First Test Drive - Question for you all

[Dv8tor]

I will admit that the rear end, on some bumps, jitters around a bit. It did it worse when she was brand new. They just need to be broken in a bit. It seems that everyone loves their WSI Springs so that may be a way to go for you as I may do the same. The feel of the rolling that you are getting is because this truck is heavy and huge. Even more so if you we're driving a screw. The fact that the tires have a huge side wall will give you more of a roll feeling when your doing hard turns and corners on pretty much any surface. The reason for the tire is to soften up some of those bumps. It's even better when you air down but I highly advise against that on the roads. Hop that truck up on mid perch in the front and it'll ride differently. Everyone will back me up on that one. You do have to remind yourself that this is a truck and not a Cadillac. And the truck will always be stiffer when she's brand new.

 

[nohel]

the body roll is normal i think i had it with my swaybar on and its seems the same with it off. As far as the shimmy or feeling the bumps mine does it at low speeds on off road when i get up to speed it rides like a cadillac over everything and i love it.

 

[Stingray23]

The best mindset you can have going into a test drive or a purchase is knowing what it is you are driving and what it isnt. What it is, is a very capable TRUCK. It will drive like a truck. Be rough around the edges. Compared to a regular pick-up, the Raptor is a sports car. What it isnt, is a luxury, plush ride. Its not gonna be the quietest, softest, ride out there. But you can bet you ass its gonna be the baddest truck out on the street.

 

[JDUB]

I'll admit I was a little let down that it didn't ride smoother over bumps and such (all the hype and my inexperience made it sound like I would be riding on a cloud). The rear end bounces around a lot, too stiff in my opinion, and doesn't allow the shock time to work and soak up the terrain. But, like they have all said before it is still a truck and Ford had to market to all sorts of user groups. Installing aftermarket leaf springs should help the overall ride considerably. I wish I would have done it from the beginning when I had the money. I am stuck with the stockers for now.

 

[tjj]

Most people post that the ride is so amazing and I don't know why. It's a truck, it's going to have a worse ride than a nice 20-30k sedan on the STREET.

The stock springs annoyed me sitting on the huge block and feeling the back end vibrate. I upgraded to the RPG Stage 4+ ASAP and it took care of all my problems.

This truck is made for the dirt - take it off road and it's butter, even stock. IMO it's smoother off road than on the dumb pavement. This is where it's going to open your eyes and make you a believer. I feel sorry for the street queens (the trucks, not the owners - it's like their caged and unable to roam in the wild..)

 

[RajunCajun37]

it is smoother off road then on
I think it handles pretty damn good on road
I drive as fast as I need to, road conditions don't dictate my speed.
Balls out on any street and any condition is possible.

People said it rides good for a truck, I think it does. If you put 35" tires on a stock ford f150 and ride around you might be surprised. I think a stock f150 with stock suspension on 35" mud tires rides like shit. My truck rides like sex after driving the regular fords.

The steering ratio is absolutely perfect. When you raise a regular ford and slap 35's on it the steering ratio and power steering rack feels like crap. I can't stand a short travel suspension with heavy wheels and tires plus soft ass steering. It's gross.

You must be driving around in a BMW or something if you don't apprieciate the ride of the Raptor. Take the Raptor for a test drive down a bad road. GO FAST. Then go back and drive a stock f150 4x4. Same road, not too fast cause you probably gonna wreck. lol

The key to a good handling truck is fluid motions. Your steering inputs should be smooth and fluid. Don't toss the truck around like a NASCAR. Be smooth with the fuel and brakes too. Smooth transitions will make you faster and handle much better.

 

[MotuMute]

Get it offroad. Welcome and Good Luck!

 

[NickPic83]

also mid perch will help a little with the body roll

 

[Jordan@Apollo-Optics]

I'll admit I was a little let down that it didn't ride smoother over bumps and such (all the hype and my inexperience made it sound like I would be riding on a cloud). The rear end bounces around a lot, too stiff in my opinion, and doesn't allow the shock time to work and soak up the terrain. But, like they have all said before it is still a truck and Ford had to market to all sorts of user groups. Installing aftermarket leaf springs should help the overall ride considerably. I wish I would have done it from the beginning when I had the money. I am stuck with the stockers for now.

Take it off road and that feeling will change. The shocks work very, very well as the speed increases; especially off road.

 

[Bad company]

Raptor Suspension

I think the Raptors ride really well. However, this vehicle is a LOT different than what you are used to driving.

Disadvantages:
The unsprung weight in the Raptor is staggering. Each tire/wheel is more than double the weight of a car tire and wheel. Also the live axle and differential are very heavy.

This means that mid corner bumps will unsettle the vehicle a bit, and when the surface changes quickly (pothole, or significant expansion joint) you will feel/hear it.

Wide tires will catch road grooves, although the Raptor seems to resist tramlining pretty well.

Large amount of suspension travel will allow bodyroll on cornering, and nosedive upon stopping.

Advantages:
Large suspension travel. You can hit large bumps (like 6"curbs) at speed, and while it may sound loud, you will not have to replace anything. Try that in a car.

Larger gradual surface changes are absorbed so very nicely. Done right, landing a Raptor can be very soft. It floats over traintrack bumps, and other large magnatude, gradual changes.

I love driving the cloverleafs! The thing grabs like crazy, and communicates before it lets go, recovering from a skid is a cinch as well (I used to autocross M3s).

Offroad is where it really shines. The heavy, wide tires pummel many of the bumps, and the suspension soaks up most of the rest (there are always limitations).

Also make sure your tires are at MOST 44psi onroad.

Conclusion:
High performance offroad requires serious compromises! But the Raptor really shines on the road considering its main purpose.