conversion kit to redesign the MAX IV

[rcn11thacr]

I am looking for someone who can provide the dimensions needed to make the parts for the above mentioned kit that Richards used to sell. I had noticed several times that this kit was listed in the "project phase" on his website. It was never listed as being completed and ready for sale to the general public. So i got tired of waiting and sent an email asking for more information regarding the kit. The responce i got back was "we stopped making the kits already due to increased prices that drove off sales". I was also told that there were no left over kits available for sale, only "part" of the kits were laying around. I asked if the partial kits could be sold and i've gotten no responce back. So i'm relagated to the only other choice that he offered which was to find a kit thats being offered up for sale privately. Not to say thats not impossible, but considering he said they had only sold 12 kits i'd say my chances are poor at best of finding a kit for sale. So im asking if any owners of those 12 kits would be willing to give some detailed pictures, or better yet some actual dimensions of the kit so i can make it myself. Thanks for the help in this matter.

[Noel Woods]

I discussed this kit with Richard @Richard's Relics several times. The main expense apparently was in the clutch assembly that rotated the opposite of what they typically do. I asked why they just didn't make a conversion kit like the Buffalo truck operates with and never got an answer back.

I think the person to pose this question now to is Matt O. since he owns what was R.I., I would think that because the hull and frame are virtually interchangeable between the Buff and the Max4 that it would not take much engineering to do this. I would imagine from a manufacturer's position it is better for them to just sell a Buffalo or a Max4.

I have always said it would be better to remake the Max4 into something similar to a Max 2 in set up. The strange engine cradle in the Max4 has always befuddled me. Or at least drop the engine down and also make an 8x8 version of a Max4.

Who knows what the future will hold. I still haven't seen much of the 29hp EFI Kohlers, but I know they are out there.

[rcn11thacr]

Understood. Hopefully Matt will see this and offer his opinion on the matter. This conversion would sure help us to maintain our vehicle without having to many aches and pains that would otherwise hinder our hobby. I like easy now that i've gotten older. To Matt: I'm sure i'm not the only one who wouldnt mind paying for a conversion that makes our max iv easier to work on...

[rcn11thacr]

To other members: please feel free to say if you would be willing to buy a kit like this. I'm sure if Matt see's how many he could sell it would make his decision much easier.

[phabib]

For those not in the know, can someone describe what this kit would do?

[Rusty-Gunn]

Does this conversion reposition the engine and trans so they are mot stacked over another at the rear? If so, it would make for easier adjustments to the trans chains, draining trans fluids, lower COG,etc.
Given a decent price I would buy one. Split shifter, too.

[rcn11thacr]

It repositions the engine and trans so they are not stacked over another and gets it to only 4 chains. Iit would make for easier adjustments to the trans chains, draining trans fluids, lower COG,etc.

It does all of this and more... Look at Richards site and click on "AATV News from around the world". Scroll down and view the pictures and then click on the three photo sets below the pictures. It also gives a complete discription of what it changes. I purposely did not post a link since i didnt want to step on anyones toes... Look it up

[Rusty-Gunn]

I once read that this is how the Buffalo Truck is set up. Is this true? The IV and BT have the same basic frame.
If so, then the parts to modify the IV models would be available at RI/Mudd-Ox. Assuming they would sell the parts.
Obviously this is abig undertaking, having to cut the tub for venting, creating screens for the.vents, ducting for intake/exhaust, etc. A proper cargo rack would need to be made, too.
Indeed a complete conversion kit would be nice. Expensive I'd think. DIY would be cheaper.

[rcn11thacr]

DIY would be cheaper.

True, as long as you have the skills and the time.

I once read that this is how the Buffalo Truck is set up

I believe thats what Noel was talking about in post #2. However i do not believe everything is a direct bolt on process from the Buff.

[MaxRules]

Richard did have a great design for lowering the engine in the Max IV. I think the low volume of this market makes kits like that very hard to justify the cost to R&D then produce it. The Buffalo truck uses the Max IV's lower body but is not the same as this kit. The Buffalo basically uses the Max II frame extended to fit the IV's tub, which means it has that ridiculous jack shaft setup for the chains to drive the center axle. A correctly done Max IV or Buffalo would have the engine down low with the trans close to it, with a serpentine chain system that drives the middle and rear axle with a single chain, similar to how Attex did it 40 years ago. Then you still have plenty of back seat room in the Max IV and only four chains to adjust.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Maxrules... Thank you. I wasn't aware the Buffalo used a lengthened MII frame.

[rcn11thacr]

This is a reply that i got today from them:
The kit was a frame addition to hold the T-20 correctly, the rear and center sprockets, 4 axles, clutchs were custom along with many other parts.
Cooling system and exhaust was a big issue, see the photos that we still have on the web. I will mark the project "sold out' on the website.
The kit needed to be part of regular production upgrade from the factory, as it was just too expensive/hard work to update completed machines.
Its a shame, because the modified machines were really nice and drove so well.

[Normable1973]

I know I'm a bit late on this tread but im getting ready to redo the max 4 after the October Busco ride. I'm going to be relocating the t20 and dropping the engine down.. Not really worried about exaust, that's an easy fix.. Just tear it apart and make it better... Didn't mike do this to his max 4? ( if I remember correctly it was a prof job). Norm...

[Rusty-Gunn]

I know I'm a bit late on this tread but im getting ready to redo the max 4 after the October Busco ride. I'm going to be relocating the t20 and dropping the engine down.. Not really worried about exaust, that's an easy fix.. Just tear it apart and make it better... Didn't mike do this to his max 4? ( if I remember correctly it was a prof job). Norm...

I saw in a video his engine was behind his seat. Let us know how your conversion goes.

[tbone9]

I like the idea of the conversion but gotta believe the engine and tranny are stacked for balance in the water. I fish out of mine a lot with two adults in the front seat and it floats so nice. I think that's why the front axel is further ahead as well. I go 240 and the girl friend..... Well better not say (lol). But it floats nice and level I'd like to see how one floats with the conversion, maybe not much difference. Should be more stable anyway.