Axle flange conversion for Max

[mudbug3]

In one of the gallery pictures I saw that the forum member micmac had put Argo axle flanges on his Max IV ( round head light model ) What size axle does an Argo use ? I think the later model Max axles are 1 1/4 inches ? Would this modification work on a later model Max ? ( 2003 )

[micmac]

Hi Mudbug,

Argo uses 1 1/4 inch axles. However, they still use the smaller O.D bearings that RI used on their older machines. The bearings aren't bad just prone to breakage on the thin eccentric part. My goal with the mod was to go to only non eccentric thick walled bearings so I figured I might as well use the Argo flanges as well because they lined up perfectly with the bolt pattern of the older Max. However it should be noted that the flanges will not work with eccentric cam bearings. The other thing that would need to be done is to locate the axle differently because of the loss of the eccentric bearings. There are a few ways to do this here is a link to my solution:

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/general-amphibious-atv-articles/1476-get-rid-those-eccenrtic-bearings.html

So the quick answer is no it wont work for the newer style machines. However someone might be able to find an Argo like flange that fits the newer larger O.D. bearings and bolt pattern.

Mike

[mudbug3]

micmac ,


Thanks for answering my question . I guess this is not the solution I was looking for .

[boncrshr]

Along these same lines....I would assume the advantage of going with the argo flange would be the ability to run the axle bearing extension?

My question is this...are the Argo axle bearing extensions a common off-the-shelf industrial part, or are they something produced by Argo specifically for AATV's?

[micmac]

Along these same lines....I would assume the advantage of going with the argo flange would be the ability to run the axle bearing extension?

My question is this...are the Argo axle bearing extensions a common off-the-shelf industrial part, or are they something produced by Argo specifically for AATV's?

Boncrshr,

I actually did the mod because I liked the double sealed housing. I feel it gives better protection and water resistance. I also like the fact that you can grease the bearings without worrying about blowing out the seal.

Was that one pump or two.....Oh crap I guess that was one too many!

[MaxRules]

That is a really nice improvement. It's something Recreatives needs to do on all new vehicles. I've had ten year old Argos that didn't leak a drop of water, while a brand new Max needs to be drained after a water ride. Argo's double sealed flange is the only way to seal up an amphibious vehicle. They are made by Argo but last time I checked they were reasonably priced. They should bolt right on to any Max IV up to year ~1997.