Vagabond Drifter Camper Buildout and Mods

Yeah, you are most likely going to have to go to either a specialty hardwood shop or lumber yard, which depending on where you live should still exist hopefully . The big box stores never seem to carry that kind of quality stuff, & definitely not the 5x5 sheets in my experience.

 

5.29s here. On 35s now but even on 285s it was perfect. One of the best mods I’ve done.

 

What about second gen peeps? The constant debate for 4.56 or 4.88 haha.

 

What size tires? And how much weight? I feel like 4.88 is the choice unless you’re pretty much stock plus drifter.

 

Yea I’m thinking 4.88’s. But you know the internet. Lots of opinions. Was just curious what the drifter crowd is running, as this thread is way more productive and helpful than most.

front and rear bumpers. Currently 33’s. But will be jumping to 34’s next ( not sure about the 35 jump). Just wasn’t sure how much the added weight of the drifter will affect it.

 

My truck's on the light end for this crew, but I'm running stock gears and have no complaints. I've got 33s with the drifter, interior build, and lots of bike gear.

 

I would definitely go 4.88s then. You’ve got quite a bit of weight like I do and I would have hated if I went less aggressive.

 

thanks dudes.

 

I think a lot of people with automatic 3rd gens are re-gearing if they have anything over stock tire size. I think Nitro regeared a stock 3rd gen with 5.29. There are great mega threads for 4.88 and 5.29 that have answers to about every question you can think up. I found this video interesting- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DA2M3G7pqs

 

4.0 Auto with full armor and camper shell here. Had 4.88s for a bit with 285s. Was overgeared IMO. Highway rpms were 3k+ At 70-75. On 315s now and it’s much better.

 

2nd gen 4.0, +2 up front, Drifter, 33's, stock gears right now and weights about 6400lbs with me in it and loaded for a trip

I am going up to 35's so desperately need to re-gear but have also been back and forth on the 4.56 vs 4.88's thing

Basically it will come down to your driving style and how you use your truck. i prefer the high speed desert stuff and rarely drive below 80+mph (*on closed courses with a professional driver... all completely legal). Personally I'd be miserable if my rev's were constantly over 3k when i'm on my way to camp/wheel so i'm probably going to go 4.56's to keep it closer to a stock ratio.

So my stance on it is...

4.88's if you drive nice and civilized on the streets and wheel more of the rocky stuff where you want the low down torque to conquer obstacles

orrr

4.56's if you want to keep your rev's civilized on the streets and drive like a 'tard on closed courses

ymmv

 

This. All personal preference. I think @stroM- ‘s now @jberry813 ’s son’s truck was on 37s with 4.56’s IIRC. Just depends what you’re looking for.

I was over 3k with the 4.88/285s all the time on highway, it SUCKED. Only time I’ve broken 3k with 4.88/315s was over 80mph to pass. I’ll sit between 2500 and 2800 regularly in the 70’s on the highway.

 

I'm at 6500ish with stock gears, 2nd gen auto s/c'd on 33s. Was originally planning to do 4.56 but the more I think about it, i'll end up going to 35s and will want to go 4.88. I could still do 4.56 but i'd hate to spend all of the money and still wish I had more torque offroad. Granted, I drive like grandpa on the streets and pick bad lines on the rocky stuff.

 

I'm in. wanna clearance my front wheel wells for me? lol.

 

Me first!

 

5.29’s for me. I debated too, but Nitro said once I got the weight of the drifter plus all the other crap you would carry in an overland rig, I would definitely want 5.29’s. They were right! The RPM’s aren’t bad and not that far from 4.88.

 

4.56s with a supercharger and 35s is great.

had 4.88s and 35s and didn’t like how high the rpms were at highway speed. My highway speed is probably faster than most. I’m much happier now. Although I’m sure the supercharger has something to do with that.

4.88s and anything less than 35s and you will be miserable.

 

Haha great stuff fellas. Back and forth it always goes between 4.56/4.88. But it sounds like my driving style and what I normally do off-road may be better with 4.56.

@tacomgee Blake Your recommendation helps a lot as once my truck is done it’ll be pretty similar to yours.

being in SoCal I have a nice personal relationship with the freeway and have to drive at least 80-90 minutes.

Appreciate all the info you guys are sharing.

 

Just put my deposit down for re-gearing!!

5.29’s for my 2018 TRD Sport DCLB with 285’s and fingers crossed a new Drifter in September to replace my snugtopshell/fr roof rack/Roofnest tent combo.

Miguel did warn me that he’s had feedback that there has been reported gear noise on some of the installed Nitro Gears. He mentioned he hasn’t had that issue with the Revolution Gears that they offer as well. My Deaver springs are squeaky enough that the last thing I want is another expensive noise.

Anyone have any feedback on the Revolution 5.29’s? I’m leaning that direction to not have any noise.

Thanks!