Buying a 97 max IV - what should I know

[cabinfevrr]

Hello friends. Found a guy with a 1997 max IV that was looking for a 4 wheeler. I have a 4 wheeler and want a 6x6, so we're going to trade. He says all new bearings, new chains and 6 new tires - look like a deep V style similar to an agricultural tread. What should I look for? I know that with new chains some stretch is inevitable, and with new bearings, perhaps some retorquing wouldn't hurt. Done a ton of research and I understand how to spot out of adjustment steering linkages.

any insight in to my new toy would be great. Picking it up Saturday - will post some pics.

[Dozerlarry]

congratulations on your "trade". Keep your chains lubricated and bearings greased and everything inspected and you'll be fine. These things are old technology but that being said you won't find anything simpler-a tricycle maybe. Play with it a little before you get into some serious offroading. It's amazing what they'll go through but then again I've been bogged down in stuff my riding lawnmower would cross. They attract a lot of attention so be ready with some answers for questions. Really young people are fascinated and will be your most enthusiastic passengers. You'll wind up riding with a lot of folks whose rigs are faster (way) than you. Don't worry you'll catch them at the next water crossing. Have fun and remember there is a world of expertise on the forum here to help you.

[wedge]

Fill in your profile also so we can see if anyone is close to you ?

[Noel Woods]

I would test drive the Max4 into a pond or other type of shallow water to make sure that the bearings and seals are fully functional. Lots of people prey upon folks with stories of new bearings and chains, but unless you know what you are looking for, it may be a deception. If the Max4 takes on no water, the guy is probably telling the truth, if it does take on water, you should be able to tell from where and that will give you some room to negotiate.

[cabinfevrr]

I wish I could, but there's about 2 feet of ice and 4 feet of snow on any pond right now, lol. I fully understand that this could turn in to a bit of a project - I'm going in to this assuming the max iv won't be perfect. You'll see that I joined this site in 2009, but this is my second post...ive been looking for a max Atv for quite a while, they are not common around here, so I have to jump at the chance on this one.

[hipowerone]

An alternative is, if you have an inside work area, to disconnect the battery, raise the unit and fill the tub with water so that it covers the bearings. Water will flow out the same as it would flow in. It should not be deep enough to cover anything critical. If no leaks from bearing areas, you should be good to go and then just drain through drain plugs.

[cabinfevrr]

I'm thinking that the old guy I'm buying it from isn't going to go for that. I was asking as more of a general things to watch for with the model year, ie: maybe that year was prone to something, or whatever.

[Noel Woods]

That was a good year, especially if its a 25hp kohler, solid, splined axle model, which would have been a top model, the other Kohler motors and Kawasaki are also fine. What features does this one have?

[cabinfevrr]

I know it's got the vanguard, and what appears to be a factory rollcage - might be a home fab job though. I think he said he's got a canvas top for it too. It's a 4 hour drive away, and the seller is 69 years old and he bought it on a whim to enjoy with his grandkids, but never enjoyed how it rode - he misses suspension.

[dgeiman]

Check out the bearings and chains good. When I bought mine I pulled the front floor pan before I said I would take it. There are only 2 bolts on the front pan so its really easy to remove. You can see part of the drive system from there so that should give you an idea of what the rest looks like. Have Fun you are hooked now!

[cabinfevrr]

Well the deal is on ice for now. Both parties still committed, but the max owner has to get his paperwork in order. He bought it and didn't have the title put in his name, and so did the guy he bought it from, and the guy he bought it from. Now he has an application for a new title, and has to take the machine to the police so they can run the serial numbers and verify that it is not stolen. After they clear it he can be issued a title, and then sell it to me, and I can title it and plate it. Jeebus.

[dgeiman]

WOW!

[cabinfevrr]

Going to pick it up on Saturday. Old fella has it in his name now, and is ready to trade for my 2006 Honda 350 4x4. Will report once I pick it up - he's already told me it has no parking brakes lol. Anyway, some pics from the ad:









Im pretty sure the rollbar / cage is homefab, and the plow he said is anchored to the cage. Cage is probably going to come off - looks heavy.

[Mike]

You are correct about the cage not being stock. That plow also appears to be aftermarket / homemade. Just double check how it ties back into the machine to make sure they didn't hack anything up to attach it. If not, you can pull all of that off and be in business!