Hustler rebuild almost complete

[Sandcassle]

Everything should be good to go with the bottom half of my Hustler. The engine starts good & runs strong. The chains are running relatively smooth and all the crappy nylon chain adjusters are running even & spinning (for now).

I'm ready to install the top half of the poly body. I should be able to go on a test spin this coming weekend if I can get the tires to hold air and not break the bead off the rim.

Joy Joy Joy!

[jpswift1]

Looks great! Just a thought for the nylon chain idlers (especially the ones coming off the T-20), you might want to use an idler sprocket, like the set up on the later Hustlers like the 950 and the 980.

[Sandcassle]

Replacing the nylon rollers with sprockets

Does the 950 & 980 completely do away with the nylon rollers?

I've already considered doing this mod. I didn't know the factory actually did this on the later models.

Yes, I want to replace all of the rollers with sprockets and I don't see why it wouldn't work great.

[Mike]

That looks great. Awesome job.

[jpswift1]

Does the 950 & 980 completely do away with the nylon rollers?

I've already considered doing this mod. I didn't know the factory actually did this on the later models.

Yes, I want to replace all of the rollers with sprockets and I don't see why it wouldn't work great.

The 950 and 980 had idler sprockets to keep the tension on the chain coming off the T-20, but throughout the rest of the vehicle they still used nylon rollers. You might want to ask 6x6World member boncrshr about the custom chain tensioners that he used on his 950. He came up with a really great setup and it works great.

[brushcutter]

The 950 and 980 had idler sprockets to keep the tension on the chain coming off the T-20, but throughout the rest of the vehicle they still used nylon rollers. You might want to ask 6x6World member boncrshr about the custom chain tensioners that he used on his 950. He came up with a really great setup and it works great.

Sandcassle,before you go any farther;check out the boncrshr tensioners! I didn't see them until after I had my frame ,axles ... already installed but I liked them so much that I pulled the frame back out and installed them minus the springs (my chains were new and the springs wouldn't fit) so mine are semi-rigid.I'm not sure the springs are really necessary,31.2hrs and have only adjusted chains 4 times ! Boncrshr was really hammering on the genius drum when he came up with this one. If you don't like the thought of adjusting your chains every 30 mins or so (who does)then think about installing these.What about a split shifter also?I put one in-"just in case I ever needed it"-to sum it up in one word : invaluable.I have yet to "almost or Kinda' " need the split shifter,but have been in several situations where it came down to winching around to get out or split shift and drive out. It is better to drive than to winch and it is better to winch than to walk.

[Sandcassle]

Please excuse my ignorance, but exactly what is a split shifter?

Yes, I will be installing gears in lieu of plastic rollers. Not today, but soon after I get some new shoes.

[jpswift1]

A split shifter is a mod that allows you to put one side of the T-20 in reverse and one side in forward. This will give you a zero turn radius and the wheels on either side of the machine will counter rotate. The split shifer isn't too difficult to do for a Max II, but a Hustler would require a bit more effort to fab something up.

[Sandcassle]

I already can put one side in forward and the other side in reverse. You can "unscrew" yourself out if your stuck really bad. However, R.C. at Route 6x6 warned me not to do that with the Hustler, unless I'm wanting to be buying some axles from him. He says the Hustler's axles are just too small diameter for doing this and they will bend.

[mudbug3]

( QUOTE )" I already can put one side in forward and the other side in reverse. You can "unscrew" yourself out if your stuck really bad. However, R.C. at Route 6x6 warned me not to do that with the Hustler, unless I'm wanting to be buying some axles from him. He says the Hustler's axles are just too small diameter for doing this and they will bend "


Sandcassle ,

The second Hustler Bigfoot that I bought had a factory split shifter on it, but the first Bigfoot that I bought did not? My friend made a custom split shifter for his Hustler 950 and he is VERY happy with it. Having the ability to split shift he told me , makes the difference between winching yourself out or driving yourself out. I,d rather drive than get out of my amphib if I have a choice.

[micmac]

Sadcassle,

Awesome Job! I have to say I'm jealous of how fast your unit came together it looks great now for some action photos!

[boncrshr]

Ummm..MicMac, that is Sandcassle, he'd only be sadcassle if his Hustler wasn't looking so rocking right now

Seriously, awesome job! The only bad thing about it is it is tough to keep them that clean!!! I love that clean, new look you have going...

Thanks for the chain tensioner compliments guys...I am going to post a detailed follow-up in the next day or so, but here is the short version. The front chain tensioners work great, are EASY to install as you don't have to pull the frame, basically work as advertised with no hiccups. The rear tensioners are another story...they work good once installed, but are super hard to install, then with any chain stretch or other repairs that you may need to do, they end up being too much trouble to mess with. Therefore; I would stick with stock rear tensioners for now. I have been pondering some solutions, nothing concrete yet. There is just not enough room back there to do much.

For the 980 owners, due to the taller tub, I think moving the engine and trans forward would be awesome. Better center of gravity, plus it would create some room to put chain tensioners of your choice, and have room for your hands to install them. Also, I am still thinking about the drive chains on the T-20...until hunting season is over I am in maintain/drive mode. I will be back in rebuilding/modifying mode in February.

[6X6]

Looks great! You really worked FAST on this!! But it certainly doesn't look like a rush job. Wish I could get my new attex done half that fast

[micmac]

Ummm..MicMac, that is Sandcassle, he'd only be sadcassle if his Hustler wasn't looking so rocking right now

Call me SadMac both for bad typing and because Sandcassle has smoked me in the Hustler build-off

[Sandcassle]

In the past, I've always used oil on the chains and other moving parts. This time I'm not using oil. For the chain, I'm using a parafin chain lube. For all other moving parts, I'll be using a dry lubricant.

These lubricants may or may not be as good as oil. But I'm going to give it a try, because I remember how nasty it was when I used oil. It actually may be better because oil attracts dirt and grime to the chains, which of course causes excessive wear. We'll see...

Ummm..MicMac, that is Sandcassle, he'd only be sadcassle if his Hustler wasn't looking so rocking right now

Seriously, awesome job! The only bad thing about it is it is tough to keep them that clean!!! I love that clean, new look you have going...

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