How to Drift in a Suburban
Drifting a vehicle involves crossing the apex of a turn with the rear end stepped out in extreme oversteer and the front wheels compensating in full countersteer. Drifting in a Suburban holds additional challenges and roll-over risk due to its high weight and center of gravity. Drifting is highly dangerous and never acceptable on public roads. Vehicle race preparation is required, along with proper safety gear for the driver and professional training.
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Instructions
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The best way to learn how to drift is to attend a professionally sanctioned event or a professional drifting course. An institutionalized approach is needed because the methods for controlling a drift vary with vehicle weight, speed and type of turn and safety is always a prime concern. There are two sanctioning bodies in the United States: D1 Grand Prix and Formula D. Both have programs for beginners, provide private paved courses, and have extensive specs for vehicle preparation and driver safety gear.
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Research and prepare your vehicle for drifting. The basic modifications you'll need for drift control are a limited slip differential (LSD) and an adjustable suspension. Extensive additions such as as safety cage, race harness, fire suppression system, and fuel cell are included in a long list of mandatory steps needed to prepare your vehicle for drifting. Complete vehicle check lists are available from the sanctioning bodies. Always consult with a qualified professional whenever you modify a vehicle.
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Research and prepare complete driver safety gear. Driver safety begins with a proper Snell certified helmet and includes a fire resistant race suit, gloves and boots. Complete driver safety gear information is also available from the sanctioning bodies.
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Since drifting a Suburban is outside the norm of drifting small lightweight vehicles with a low center of gravity, hire a professional instructor to teach you the advanced level drifting skills. Professional courses will teach you the various methods for instigating a drift and controlling the drift angle at various speeds. Make sure you inform your instructors of your plan to drift a Suburban and enlist their professional help to guide you through making the transition to the larger vehicle with a high center of gravity.
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Tips & Warnings
Modern driving simulators available on each of the major video game platforms make excellent trainers for drifting. Some games will even incorporate real time scoring for each drift.
Drifting is highly dangerous and should not be attempted by anyone without close professional supervision in a properly prepared vehicle. Never drift on the street or any other public road or parking lot. Do not attempt to drift a stock Suburban or any other vehicle without making extensive modifications to the vehicle under the close supervision of a professional.
