Drifting isn’t just for coupes and hatchbacks anymore — trucks are entering the scene. From Silverado street builds to Tacoma drift missiles and even full-size Ford F-150s, people are sliding pickups with serious style. But there’s one big question that always comes up: how do you actually drift a truck?
In this guide, we’ll cover the core upgrades you need to make a truck drift-capable, focusing on suspension, steering angle, toe settings, and overall control.
Can You Really Drift a Truck?
Yes — with the right modifications. Trucks have long wheelbases, high centers of gravity, and leaf spring rear ends, which make them tricky — but not impossible — to drift. With the right geometry and some patience, they can be surprisingly fun (and competitive) sideways.
1. Fix the Front Suspension
Most trucks come with soft springs, underdamped shocks, and excessive body roll. For drifting, you want control and predictability, so you’ll need to upgrade:
- Stiff front coilovers or shocks — to handle transitions and improve front bite
- Stronger control arms — especially if you’re running wide wheels or want more camber
- Steering rack conversion (if applicable) — to improve response and angle
SLR-style upgrades like heavy-duty tie rods and toe plates will help you tune things precisely, even on non-traditional chassis.
2. Increase Steering Angle
Angle is king in drifting — and most trucks have terrible factory lock. You’ll need to either:
- Modify your existing knuckles
- Install aftermarket drift knuckles or cut knuckles
- Use rack spacers or offset tie rods for more travel
Increasing angle allows you to hold slides longer, control transitions, and recover from sketchy entries. It’s critical — especially in a vehicle that weighs 3,500+ lbs.
3. Lock or Weld the Rear Differential
Open diffs don’t drift — they peg-leg. Welding your diff or installing a clutch-type LSD will ensure both wheels spin equally under throttle, giving you the sideways control you need.
With a truck’s long wheelbase, rear grip is already compromised — so controlling it with a locked diff becomes essential for initiation and sustaining angle.
4. Dial in Toe Settings (Front and Rear)
Front toe-out: Sharper turn-in and better initiation
Rear toe-in: Adds straight-line stability and rear grip
Use SLR Toe Plates to dial in toe settings on the fly — especially between sessions or after wall taps. They’re portable, accurate, and a must-have for DIY alignment work.
5. Keep Ride Height Functional
Slamming your truck might look cool, but it kills suspension travel and makes drifting harder. Set ride height with function, not just form in mind — you need space for steering angle, tire clearance, and compression.
Ideally, set your front ride height based on travel and spring rate, not just how low you can go.
Bonus: Reduce Weight Where You Can
Most trucks are heavy. Remove bedsides, rear seats, interior plastics, tailgates, and anything you don’t need. Lightening the rear helps you initiate faster and reduces rotational inertia — huge benefits for keeping a long chassis under control.
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Drift a Truck — With the Right Setup
Trucks can absolutely drift — but it takes more than just a welded diff and guts. You’ll need smart suspension tuning, more angle, toe setup tools, and a willingness to wrestle a big chassis around with style.
Whether you’re sliding a Tacoma, Colorado, or F-150, start with SLR-style suspension upgrades and track-tested alignment tools to keep your build reliable and dialed.
SLRspeed — Not Just for Cars. Built to Slide Anything with Wheels.
