how to tell what year hub sprocket I have on 85 r

[down4thakrown]

Many years ago I swapped out my bent axle on my 85 250r for a straight one I got off eBay. I can't remember if I got it from a 86. It looks like the po swapped out the sprocket hub or at least it was taking ofd then beat back on. So I want to buy new sprockets and need to know what year hub I have. What would I measure? Or look for?

[Red Rider]

An '85 sprocket hub will have threaded holes in the hub that the sprocket bolts to, and the sprocket will be on the outside of the hub. 1985 axle: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1985-HONDA-250R-ATC-OEM-AXLE-STRAIGHT-GOOD-SPLINES-THREADS-85-ATC250R-/301406312354?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&hash=item462d3757a2&vxp=mtr

An '86-89 sprocket hub will not have threaded holes in the hub, and the sprocket will be on the inside of the hub. 1986-89 axle: http://www.ebay.com/itm/TRX250R-1988-1989-OEM-REAR-AXLE-TRX-250R-FOURTRAX-HONDA-ATC250R-ATC-86-89-/111531811969?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19f7d06481&vxp=mtr

[down4thakrown]

So would a 86 sprocket work on a 85? I see some offer aftermarket sprockets that will work on a 85 and 86 and some wont work on both?mine turned out to be a 85.

[Red Rider]

You can use an '86-89 sprocket on an '85 axle if you use the appropriate conical seat bolts to mount it up, but you can't use an '85 sprocket on an '86-89 axle.

[Poco Loco]

Many years ago I swapped out my bent axle on my 85 250r for a straight one I got off eBay. I can't remember if I got it from a 86. It looks like the po swapped out the sprocket hub or at least it was taking ofd then beat back on. So I want to buy new sprockets and need to know what year hub I have. What would I measure? Or look for?

If the axle you got on ebay fit into the 85 carrier, its an 85 axle you have. The 86 wont fit into the 85 carrier. hope this helps.

[Red Rider]

If the axle you got on ebay fit into the 85 carrier, its an 85 axle you have. The 86 wont fit into the 85 carrier. hope this helps.Sure it will.

[Mr. Clean]

This is how I remember what interchanges.

The axle bearings fits from 1985-1989 so all axles will interchange. The bearing carrier in the 85 swinger is a smaller diameter but the bearings are the same so you cannot swap the carriers from 85 into 86-89.

http://www.atvparthub.com/A251320_Moose_Racing_Wheel_Bearings_Moose_Whl_Brg_ Kit?src=Google&gclid=CNziy5uSvMICFRSGfgodi7MAMQ

[Poco Loco]

The 86 carrier is wider. How will the 85 bearings line up with the axle ? Hmm, I may have to go to my shop and check this. 85 carrier...narrow. 86 carrier wider and thicker....interesting how the axles will interchange...hmm. Maybe i need to go look. I really dont see how its possible.

[down4thakrown]

Would I beable to find the 86 bolts I need at a hardware store? Im sure they will have them but I'm wondering if they need to be a certain grade so I don't shear them off. I ask cause my 85 sprocket carrier threads are stripped. So I need the bolts long enough to get a nut on. Anybody got a length of the factory ones for me?

[Mr. Clean]

I have sets of 86 OEM hardware. PM me and I can get a set of four bolts and nuts in the mail Friday from surprise AZ.

[down4thakrown]

What if I use coned washers? Could some from a hardware store work?

[Red Rider]

The '85 sprocket hub had threaded bolt holes for the sprocket mounting bolts, but since yours are stripped, I honestly don't know if you'll have room between the sprocket hub and carrier to put nuts on the bolts. The nuts might end up hitting on the carrier. If the nuts won't hit on anything, that would be your easiest fix. If the nuts will hit, I would try drilling out, and re-tapping some threads into the sprocket hub, and mount the sprocket without nuts, like it was designed to be.

Also, I believe the '86-89 sprocket mounting bolts are larger in diameter than the '85's, so even if you have the '86 hardware, they won't work with an '85 sprocket hub.

[down4thakrown]

The nuts will clear. I've had them on there for as long as I can remember. If I taped it for the 86 hardware would there be enough material left on the hub to handle the stress?

[Red Rider]

It's hard to tell. I don't have an '85 axle to look at, but looking at ebay axle pics, and comparing the two axles, the '85 hub doesn't look as beefy around the sprocket mounting holes as the '86. Since you know the nuts clear, I'd go that route as it's your easiest fix.

[Poco Loco]

Why is it you can run a trx 250r axle on a 86 but cant on an 85........their not the same. Thats why. So Mike and red rider, whats your take on that?

[Red Rider]

Why is it you can run a trx 250r axle on a 86 but cant on an 85........their not the same. Thats why. So Mike and red rider, whats your take on that? Poco, you can use a TRX 250R axle in an '85 250R, and here is why. I hope this explanation adds some clarity for you: As Mr. Clean stated, the axle bearings are the same, so we know the axles will fit. Since the carriers are different, the axles have different sprocket hubs pressed onto them. The '86 sprocket hub has more offset to clear the wider carrier, so:

You cannot use an '85 axle in an '86-89 carrier because the sprocket hub will hit the carrier, due to less offset in the hub.

But, you can use an '86-89 axle in the '85 carrier as long as you use the '86-89 style sprocket and mounting bolts.

It's confusing I know. It seems if the 86 works on the 85, then the 85 should work on the 86, but it doesn't, and it's all because of the different offsets in the sprocket hubs.

[Poco Loco]

Poco, you can use a TRX 250R axle in an '85 250R, and here is why. I hope this explanation adds some clarity for you: As Mr. Clean stated, the axle bearings are the same, so we know the axles will fit. Since the carriers are different, the axles have different sprocket hubs pressed onto them. The '86 sprocket hub has more offset to clear the wider carrier, so:

You cannot use an '85 axle in an '86-89 carrier because the sprocket hub will hit the carrier, due to less offset in the hub.

But, you can use an '86-89 axle in the '85 carrier as long as you use the '86-89 style sprocket and mounting bolts.

It's confusing I know. It seems if the 86 works on the 85, then the 85 should work on the 86, but it doesn't, and it's all because of the different offsets in the sprocket hubs.

So modifications are needed,thats what I thought. Turn the 86 axle into an 85 then it slides in just like you said. I knew you couldnt just slide it in and go. I guess a cr 500 engine will work in an 85 also. Just gotta do the mods...lol

[Red Rider]

So modifications are needed,thats what I thought. Turn the 86 axle into an 85 then it slides in just like you said. I knew you couldnt just slide it in and go. I guess a cr 500 engine will work in an 85 also. Just gotta do the mods...lolWell, if you consider taking a stock (or aftermarket) '86-89 axle, sliding it into an '85 carrier, and then using an '86-89 style sprocket and mounting hardware a "modification", then yes, "modifications" are necessary. :crazy:

Try rereading my previous post, but this time pay attention, and you'll find that I never say, nor imply, that anything needs to be modified.

[Poco Loco]

Dude, try reading my 1st post....alls I said is you cant use an 86 axle in an 85 carrier. ..Its a Fact....It dont work without modifiying it. Then you guys tried to correct me. It dont work. Plain and simple. :crazy:...Now Im off to watch some paint dry. C-Ya

[The_Steve_Man]

If having to use an 86 sprocket on an 86 axle in an 85 carrier is a modification, then yes it needs modified.

[The_Steve_Man]

A 400ex axle will as well. But it needs a spacer (1/4") between the bearing and sprocket hub.

[Poco Loco]

Its a matter of pressing the factory pressed on hub. Honda sells the axle and hub a an assembly. The casual rider wrench turner doesnt have a press to change out hubs. There are differances, not to tough to overcome them though. My point was, you cant just interchange the 2 years of axles.

[Red Rider]

Its a matter of pressing the factory pressed on hub. Honda sells the axle and hub a an assembly. The casual rider wrench turner doesnt have a press to change out hubs. There are differances, not to tough to overcome them though. My point was, you cant just interchange the 2 years of axles.I don't know how to explain it any simpler for you, but you don't need to press off & on any sprocket hubs. I give up.

[Samjp22]

hahahaha I think you made it simple enough red, cleared up everything I was curious about

[Poco Loco]

206002206003

Well I went out to the shop and grabbed a 86 swinger and 85 axle...here it is. The hub grinds the carrier. I cant make this any clearer. You getting this Samjp22? Hee hee.

[Samjp22]

I didn't say I was confused???

All explained here by Red
You cannot use an '85 axle in an '86-89 carrier because the sprocket hub will hit the carrier, due to less offset in the hub.

But, you can use an '86-89 axle in the '85 carrier as long as you use the '86-89 style sprocket and mounting bolts.

I was just curious because lonestar says to use an 86 and up sprocket and bolts on my 85. And now I know why

[The_Steve_Man]

Poco do you have an 86 axle and 85 carrier? If you do, try it.

[Poco Loco]

Poco do you have an 86 axle and 85 carrier? If you do, try it.

Ya I have them all but the 85 carrier has a 85 durablue installed in it. Something tells me that if i put the 86 axle into the 85 carrier the sprocket will be out of alingement the width of the sprocket. You know the point i was trying to make was these things arent interchangeable without mods. then things got all kookie. Maybe i will look into this further when I get time and see what other things that pop up.

[Samjp22]

yeah all the more information the merrier! who knows maybe some more honda axles can interchange with slight mods

[Poco Loco]

Steve man, thanks for posting those pics on the "Carrier" thread. It totally backs up my suspicions. Yep the sprocket will be way offset to the left if you run the 86 axle in the 85 carrier. So I wasnt off base. their not compatable. I guess if you dont care how far you sprocket is out of center then its all good.

[Red Rider]

Well I went out to the shop and grabbed a 86 swinger and 85 axle...here it is. The hub grinds the carrier. I cant make this any clearer.Exactly! Like I said, back in post #16, you can't use an '85 axle in an '86-89 carrier or else the sprocket hub will hit the carrier.

But, you can use an '86-89 axle in the '85 carrier, and there are no sprocket alignment issues.

[Poco Loco]

206035

While servicing my 85 carrier this morning I slid the 86 axle in and put on the lock nut and there was only 3/16" more offset with the 86 axle.. I wouldnt be afraid to run that. I learned 1st hand the differances between the 2 years. You were right ,they do interchange. Not to perfection, but close enough to run it.

[The_Steve_Man]

I just measured the two and that is the difference I came up with to.

[Poco Loco]

I was thinking it would be the width of the sprocket. I was just an R.C.H. off on that one.