Axle extensions

[artist1018]

I found an ad at Route6x6, in the parts section, for 5" axle extensions.
Has anyone tried them out &, if so, do you recommend them? I own an Argo Conquest 8x8 with a 20hp motor.
Thanks, Art

[Rock Doctor]

I have them on my Conquest, need them when running the Supertracks. I don't bother to take them off when the tracks are off though. I leave them on becouse the added width allows me to stay out of the ruts created by standard width Argos. Even if one side of the Argo does drop into a set of ruts, the other side will ride up out of the other rut and keep the machine from getting high centered.
The only real downside is that you will be that much wider than others, and will not fit down some trails. Many times, I have had to back up on a trail, sometimes for quite a distance (usually with a trailer in tow), becouse I would not fit between the trees along the trail.
Some guys will tell you that the extra length will weaken your axles, but I have never run into much for problems. I did rip one front hub off an axle this spring while running the tracks and hauling a heavy load, but I have seen similar things like that without the extensions as well.

Pics of Argo with extensions:

Video of Highlites from the trip when I broke the front axle:

[Roger S]

I'm guessing he means axle bearing extensions and not wheel spacers.. if so, one guy put avenger extensions on his middle 4 conquest axles. Don't see the need though. It would move the bearing and seal out to a fresh spot on an old axle.. but then again swapping the 4 with and 4 without extensions will do the same.

[Roger S]

Doc, you had 15 sheets of waferboard on the back? About like mine with the rear filled with limestone rock. One dealer who farmed said a friend filled the back end with grain. The front heavy argo's aren't always so front heavy!

[Rock Doctor]

OK Artist, if you did mean the Bearing Housing Extensions then disregard everything I said.

Roger, I had 21 sheets on the load before that one, but I could feel everything flexing so much that it kinda made me feel like I had overloaded it so I took less on the second load.
A couple weeks ago I was loading the back with wet sand, had it loaded up over the back rack, now that was HEAVY, but I didn't have to go very far with it. Made it pretty hard to turn, but I never had to make very many corners either.

[artist1018]

Thanks Doc

Hey,
thanks for the photo of your Conquest with the axle extension view. That's what I'm considering for mine!
I emailed Richard at route 6x6 & got a price. I need to sell a recurve bow I have to raise the cash. Anyone out there a "lefty"? I've got a genuine "classic" Bear Kodiak Magnum I cannot shoot since my accident.(nerve damage).