Milkshape player model exports to 3dsmax

[Barada]

I was wondering from some of the more experienced JO modelers here, what file formats are you using when exporting from Milkshape to 3dsmax?
I exported a .3ds file from Milkshape to 3Dsmax. The XYZ axis must have gotten screwy in the export because 3dmax laid my model on his back, and after importing an XSI file they would not merge. Are there plugins for these programs that are better suited for exporting and importing player models in JO??

Also, after several failed attempts wit Raven's Assimilate and my player models, I imported a completely unmodded Kyle's root.xsi into assimilate and carcass.exe gave me "process returned error:1."
Kyle's root.xsi was downloaded from Raven. Unmodded and untouched by my hands. Should that be happening with Raven's model in their own tools?

Hopefully these are common problems and there are simple answers, so any input is much appreciated. Thanks!