maybe try exporting an fbx from max? zbrush now has fbx import under the plugins section. never tried it myself though. also maybe zoom out in the uvwunwrap modifier in max to make sure you don't have some crazy scaled up uvs you didn't notice.
I don't think it matters but, if your also splitting the model into separate subtools, possibly to pose it then this will happen where you can no longer use the uv's exported. Otherwise I have been lucky as long as I don't do ^that i can do whatever I wanted. Just thought I would chime in and tell one of my tales so…
-NOOB MISTAKE- PROBLEM SOLVED. It occurred to me, when I import the obj into zbrush, i would make it a polymesh 3D like I have been taught, turns out you don't, not when you just want to paint the model. you put the model in the viewpoint and then click edit to begin painting. Thank you all for your help I apologize for…