Getting my first 6x6 this weekend!

[MikeyM]

Hey all, ive posted a few times on here, and am counting down the hours til i take off to pick up my first 6x6! my dad had one when I was a kid, but only remember how cool it was, not much more. I dont know how to drive one or anything, but im sure the present owner will show me the ropes. My question though is what are some things I can do to it? everything Ive ever bought Ive found info on little modifications to do to them, but I havent found much of anything like that when it comes to a 6x6. I know theyre pretty straight forward, but theres gotta be something! one im getting is a 98 max II with a 14hp vanguard, not the biggest engine but the atv only has 46 hrs on it, so I'll save for a bigger engine or figure out a way to get more power outa the beast...im a gear head, where theres a will theres a way! can anyone post pics of what youve done to yours? Mine has the canvas top kit, with a half assed looking lexan windshield. I want to see about a roll bar and a better windshield. I want to put flush mount led taillights on it, and was thinking about putting valve springs under the seat? may sound dumb i know, but would think that would absorb the bumps a little. Thanks in advance

[LarryW]

Congrats on your soon to be new purchase! I would think the best improvement would be tires. Costly but they do provide traction on land, suspension over the rough and water propulsion. I think the tires kinda make the machine. I have never owned a max but I have worked on them. Here is a video of a split shift mod I did on buckhntr17's Max. (Last known Buggyman owned it.) It was easy to do and does help maneuver when needed and plus its fun to spin! lol

[Obsessed]

Heres a picture of my maxll ... I got it used from another forum member...its about a 1998 model that started out as a 14 hp like yours...has a newer 18hp now and a split shifter kit and a few other extras...

Congratulations on the new toy :-)

[Hogneck]

The possibilities are endless !! Use your imagination and search utv accessories sights and you can implement just about anything you want......stereo w/speakers ..racks,gun racks...tracks......canopy roll cage,...winch...bumpers....endless!

[MikeyM]

Great thanks guys! that split shift is first on the board! Im sure though it is hard on the trans isnt it? I dont want to do anything thats goin to bite me in the ass later! Im good with tires, the guy just put a brand new set on, and replaced with same ones that came on it. Im leaving at 3 am am tomorrow morning! Oh I cant wait! Come on snowmagedon! I'll post pictures once I get her home!

[amphibious drew]

The split shift is not hard on the t-20. In fact the t-20 has no idea its even being done really. Both sides opperate independently so its all good with that. The only concern is when split shifting on hard ground or pavement. It can cause twisting stress on the frame in those conditions and when done excessively it could result in frame damage. It probably wont be an issue, but since you asked i thought I would give you fair warning. If you use it when appropriate ie: dirt, mud, snow, ice, you will be just fine.

[MikeyM]

Okay that makes sense, Im going to try my best to keep it off of pavement for tire wear and axle strain anyway....i'll watch that video tonight and see how to do that

[tattooman]

My wife bought me a 1993 maxll for xmas two years ago. It was a plain Jane. However, I did a rebuild on an anphicat poor to that. I find that a pipe Bender and a mig welder is about all you need to make some cool accessories. My 12year old and I have built a roll cage, grill. guard, a trailer for deer hunting and many other things. My next step. Is to split my transmission, rebuild my plow frame and install a car battery in the back of the Max. Hogneck is going to help me with that. This play seems to never stop, if you can dream it up,you should be able to do it. Ask questions, that what this site is for. Most peaple here are very good at this.

[brushcutter]

Not real familiar with the max II, just going from memory, but while you are in the process of building your split-shifter, you will want to brace up your transmission. This will stabilize and strengthen it, and save you problems down the road...literally. As Drew said, there is no evidence of this damaging a transmission(to my knowledge) during "normal use" but just about anyone who has done this mod can tell you that there is considerable stress transferred to the frame at the mount areas and all have had to brace it to counteract this torque effect. We did a thread on this some time back that has several variations of bracing.

Here is a link.

http://www.6x6world.com/forums/hustler-atvs/9044-t-20-bracing.html

Good luck with your new toy.

[MikeyM]

I JUST GOT HOME WITH IT!!!! I couldn't stop looking at it in the mirror! I traded my golf cart for it, and bout shed at tear seeing it go, but the guy is giving it to his kids for Xmas, wish I could see the looks on their faces when they see my "ex-baby" I'm thrilled with the max, looks almost new! Shinny (non painted plastic) and not a speck of dirt in the tub! Has 52 hours on it ( must of taken it out on last time since we made the deal). Having a problem with starting it though. I think it's just cold blooded. He started it and ran it all around the yard but it died, started back up with some eether and ran for a couple mins and died. Won't restart, it pops but just won't do it. It has a manual fuel pump so I'm replacing it with electric soon. But I'm thinkin given it was 14 degrees up there it's just cold blooded. I'll warm up the garage tommorow and let it warm up. It took us 18 hours and over a thousand miles to get there and back. Drove straight through...I'm drained! Good night all pics soon! Thanks for all your advice! Welder tubing bender and reinforcements will be coming soon! Thanks again! Hope to wheel with y'all someday!

[LarryW]

Good news! Its been 8 1/2 hours now. You should be plenty rested. Did you take it for a drive yet? lol

[MikeyM]

What a day! got woke up to my dad calling saying he needed me to come up to his house to help him run new gas line....there went my plans! went up there and it took forever! they are doing a complete remodel, and wanted all new lines for the meter relocation. FINALLY got done and got home, cracked a beer lit a smoke and pulled the soft top off. got to the engine and saw the choke instructions so I moved the choke by hand and the screw that holds down the choke cable was loose...some loctite and screw driver...fixed. put a battery charger on it (battery died from crankin so much) and fired right up! runs like a champ! still trying to figure out the sweet spot on the choke though. First time ever driving one of these, and after hitting my garage wall I started reading the owners manual lol, I know I know instructions are for pansies haha! got it out in my back yard and think I got the hang of it...sure is different though! I cannot wait to get it out to see what it can do! I dont have aplace to ride (thats legal) as of yet, but i'll find somewhere! There are a couple parks about an hour away from me, so If I cant find anyone with personal property that would allow me to ride with them, thats the plan. Come summer time, we have this thing called White Trash Bash out on the river. IM GOIN! I found a bar with a boat slip about a football field away from the party beach, so it will be fun to float in...slowly haha! I gotta call the local DNR tomorrow and see what the law is and if I need an IL number. Forgot to grab my ol mans camera today, but if anyone is super anxious for pics, I posted some on my facebook from my phone. look me up and ad me...Mike Molleck