12" = 35.83'

sounds like a lot

that will take care of all chains on the conquest!

[guyfox]

never mind - I found this formula posted by Planter Bob:

((42+40+70+96+96) x 2 x .625) / 12" = 53.75'

sounds like a lot

that will take care of all chains on the conquest!

Based on those numbers if my math is correct it should be 35.833'

but I was never a math person....skipped to many classes....

[mitchamus]

no - you're right! calculator fail!

have edited the original post!

thanks!

[mitchamus]

I got a quote on chains at $76.78 per 10' length.

so $276 to replace all chains in case anyone else in Australia is wondering.

this was through blackwoods.com.au

[spookum]

dont know if this will help you, but maybe these folks can do better. shipping, of couse, is where it is going to hurt. Make sure you get good chain though, if it is poor chain, it will do more harm than good

good luck

[mitchamus]

Got a bit more work done over the weekend.
All of the axles, sprockets and flanges have been cleaned, & the bearing houses given a scrub with a brass wheel brush in a die grinder.

All of the Bearing extensions have been trial fitted back on, (after purchasing the 24 Bolts @$3 each!!!)

and all of the missing or damaged bearing housing flange bolts have been replaced.

The good news is that most of the bearings are serviceable, except for 2 that are badly damaged. So these will be cleaned up and put back into service.

The bad news is that 3 of the sprockets will need replacing, as well as an axle flange that has been chewed out somehow.

I've attached pics of the damaged axle flange, plus the damaged axle I mentioned earlier on.

I must have scraped about half a cup of chewed up grass and crud out of the damaged flange...proof that when in place, the axle seals really work well.

flange.jpg

axle.jpg

[mitchamus]

Wheel size?

can anyone tell me what the stud hole size is of the 8x7 wheels?

is it 5x 4.25"???

or 5x 4.5" ???

[Dan67]

5 x 4.5

[spookum]

Just read my post, i dont know why the link didnt work for a cheap place to buy good single and double 50 chain.

Welcome to WWW.BELARUSAGSUPPLY.COM - Belarus Agricultural Supply™ <BR>Division Of Belarus Tractor International


good luck and keep us posted!

[mitchamus]

Thanks for the link, but it looks like Belarus don't ship internationally! - but I'll contact them directly to see.

even so - I have $118 to play with for shipping!

Is that a good place to get sprockets too?

[Dan67]

Just read my post, i dont know why the link didnt work for a cheap place to buy good single and double 50 chain.

Welcome to WWW.BELARUSAGSUPPLY.COM - Belarus Agricultural Supply™ <BR>Division Of Belarus Tractor International


good luck and keep us posted!

I called them and inquired about their chain, its imported from China.. Personally, I'll pass on it. I'm sure you can find some better chain elsewhere for not too much on ebay.

As an example I bought 2x 10ft rolls of Diamond 50-2 chain for about $110USD w/ shipping, and a 10ft roll of Diamond 60-1 for under $40USD w/ shipping. All chain is unused, new in box still sealed in plastic, shelf surplus, mfg dated as far back as 04/04/2003. Its out there you just have to be patent and look.

[mitchamus]

Thanks for the heads up- the wont ship international anyway, they advised me to try a shipping-forwarder- but it's just too much hassle. I'll just use the local chain I think.

Made some more progress yesterday, got the left side chain tensioners cleaned up and reinstalled, however the right hand side ones - all 3 sets of upper and lower arms are broken. Some of them look like they've been cut!!!
I also found another axle flange that needs replacing, and also
- a bent axle!!!

As I'm still waiting to put my parts order in, I'm now going to move on to mounting the tank.
Which means- constructing an entirely new top frame
The existing one is so bent its not salvageable
Oh well, at least the steel is cheap!