By mojoman ( - 216.209.27.128) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hi there, my grandpa has an old aatv which he built himself back in the late 70's.
I have decided to take it upon myself to restore it, the only real problem is one of the axles is bent and I was wandering if anybody knows how to straighten it, other then that all I have to do is get the engine running( or buy new one, the engine is an Austin 150-200hp engine(not to sure how much horsepower), this machine is very similar to a Bombardier Bombi, so if anybody knows how to straighten and axle that would be appreciated. thanks.

By Howard Hoover on Unrecorded Date: Edit

You would probably be better off just buying or making a new one.

By mojoman ( - 216.209.27.128) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I suppose, I have found some info on this site.
I guess I could use a press to try and straighten it and if that didnt work I would buy a new one. How much would a 2000-3000lbs axle cost Canadian$$ ?

By Fred Sowerwine, Montana's Max dealer (Fred4dot) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

david berger has a system whereby you use a hydraulic jack and a chain as close to the body as you can get. I have used it and it works pretty well (not 100% true but close enough if you are on relatively loose stuff (gravel, soft dirt, grass, etc.).

I use a wood 4x4 long enough to go under the off side tire and extend past the end of the bent axle (take the wheel off the bent axle) and I block between the 4x4 and the body. I have a chain that goes around the 4x4 and the axle as close to the body as possible (as small a chain as possible that won't break). Put your jack as far out toward the end of the axle as you can with the bend pointing down. It takes a few trys to get it right and you need a ten ton jack or so to do the job. If you work at it and measure, it will get really close (you need to go past true just a little to get it straight). I think you should do it without heat as heat will take the temper out of the steel. Did I miss anything david?

If you decide to buy a new one, just check with your local welding shop and they will be able to make you one. Won't guess on price because I don't know the diameter or length. Sounds like it is a bigger axle than we use on our Max and Argos.

By Greg Lawrence (Greglawrence) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

you could probly find one of the machinists at a plant or such and see if theyll straigten it for you. The guys down here will do anything with plant resources to put some extra bucks in their pocket.