[Trumanator]

I think that the life drain stays no matter what equipment you give them. Also, undead have 0 encumbrance, so you can put whatever armor you like on them without worries. They still get casting enc. though, so don't forget about that. AMA are a good investment, as are any brands, Charcoal,Vine, GG, or Eye shields. When I was playing around with them I actually gave them Jade Armor for the quickening, but since I was playing against Ry'leh they got paralyzed and killed fast, doesn't mean the armor's bad though. Horror Helms could also be useful, since any innate death magic increases the fear effect.