pdf files of the manual are available on line. I find it by using google. I'm going out on a limb and saying that the The only thing close to a diff on it is the augur drive. At least it looks like a diff

I was not able to fingd the service manual on this Ariens. I have found parts finders but no service manual.

I am believeing that the poster who post that this takes 90w fluid was wrong and there is only one are he may be describing is the Auger gear box which on my model contains packed grease.

was it hard to replace the v belts? HOw long does it take?

I don't know about yer Ariens, but, i took out 2 bolts in my Dayton, and it fell apart! And there were the 2 belts that i had to replace! Easy as pie, ya might say!
the person who sold me the belts said i'd have a devil of a time getting it back together, but, no sweat--went back easy too!

Very easy to replace, two large bolts and auger housing tilts back and you have access to belts, inspect tensioner.If its old just replace them.

I still would love to get a service manual for this.

their customer service helped me identify what model Ariens RER I have. I'm sure they would sell you a manual.

The model # for your machine is usually on the back right corner of the tractor. Parts diagrams and some manuals are online at Ariens.com. Very old machine manuals are only available as paper copies, $6.

Be sure you remove the shear pins and rotate the rakes a couple of times to spread thelubricant. Otherwise they will rust to the shaftover time andthey are very, very difficult to remove at that point.

The auger drive will have one or more screws to remove to emmpty and refill the gearbox. There are two different lubricants used, depending on whether it's an aluminum or cast iron gearbox. I use the official Ariens stuff.

This is a 1970 with a new Intek Snow 7.5hp engine.
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This is an ST824 I bought for $212 and refurbished. You can see the screw to add lube in the front of the gearbox.
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Garandman that is an awesum job, I saw this on the other site. That is a show blower. I did not get that involved with mine. I did sand all rust off and repainted the right way and it looks great but I plan on using this beast ASAP. I am proud of what I did, I got this machine and it was starting hard with the electric,now she starts on one to two pulls manual.

That is great advice you mentioned about the removing the auger bolts and spinning it a few times,will do this this week.

What do you think for gearcase lubricant? I have an ST524 that appears to have grease in it... which once spread out to the sides, failed to lubricate and shredded the worm gear. I'm tempted to use 90W gear case oil like my older ariens... what do you think?

--Dan