8x8 axle spacing

[hydromike]

I'm looking for the axle to axle centerline spacing on various 8x8s we're all running. I know the Attex is at 25" (same as the second/third generation 6x6), but what about Argo (Avenger, Response, etc.), and the Mudd OX? Wasn't there a Super Swamp Fox 8x8, too? I imagine it was about the same as the SSF 6x6, but documentation would be nice to have if anybody could ever even find one.

Thanks,
~m

[jpswift1]

Mike, I have sm info somewhere in my inbox about the Swamp Fox 8x8. It was actually a prototype from what the guy said in the email. If I remember correctly it was on the Alaska Craigslist. I don't know if it ever sold though. I think that it was based on a standard Swamp Fox, not the Super Swamp Fox, because the prototype had 23x10.5x12" tires and wheels and it looked like it couldn't fit anything bigger like the 26's on a Super Swamp Fox. Not sure if that helps you or not though......I tend to get side tracked easily.

[lewis]

I will measure the Avenger for you tomorrow.

I know that this is just general info and has nothing to do with center spacing.
The model Avenger that i have, 2006 the 2 center tires are 1/2 to 1 inch lower then the others. Helps in turning.

[Mike]

According to this brochure on Argo's Site, Argo ATV Brochure, The Argo HDi and the 8x8 Frontier both have 79" between the centerline of the front and rear wheels. Assuming the tires are equally spaced, that would be 79/3 = 26.3" between each axle.

What have you got up your sleeve?

[hydromike]

What have you got up your sleeve?

Not much yet, but it's a loooooooong sleeve.

Still in the "I wonder if...." stages......

~m

[Roger S]

What have you got up your sleeve?

hehe my thoughts too.

the pre avenger frontier models are 24"- centers

mudd ox is at least avenger spacing. Early on Matt thought about offering different axle spacing, on request. Might be a big request at this point.

[Mike]

Sorry, this is non-8x8 related, but on page 11 of that Argo brochure I linked to, I just noticed that the new style 6x6 frontier is showing 57.3" between the centerline of the front and rear axles. That would be 28.6" between axles (if they are equally spaced) which is a lot more than I imagined. Who's going to be the first to put 27" or 28" tires on one?

[hydromike]

Sorry, this is non-8x8 related

No, this is good information! So there's a pretty significant difference between the Attex 25", and the new Frontier's 28+. The fact that I could fit the big Rawhide IIIs on Big 5 was great, and the machine is still relatively small, in my opinion. I love the ride of the 8x8 in a lot of situations, so I began thinking. Honestly, this thinking came about after serendipitously (wow, had to type that slowly...) came about a couple Max IV bodies.

My concern is that I'd be building the Queen Mary, and that it would just be a sideshow attraction, and that it wouldn't have a lot of utility. I don't know that it's been done, or approached before (certainly not by the factory ) but I thought that why couldn't I just:

????

Forgive the 5 minute Photoshop effort...

[lewis]

What a novel idea. You could utilize a Conquest (Argo) frame for equal spacing or move up to a Avenger frame with the center wheels lowered and ability to utilize 25 or 26 tires, could go to the 2010 Avenger frame that will accept the new style bearings with 1.25 axles. Lower the motor off the pedestal and convert to mid engine. There are endless possibilities.

Nice look too!

[liflod]

The Max IV / RIM uses different axle spacing between the front and center axle and rear and center axle. The rear - center spacing is shorter than the center- front spacing. I think this makes up for the extra weight in the rear.

[hydromike]

I figured that you could keep the same short spacing between the last three set of axles, and keep the front end perched up a little more forward, like stock. the sketchy part is grafting the frames, I think. The frame and the lower tub would have to be cut about smack-dab in the center between the first and second axle in order to mate up correctly. Steel is steel, though. Lots of places for reenforcement. I think the upper tub could be cut a little differently. I have to get both bodies in front me before I go too far....

[golpher76]

I don't know too much about these yet and I was looking at the simplicity of the frame on mine and wondering if I could (if I decide to build a new frame) push the front axle forward a bit and the rear axle back a bit and fit me some 25-26" vampires on my maxII. If I do it I'll take pics of the build as I'd like to get a bit more ride height out of it.

[Mike]

I think it's a great idea, especially if you leave the T20 in the frame where it currently sits and just extend the rear of the frame back, making a provision for the motor to sit down low on the frame behind the T20. I have been scouring the web for a trashed Avenger in hopes of doing something similar without all of the skillful bodywork. I have found a few Conquests but I really want that wider spacing on the axles so I can run some tires that are larger than 24". I really want a high HP T20 8x8 with large tires. I thought about a trainer, especially after seeing the way yours turned out, but I really want a beefier frame, axles, etc. Something that I can beat on and not worry about.

I think you should seriously consider making it. I guess that would be a Max VI? Jennifer keeps calling hers (with the single seat) a Max I.

[hydromike]

I really want a high HP T20 8x8 with large tires.

Me too! Big 5 is great, and I will continue to upgrade the machine to make it what it needs to be, but I'm limited somewhat by the machine's dimensions, and by my almost complete inability to cut the machine up and make it into what I think a monster 8x8 should be. I contemplate the MAX VI (or VIII... not sure) project, and while it would be a pretty decent undertaking, much of the infrastructure is already there. There's minimal hardware to add that isn't already manufactured by RI. The bodywork is certainly the largest task at hand, but I may even be able to hand the welding of the poly over to a professional if need-be.

...leave the T20 in the frame where it currently sits and just extend the rear of the frame back...

See? This is why I pose things to other people. I didn't even think about extending it backward. This would make substantially more sense. The machine would end up being a mid-engine machine with room for storage behind/over the T-20. It'd look like a Mudd Ox, in a way. Which, is awesome.

~m

[Roger S]

If you get into a long 8x8 with agressive tires, it'd be good to have the 4 center axles lower, Avenger style. Or Roger/Response style. The avenger axles are an inch lower, my response is a 1/2 inch, all I could go before the sprockets hit the floor. It makes a big difference in turning effort. I think you might get into trouble with the single speed t20, or burn up belts, if you get in some serious clay/tight spots. A small t20 sprocket and an engine with extended rpm range might be an idea.

Maybe join the two max4's together at a 1 or two degree angle to get the end axles up. I'm glad you're doing this instead of me

We all love this armchair wheelin' designing, though.