MagicMtnDan
FRF Addict
The visit with Ford resulted in some very interesting and useful information and I'd like to thank those who made it possible!
Now, please post the information you have on the Facebook page on FRF so (1) the information is here and (2) it's available to those who don't do FB.
Thanks again!
---------- Post added at 01:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:05 AM ----------
This thread topic is very interesting BigJ - thanks for starting it.
At the risk of stating the obvious, I'd like to add some comments to this subject/thread and speculate a bit too. I'm not entirely sure of the reason this subject came up - I assume it's simply a very interesting topic, one that is very relevant to all Raptor owners which alone makes it a very worthwhile discussion even if firm (confirmed by Ford) answers are not arrived at.
* I assume that the Ford F150 and the Raptor are mostly very similar.
* I assume they use the same frame. But there's a chance they don't. And if they don't the differences may not be done on the production line (I assume they wouldn't be) since JIT (Just In Time) manufacturing (lots to read about JIT - here's a good starting point: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_in_time_(business) ) would enable Raptor-specific frames to join the production line in spots allocated to Raptor production. Picture parts flowing to each vehicle on the line - each vehicle gets the right parts in the right color, etc.
* Raptor weighs more than an "equivalent" F150 - that makes sense. The wheels and tires alone (5 of them) add a good amount of weight and the extra width and other gear adds the rest of the weight.
* I assume the cabs are the same and the differences are added inside.
* Electronics are going to be different due to things like Hill Descent, Rear Locker, Upfitter Switches, etc., etc. I assume the wiring harnesses are the same and would allow for these additional items/components to be plugged in (added on). But the wiring harnesses could be different too - they also would show up at the production line (either already installed or added on to the vehicle on the line) like all the other parts assembled onto the frame/vehicle.
One can picture the Raptor being built on the line with parts that were designed to be added onto the vehicle's frame which would have been designed to accommodate all of the parts. Manufacturing is all about costs (and efficiencies which drive costs). Compromises are made to vehicle design for many reasons (manufacturability is a huge issue but so are safety, cost and federal standards, etc.).
I hope I added some value to this conversation. I realize that I assumed and speculated but they're based on my knowledge and dealings with the auto makers and my experience in manufacturing plants.
I'm certainly interested to learn the facts if we can get more of them.
