The Ultimate Argo XTV Grease Debate:
Lucas Marine vs. Red 'N' Tacky
Maintaining an Argo amphibious vehicle requires a grease that can handle the unique challenge of transitioning from muddy trails to deep water. For years, enthusiasts have debated between two heavy hitters from the Lucas Oil product line: Lucas Marine Grease and Lucas Red 'N' Tacky.
And The Winner Is: Lucas Marine Grease
For the bearings on your Argo 6x6 or 8x8, stick with the blue Lucas Marine Grease. It is thin enough to flow into the bearing race port but tough enough to keep the water out. Save the Red 'N' Tacky for your tractor, riding mower, or non-amphibious equipment where the high-tack formula provides an unbeatable barrier against dirt and dust.
While both are exceptional lubricants, the specific design of Argo bearings and flanges makes Lucas Marine Grease the superior choice for high-moisture and amphibious environments.
While both are exceptional lubricants, the specific design of Argo bearings and flanges makes Lucas Marine Grease the superior choice for high-moisture and amphibious environments.
1. Superior Flow Through Bearing Port Holes
Argo outer and inner frame bearings feature small "pin-hole" ports on the race for re-greasing. A common complaint with thicker, more adhesive greases is that they struggle to actually penetrate these tiny openings, leading to "false greasing" where the lubricant packs around the outside race while the internal ball bearings and seals remain dry.
Lucas Marine Grease is formulated with a "smooth" texture that, while adhesive, maintains better flow characteristics under the pressure of a grease gun. This allows it to move through the port hole and fully pack the bearing cavity, ensuring the vehicle remains watertight and lubricated.
2. Formulated for Water (Not Just "Water Resistant")
While Red 'N' Tacky is highly water-resistant, Lucas Marine Grease is specifically engineered to handle the chemical challenges of water intrusion.
- Corrosion Inhibitors: It contains a unique additive system that provides maximum protection in both fresh and salt water.
- Washout Resistance: With a water washout rating of just 2.75% at 175°F, it is less likely to emulsify or "wash away" when your Argo is submerged during a water crossing, or a few hours out on the lake fishing.
Technical Performance: Load & Heat
The following graph highlights why both greases are top-tier, but emphasizes the extra "shock loading" protection found in the Marine grade.
New Bearings: A Needle Is A Must Have Tool
By combining the flow characteristics of Lucas Marine Grease with the precision of a LNL123 Needle Greaser, you create a waterproof barrier that protects your Argo’s drivetrain before the bearing is ever installed ensuring no water will bypass the ball bearings or internal bearing seals right up to your next greasing interval.
Pro Tip: The "Two-Pump" Rule for New Argo Bearings
When replacing a bearing on your Argo, never assume it is "ready to go" straight out of the box. Most new bearings come with only a thin film of shipping oil or a minimal amount of factory grease meant for storage, not for the grueling amphibious environment of an Argo 6x6 or 8x8 XTV.
To ensure your new bearing doesn't fail prematurely, follow this Pre-Grease Protocol:
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- Use a LNL123 Grease Needle: Because the small port on the bearing race can be easily misaligned during installation preventing grease from entering through the port hole. Attach the LNL123 Grease Needle to your grease gun nozzle loaded with Lucas Marine Grease.
- The "Two-Pump" Precision: Carefully slide the LNL123 Grease Needle tip into the bearing port and inject exactly two pumps of grease while slowly rotating the bearing by hand between the first and second pump.
- Use a LNL123 Grease Needle: Because the small port on the bearing race can be easily misaligned during installation preventing grease from entering through the port hole. Attach the LNL123 Grease Needle to your grease gun nozzle loaded with Lucas Marine Grease.
Why this matters: "Pre-greasing eliminates a dry bearing that the standard zerk fitting on the flange might not be able to lubricate due to debris or misalignment of the bearing port during installation. By using the better-flowing Lucas Marine Grease, you ensure those two pumps pack around internal ball bearings and internal seals are well lubricated to help prevent any penetration of water or dirt". - Ed Pfeiffelman
Don’t Forget the Flange: Preventing Seal Tearing
Pre-greasing the internal balls of the bearing is only half the battle. To ensure a truly watertight seal and a smooth assembly, you must also address the exterior flange or outer seals.
The axle-to-flange interface is a common failure point for water intrusion if the rubber seal is damaged during installation or a dry spot on the flange is left after assembly. Depending on your Argo's model year, follow these specific pre-lube steps using Lucas Marine Grease:
The axle-to-flange interface is a common failure point for water intrusion if the rubber seal is damaged during installation or a dry spot on the flange is left after assembly. Depending on your Argo's model year, follow these specific pre-lube steps using Lucas Marine Grease:
For New Replacement HD Flanges (Part #606-88)
On the newer style 4-bolt HD (606-88) exterior flange and bearing seat (606-89), the internal cavities of each must must be pre-lubed.
- The Goal: Create a "grease dam" that traps any silt or water before it ever reaches the bearing race.
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The Action: Apply a liberal, even coat of Lucas Marine Grease to the interior cup of the HD flange (606-88) and bearing seat (606-89). This ensures that as the grease prevents any dry spots during assembly. Wearing latex gloves and applying with your fingers works the best.
For Older Style Flanges w/ Seals (Part #605-97)
If you are running the older style (605-97) flanges with separate seals, pre-lubing is non-negotiable.
- The Risk: Sliding a dry, high-friction powdercoated axle through the dry rubber seals can cause the lip to "flip" or tear, leading to an instant leak or grease contamination the first time you enter the water.
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The Action: Generously coat the inner diameter of the seals. The high-flow characteristics of the Lucas Marine Grease allow it to stay pliable and slick, protecting the seal when sliding the flange down the axle shaft.
The Final Argo Axle Assembly Checklist
Before you slide that axle back into the tub, run through this "Waterproof-Ready" list:
- Bearings: Grease Internal: 2 pumps via LNL123 Grease Needle through the bearing race port.
- Bearings: Grease Exterior: Thin coat of Lucas Marine Grease on the outer race of the bearing to prevent seizing in the carrier.
- Flange/Seals (606-88 or 605-97): Apply grease to the inner cavity to prevent dry-spots or seal tearing.
- Axle Shaft: Wipe a thin layer of silver anti-seize on the axle shaft where the bearing will sit to help prevent rust and "welding" between the bearing and steel axle.
- Once all flanges and nuts and bolts have been tightened, attach your grease gun to the flange zerk(s) and add 2-3 additional pumps of Lucas Marine Grease to fill any voids in the flange cavity around the bearing race.
Regular Maintenance Intervals: The Key To Longevity
Keeping your bearings watertight and dirt free is all about a solid maintenance routine. Here is a quick guide for greasing your your bearing flanges.
- Exterior Flanges: Grease every 15–20 hours, 3-4 pumps after long swims, or after a power wash. You should see grease squeeze out from around the bearing and flange.
- Interior Flanges: You can usually wait until every second exterior service, unless the interior tub had water that touched the bearings or was power washed. 3-4 pumps is adequate. Don't forget to grease your idler shafts and on Classic transmission models the two zerks under the transmission left and right of the brake rotors or any remote reservoir manifold zerk. On Admiral transmission models grease the couplers as well to prevent transmission output shaft tooth wear.
- Pro Tip: If you're parking outside or at camp, park on a slight incline and pull the drain plugs to let water out from rain or melting snow. Just make sure those plugs are back in before your next trip to the lake.
The Professional Verdict: Why These Steps Matter
At Doc's Full Bore Outdoor, we’ve seen firsthand how a little bit of prep work—and the right grease—can save an Argo owner thousands in repair costs. Following the "Two-Pump" rule for new bearings and ensuring your flanges (606-88) and seals (605-97) are properly pre-lubed creates a nearly impenetrable barrier against the elements.
Doc's Full Bore Outdoor is confident you will find extended life out of your bearings if you follow the above steps. By choosing the superior flow and water-resistant chemistry of Lucas Marine Grease, you aren't just lubricating; you are arming your 6x6 or 8x8 for the toughest terrain on earth.
Get the Right Tools for the Job
Don't guess when it comes to your driveline. We stock all the Argo parts you need to perform this maintenance correctly:
- Lucas Marine Grease – The ultimate amphibious lubricant.
- LNL123 Needle Greaser – The precision tool required to pre-grease your new bearings.
We Are Here to Help
Maintenance can be intimidating, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you ever have a technical question on your Argo, please call Doc's Full Bore Outdoor. We will be happy to assist you, and it is truly no inconvenience to us—we want to see your Argo staying where it belongs: out on the trail and in the water.
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