Toyota Hilux 6x4 and 6x6 by Multidrive Technology (MDT)

Overview

Multidrive Technology offers a 6x4 and 6x6 conversion of the Toyota Hilux. This conversion replaces the rear section of the frame by a custom one. The rear axles do have leaf springs and a load sharing mechanism. Both rear axles of the 6x6 have a fully floating design.

Multidrive Technology (MDT)

Multidrive Technology (MDT) started converting vehicles into 6-wheelers back in the ‘80. Over the years, it used various models and manufacturers. Now it does offer conversions off the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series and Hilux and the IVECO daily

Other products are a chassis (wheelbase) extensions and GVM upgrades for pickups (called utes in Australia).

The company does also build steel and Aluminium trays (truck bed) and small custom trailers.

Conversion

Hilux 6x4

The layout of this conversion is similar to the 6x4 and 6x6 conversion of the Toyota 70 series by Multidrive. The second axle is the drive axle, and the third axle is a tag axle (or lazy axle) in the 6x4 conversion.

Frame

In this 6x4 and 6x6 conversions by Multidrive is the rear section of the frame replaced by a custom build one. The original chassis stops on top of the first rear axle.

Suspension

Hilux 6x4 suspension

The rear suspension uses leaf springs on both axles and a load sharing mechanism. The leaf springs on the third axle are mounted in a narrower track, to make space for the leaf springs on the second axle. The leaf springs sit under the axles, like the rear suspension on the Land Cruiser 70 series. The stock Hilux does have its leaf springs on top of it.

Axles and 6-wheel drive

Multidrive converts the Hilux rear axle into a fully floating axle. The 6x6 conversion does have rear axles with the differentials in an offset position. This offset allows the prop shaft of the third axle to clear the differential of the second axle.

The third axle in the 6x4 conversion is a non-drive tag axle (or lazy axle).

A custom gearbox by Multidrive (called the “Power Divider”) sits behind the transfer case. It contains a Detroit Locker which permanently drives both the rear axles.