Are they stepstick-type drivers, or large external driver modules with opto isolated inputs? If the latter, then given that those are usually intended for 5V drive and they only get 3.3V if you drive them directly from the expansion connector, it's quite likely that when you drive 2 of them form a single set of pins, the drive voltage drops too much. In which case, do as Tony says. Your interpretation of what he meant is correct.