Recomended modifications or just good idea's for max owners that like to tinker

[rcn11thacr]

I spoke to Mike about this thread and he gave me the green light. What i am looking to do is start a "go to" thread for members that are interested in reading about how they can make their max better. This thread is specific to the max brand only. This thread will include modifications to factory parts as well as parts that were never intended for a max but work well due to someones willingness to use brain power and sweat equity. I ask that each member willing to add a thread to this one ensure's that the title has been clearly identified, it has the years it will work on (if applicable), and is easy to understand. For example: "2007 and up maxIV throttle modification". Any modification is welcome as long as it makes our max a better machine. If Mike notices that this thread is getting good information from many different users he will make it a sticky for everyone to easily get to. If you want to talk about how to make something better, use the regular max forum thread for that. This thread is for proven modifications that are known to produce positive results. Do not add a link to click on in this thread. If it's written on another website, find another way to actually "copy and paste" it here. My goal is to have a sticky that does not require someone to leave this site to get the information they want. Pictures are your friend here, click away and share them here to facilitate fluent understanding of your modification.

[akcrawler]

I'm not sure if this is the place for this, but I was wondering about the utility of split-shifting. I have seen videos and forum posts on doing this to a Max, but what is the real reason for doing it? I understand that you can turn tighter and possibly get into and out of tighter spots, but how often does one really need this ability in actual use? It seems that constantly dealing with two shifters would be more hassle than it is worth. I agree that the cool factor is there. Maybe that is most of the reason for doing it? I am still pretty new to skid steer atv's, so maybe I just don't see it yet. At this point I am more curious than anything.

[Surfer Dude]

I'm not sure if this is the place for this, but I was wondering about the utility of split-shifting. I have seen videos and forum posts on doing this to a Max, but what is the real reason for doing it? I understand that you can turn tighter and possibly get into and out of tighter spots, but how often does one really need this ability in actual use? It seems that constantly dealing with two shifters would be more hassle than it is worth. I agree that the cool factor is there. Maybe that is most of the reason for doing it? I am still pretty new to skid steer atv's, so maybe I just don't see it yet. At this point I am more curious than anything.

If you have ever tried shifting a machine that has a t-20 transmission from forward to reverse or vice-versa it can be quite difficult sometimes as you are trying to shift 2 gears at once technically. So to be able to shift you have to rock machine back and forth till both gears allow you to move into the other set of gears. By split shifting essentially you only have to shift one gear at a time which makes shifting way easier and reduces chances of grinding gears. Hope this clears it up for you

[hydromike]

I built a twin-stick shifter for my Swamp Fox and Newt the Bold. I first did it on the 'Fox since I was starting from ground zero and liked the appeal of being able to counter rotate the transmission. After a few rides, I realized how insanely difficult it is to spin my Titans in opposite directions in anything except water or mud. It's helpful in about 1 in 10 "stucks", and now I just like it because of the ability to shift the transmission THAT much easier. I doubt I'll ever counter rotate the Newt, but if it shifts as easily as 'Fox, it's worth it. Keep your shifters close together and you can often shift both sides at the same time with one hand, so there's really not that much of a hassle.

[JoeMeg]

I built a twin-stick shifter for my Swamp Fox and Newt the Bold. I first did it on the 'Fox since I was starting from ground zero and liked the appeal of being able to counter rotate the transmission. After a few rides, I realized how insanely difficult it is to spin my Titans in opposite directions in anything except water or mud. It's helpful in about 1 in 10 "stucks", and now I just like it because of the ability to shift the transmission THAT much easier. I doubt I'll ever counter rotate the Newt, but if it shifts as easily as 'Fox, it's worth it. Keep your shifters close together and you can often shift both sides at the same time with one hand, so there's really not that much of a hassle.

Another good point would be the added difficulty performing the "T-20 Dance" in these much larger,heavier machines.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Is there any writen instructions or step by step videos of this mod? How is it done? Is there a kit available? Thanks.

[hydromike]

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/content/347-skid-steer-split-shifter.html

The principles are basically the same for any machine. Just build a shift mechanism that shifts the right and left side of the T-20. There are a number of ways to approach it, depending on where you want the shift levers...

[phabib]

I'm glad to see this topic getting some traction.

The other T-20 mod that I see people talking about all the time is the "popsicle stick" replacement for the U channel setup on the brake bands. I've never actually driven either kind but I gather that by removing slop out of the linkages you get more responsive steering.

[Rusty-Gunn]

I'm glad to see this topic getting some traction.

The other T-20 mod that I see people talking about all the time is the "popsicle stick" replacement for the U channel setup on the brake bands. I've never actually driven either kind but I gather that by removing slop out of the linkages you get more responsive steering.

I have no idea about either of these mods. I am definately interested in learning. Cool stuff.

[akcrawler]

Good answers guys. It is interesting to note that it makes shifting easier. I hadn't thought of that angle, but I have already noticed that shifting the T20 can be a chore in some situations.

For the question on a step-by-step procedure, I did find a video that lays it out. It seems pretty simple to accomplish. I don't have lots of metalworking experience, but from what I saw I think I could do the mod.

I am glad I asked the question. Thanks for the answers.

[rcn11thacr]

I'm glad to see this topic getting some traction.

The other T-20 mod that I see people talking about all the time is the "popsicle stick" replacement for the U channel setup on the brake bands. I've never actually driven either kind but I gather that by removing slop out of the linkages you get more responsive steering.

Does anyone have a "how to" on this mod? Video would go a long way towards others understanding the modification.

[Rusty-Gunn]

I did a search on youtube... "max iv split shifter" and came across a few. One by LarryW, one by CountryCummins, one by buggyman and I think one other. All basically explained what they did but none were step by step instructions. Still, it was enough to get a basic idea how its done.

[Rusty-Gunn]

I bet if someone put a kit together for this mod it might sell a few especially if the cost wasn't too high. I would buy one.

[akcrawler]

Keep your shifters close together and you can often shift both sides at the same time with one hand, so there's really not that much of a hassle.

I had another thought on this and hope I am getting the essence of your statement. I looked at the video by LarryW and thought that, if there is room, a guy could modify the shift levers so they come through the same hole in the floor board (bend the new one so that it comes through the floor right next to the existing one). Then, put a handle on the end of each one so that, together, they make a "T" handle. Then they could be shifted together and the lever is easier to grab.

I don't know what a guy would have to do to the floor to get all of this through there. He would probably have to cut a larger hole and then install a cover plate of some kind. I don't know if the convenience would be worth all of that.

[hydromike]

, if there is room, a guy could modify the shift levers so they come through the same hole in the floor board (bend the new one so that it comes through the floor right next to the existing one). Then, put a handle on the end of each one so that, together, they make a "T" handle. Then they could be shifted together and the lever is easier to grab.

That's exactly what I was talking about 'crawler. On the 'Newt project, I have both shift levers off to the right side right next to one another, and I can grab both of them with one hand. I still have to do a little shimmying around to get the shift collars lined up in the transmission, but it's still a ton easier than trying to shift both at once. Obviously the Max II is going to be a little different and you'll probably want to stick to a more aesthetic approach with the floor pan, but it's not a big deal to make the hole in the plastic foot well a little bigger to accommodate both shifters. It's really not a lot of work.