putting splined axles in a 99 max2

[midwestmadness775]

Just wondering if it could be done. If it can what would the cost be?

[thebuggyman1]

If you already have the round pinned axles, it's cost prohibitive. Retail on the new axles is approx $150 each. You will also need new sprockets, and new inner bearings.
You would be better off buying a used machine and selling the one you have. This is the reason I started with donor machines for my 2 projects: http://www.6x6world.com/forums/max-a...-tall-tub.html

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/attex-atvs/28532-attex-lil-monster-truck.html

There are cheaper sources for axles/sprockets, but not a lot cheaper. If you have access to machine shop tools, you could make your own....but that adds up to a lot of time invested.

Now ask yourself: What is the big advantage of splined axles? On a low horsepower machine, I'd argue there is none. If you are adding a bunch of HP to your machine, you could always have a machine shop cut keyways into your axles and sprockets. 1 1/4" split collars are available with key slots cut in also.......You just have to think outside the box a little.

On the other hand, if you have bad (bent etc.) axle(s) and worn out sprocket(s)...you might as well upgrade, especially if it's only one at a time.
The new axles however are a tad bit shorter than the old ones, so you have to add a wheel spacer or live with your tires not lining up.
I bought a new axle for the attex project and opted to put a spacer on the inner bearing instead. The problem with doing that on a stock machine is where the clips go that align the sprockets. I used spacers and split collars to hold the axle in place and align the sprockets, so it didn't affect me.

[jerseybigfoot]

this is a repost. I see you have a max 2 not a 4. Id stay with the pinned axles for now unless you are having problems with the thrubolts or worn out sprockets. My max 2 had pinned axles and bushings for the inner bearings and held up very well. if you have hollow axles you can add a grease fitting to the axle to lube the bushings.

[wfo]

they will fit and are alittle longer. i would go for it and change out the rear to start.
just do it. upgrades are always better , that way you can just cut out the old axels
and be done with it.of course $ are involved.

[Noel Woods]

My tan Max2 has gone all its life with pinned, hollow axles. I've replaced some bearings over the years, and the chain twice. However for a 1995 model that's seen a lot of usage, I'm very happy with how the machine has performed and continues to perform.

Jim's point that unless you push a lot of hp is very valid. My Max2 has 18hp, while its not a lot of power, in a small machine its more than adequate. I've pulled many a larger amphib out of being stuck as well as dozens of 4 wheelers. Its got plenty of oomph and I've driven many a 16 hp Max 2 and Hustlers that had plenty of power.

If you need more pulling power for not a bunch of money, I'd recommend switching the output sprockets on the t20 to a 13 tooth, or even an 11 tooth. It will cut the speed down but the torque will amaze you.

[millerperf]

I don't think the axle is the weak link? how many on here has broken the bolt in axle? or sheared a round soild axle! HAPPY NEW YEAR.

[wfo]

me

[thebuggyman1]

me

And how many ponies are you?

If I'm not mistaken, we are referring to the budget of a teenager.

I personally wanted the tougher splined axles for my projects, but I have a few more available $'s too.

[wfo]

55 h.p now but at the time i had issues was with a 20 h.p. manum engine..
that's what christmas is for...new stuff, he's got to have parents that love him ?

[midwestmadness775]

.

[midwestmadness775]

Budget isnt a problem. I run equipment in the woods and get payed pretty well. My dad has a nice 04 max 2 with the 23 or 24 horse. Only has 26 hours on it. Its jist one of those things where I dont want to use it and break it. So im looking at this 99. Ive used this 99 im looking at it runs good. Has a 14 horse. But I plan on changing that eventually. Just wondering how big of a headache it would be changing all the sprockets and axles. And a ballpark price to know if I even want this max. I was kind of leaning towards finding an old amphicat or attex or something so I dont have to worry about banging it up in the woods. Also how would the pinned axles in the 99 max hold up with tracks? It also has bearings instead of bushings

[thebuggyman1]

OK, fair enough. Ball park prices are: $900 for the axles, $600 for the sprockets, $100+ for new inner bearings (new axles take 1"). You may also need 4 new #520 chains for the axles if your current chain is not #520, so there's another $200.

Back to my original point on how it would be more cost effective to sell your machine and buy another with the splined axles already.

[amphibious drew]

If I understand this right, you are thinking of purchasing a machine that you want to upgrade? Just get a splined axle machine to start with. Member jpswift is going to be in the process of upgrading his orange max II to a splined unit. I convinced him to do it the easy way and just swap uppers so his orange upper is on a newer machines lower. It's easy enough when you have 2 complete running machines, but not really worth it on certain machines like a Max II or IV unless you can get the parts for cheap somehow. It's just way cheaper to buy a splined unit. Besides, you already anticipate not being satisfied with the 14 in it. So now you are talking another $1200 for a bigger power plant on top of the axle upgrade. Add that to the $1800 in driveline parts and your $3000 on top of your purchase price. It's pretty easy to find a good splined Max II for $3500 ready to go. If you watch, I bet you could find one for less than the parts cost to upgrade that 14hp.

[jpswift1]

Just like Drew stated, just find a 1999 or newer Max II with splined axles. You're much better off doing it this way. I bought a brand new orange upper body and was going to put it on my 1993 Max II, but I found a 2000 Max II with splined axles and the same 22" Rawhide III tires and same 18HP Briggs Vanguard engine so I simply swapped upper bodies and I was done with it.