home made 6x6 comments please

[flyinwall]

The system of layout is nearly identical to how the Chinese Argo is layed out, i have some pics around somewhere of how it is layed out if you are interested ill see if i can find them, the best thing about the Chinese 8x8 is it has a PTO that could be used for winch, propeler or hydrolic attachments

i would love to see the pics you have

cheers

[Robinhood02]

The system of layout is nearly identical to how the Chinese Argo is layed out, i have some pics around somewhere of how it is layed out if you are interested ill see if i can find them, the best thing about the Chinese 8x8 is it has a PTO that could be used for winch, propeler or hydrolic attachments

[6X6]

An air locker may work if you set it up to lock when you're not turning, but if you have a failure you loose it most likely, but if it sticks you suddenly can't turn. A limited slip diff won't spin out to one side so easily but will still allow turning (albeit with more force on your brakes) I'd say if the diff works so well with an Argo, they'll work JUST fine in your build.

[flyinwall]

a locked diff will NOT work as you need to be able to stop one side from turning so that you can steer i have had a CIG locker in a suzuki 4x4 i had and it works well for that situation but will not work in this application

[gearhead1937]

I don't think a locked differential would work... both sides would have always be going the same speed. You could not turn.

[golpher76]

If you do use the gearbox and motor out of a front wheel drive car talk to your friend that rebuilds diffs about welding the diff so that it is posi. You could also have a machine shop make you a solid diff out of a plate of steel and use the spider gear splined sections welded to the steel plate(I have seen this done before). It's usually very strong and since you have the cv's for some play in the shafts you are less likely to explode the setup.

[Roger S]

axle centers are about 24" on 8x8 argo 8x8's before the newer avenger models.. I'm guessing they're about 27".

width of wheel track? not sure of the question.. depending on what wheel and tire you use, tires are 10 to 12" wide, fenders will fit tracks of about 13" without axle spacers, and outside width is around 5ft without axle extensions. Argo extensions are about 3" each side. That allows 18" tracks in the fenders and makes the vehicle about 6ft wide.

[smog]

Argo centaur 8x8; similar to regular argo 8x8

[flyinwall]

after careful consideration i have decided to go for an 8x8 as it will suit my needs better
now i need some dimensions from someone
i need to know what is the average distance between the wheels and what is the width of the wheel track on an average 8x8

cheers to the aatv gods on this forum

[smog]

what about driving the tracks with 2 cogged wheels ( like old Bombardiers ) straight on the disk brakes; no chains no sprockets

keep it simple (and lightweight)

[mrtlc]

What about using coged belts instead of chains? No noise or adjusting !

[smog]

you can use ANY front wheel drive engine with the automatic tranny and subframe (like a geo metro, suzuki swift, older civic, VW) the tranny will give you 3 speeds, the subframe will provide the powerplant supports while you can use the OEM disk brakes to steer. (use a lightweight powertrain and frame so you will not grenade the diff)

you will have to modify the axle to make them shorter. The OEM hubs will give you the disk brakes and caliper supports. you will be able to install a sprocket to the disk and drive all wheels at the same time.

this package will make replacement parts very easy to find and almost bulletproof or overkill in a lightweight frame.

[flyinwall]

the problem is trying to find one in australia
the other option i have been considering is using a small suzuki 4 cylinder 1.0lt motor out of a samauri 4x4 and using the gearbox that comes with it

[soutthpaw]

I would really try and find an old T20 tranny if at all possible, it will save you lots of headaches. you may pay a bit more but the reduced hassle and not needing a seperate gearbox may offset the cost

[6X6]

Argos also use an open diff/brakes for steering. So the setup will work. While not true 6 or 8-wheel drive, Argos are some amazingly capable machines, and with practice you don't realize there's a diff unless the owner tells you. One unavoidable downside, when you're making a sharp turn, the outside wheels are overdriven (2:1) so on top of the strain of turning, you're also effectively in a higher gear. Argos also set the center 2 axles down to help turning like what was mentioned. I drove 2 Argo 8x8s, Lewis's and Evil 8x8's, and knowing this it's easy to compensate for. Good luck on the build, I love this custom stuff.