The Drifter - Specs and FAQ

Okay, I'm clearly still on a learning curve. We have KB Voodoo Rails! Bed Stiffeners! Aux Battery with connectivity to the back waiting to be hooked up! We are looking into an upgraded suspension using OME kit modified to include a Hilux leafs (for weight up to 1200lbs and less $$ than Deavers).

And, what are BAMF Shackle Hangers? And why do we need them? Thanks!

 

Althought the BAMF hangers are nice to have, its not necessary if you dont offroad around boulders/rocks.

 

Are people doing the kbvoodoo rails for waterproofing or because of the weight?

 

We did it to minimize potential water intrusion, but our camper will be on the heavier side (front runner hatches and Alucab awning) so it’s probably better to have metal instead of plastic.

 

Someone is leaking oil al over your parking spot

 

I’ll be passing through NorCal here in a few days time on my way back to the hatchery to get some modifications done. I can stop in Modesto and you can check out the drifter if you are interested.
Steve

 

@Sharkfrog

 

I'd love to check it out! What day will you be rolling through?

 

Well that depend, I have to stop at wheelers for some spacers in Oregon, and install those. Turns out they are only open regular work days and closed on weekends. So, that would but at their shop picking up the parts MOnday AM, then it is SAN Fran bound.

I can make anything work to be honest. Let me know what works for you and i will make sure you get to see the drifter. Send me a PM later on and we can work something out.

Steve

 

I will jump in on this one here as I have similar questions. I am making final preparations for my drifter which will be ready for pickup in less than a month now. I am doing a mild build, won’t be doing bumpers/swing out, or interior build. Want to keep the truck light, simple, and versatile, with high quality suspension.

-bed stiffners ordered
-tires are 265/70/17 on 4Runner pro wheels. Don’t plan to ever go bigger
-suspension is bilstein 8112/8100. Only planning minimal front lift (1.5” or so). Don’t care about much lift, bought them to have excellent ride quality. (Sitting in garage waiting to install.)
-will sometimes have 110lbs on the hitch with 1up rack and 2 bikes
-no interior build, just toss in storage bins/cooler and go.
-will have CBI sliders

I can’t decide what to do for leaf springs. Narrowed down to Deaver or Icon. Deaver claims 3” lift, which I am concerned will give a lot of rake considering my minimal front lift. Icon has adjustability so I can try step 2 or step 3. Curious if anyone has some thoughts on what leaf springs would best suit my application.

 

Deaver. Icon is just a 3 leaf add a leaf system that flattens out fairly quickly with use. My icons were toast after about 6 months.

 

Yea screw Icon. Get Deavers. Just give them a call and tell them exactly what you need. They’ll set you up right

 

Not sure I can help with the decision, but can share where we are at. From what I've seen over the last several months, people seem to consistently recommend Deavers, but a 3" lift does seem like a lot. We are doing a similar setup to yours. We are not building out the interior and currently don't have plans to put on swing outs. We'll use boxes/cooler inside, but will have a rooftop box carrying gear and some options that add weight. I pointed out several of the posts on this thread to the shop we've used (Mule Expeditions in Seattle) re: issues with Dakars (which you are not considering) and they suggested an OME kit with an upgrade to Hilux leafs. They've done these on 3/4 rigs already and say the leafs fit and it gives a weight range of up to 1200 lbs. I haven't seen anyone else on this thread doing this, but I don't think the Hilux leafs are widely available (could be wrong) in the USA. Anyway, this is more affordable, I think the lift will be more in the range of 1.5" (we are not interested in bigger), and I have a lot of confidence in this shop which specializes in outdoor expedition type rigs. Suspension was not something we budgeted in for originally, and so we want to do what is necessary but no more. The Deavers got very expensive very fast when you added in everything else needed to mod our stock truck. I'm a lot more excited about the AluCab awning than the suspension!

 

I love MULE (just spent $300 there yesterday -_-) but something to keep in mind is they are more likely to suggest a product they carry than one they don’t.

Adventure Ready in Seattle installed Hilux OME springs in their Tacoma to support their Khaya camper - I don’t know what they thought of it.

 

If I didn't think the OME Hilux springs would work I wouldn't recommend them. We have 3 Tacoma's out on the road with these rear springs with Norweld Tray/Canopies, Four Wheel Campers, and one running empty until he gets his camper. 2 out of the 3 customers are on Tacomaworld. The springs will hold the weight, and still ride nicely. No need to order custom springs, and ARB is local in case there is any warranty issues that arise.

 

I love the subtle introduction to the new iteration of the pegicorn princess rig. Looks magical.

 

definitely the most robust platform for a unicorn party.