Gen2 with 3.0 FRS vs Gen3

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

FordPerf Addict

FRF Addict
Joined
Aug 24, 2016
Posts
1,464
Reaction score
610
Hello, does anyone know which is better capable Offroad? A Gen2 with aftermarket upgrades fox 3.0 FRS Live valves and icon rear springs or a stock Gen3?

I know the gen3 will be better on road
But im trying to quantify its Offroad performance. If im going to upgrade I don’t want to take a step back in the Offroad department.
 

2020FordRaptor

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2022
Posts
873
Reaction score
855
Location
Nevada
Hello, does anyone know which is better capable Offroad? A Gen2 with aftermarket upgrades fox 3.0 FRS Live valves and icon rear springs or a stock Gen3?

I know the gen3 will be better on road
But im trying to quantify its Offroad performance. If im going to upgrade I don’t want to take a step back in the Offroad department.
I would think the Gen 3 would have a level playing field off road. It would dominate on road, and plus it has a warranty. Its on road manners would make it a better choice then a Gen2 with FRS since it would be pretty equal off road.
 

BoostCreep

FRF Addict
Joined
Jun 25, 2021
Posts
1,855
Reaction score
2,373
Location
SoCal
I think a Gen 2 with FRS LV shocks and either the E Clik or DSC controller would be better than a stock Gen 3. The stock shocks, whether Gen 2 or 3 are gonna heat soak substantially faster than the FRS shocks due to way less oil volume. The Gen 3 oem shock controller also doesn’t sample and provide data to the shocks at nearly the rate of the E Clik or DSC.

A Gen 3 with upgraded shocks and controller would be a good jump over Gen 2 though, really only due to the advantages of the 5 link.
 

HOLLYWOOD 1

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2020
Posts
641
Reaction score
1,669
Location
2Sun AZ
So.......

Don't kill the messenger, but the Baja trips I've been on, the Gen 3 owners have all said the same thing. The suspension on the Gen 3 is too soft for off road. They can only carry one spare, and not much else. They all have said they need to get better coils, and one told me they installed the FRS front shocks, but the rear is still soft.

While I would love a Gen 3, and will get one probably later than sooner, LOL, my 20 Gen 2 with FRS 3.0s, Deavers, bumps, and the SDI EClik system did really well. I didn't bottom anywhere, where I did the year before. IMO, any Gen Raptor can be set-up for off road really well, depending on your budget.
 

nikhsub1

FRF Addict
Joined
Mar 5, 2017
Posts
4,330
Reaction score
5,042
Location
Los Angeles
Good point about the softness of the rear. While the 5 link is awesome, it makes the truck lack some actual truck duties IMO, like carrying a load and towing etc. Leafs are better suited for that kind of thing.
 
OP
OP
FordPerf Addict

FordPerf Addict

FRF Addict
Joined
Aug 24, 2016
Posts
1,464
Reaction score
610
Great feedback guys , thank you. By the time I’m ready to upgrade there will be improvements being made to the gen3. The gen 2 was too soft also stock, which is why so many go with new springs front and rear. I kind of did expect that a spring change would be necessary regardless.
But a spring change is much cheaper then a full shock swap!
 
OP
OP
FordPerf Addict

FordPerf Addict

FRF Addict
Joined
Aug 24, 2016
Posts
1,464
Reaction score
610
So.......

Don't kill the messenger, but the Baja trips I've been on, the Gen 3 owners have all said the same thing. The suspension on the Gen 3 is too soft for off road. They can only carry one spare, and not much else. They all have said they need to get better coils, and one told me they installed the FRS front shocks, but the rear is still soft.

While I would love a Gen 3, and will get one probably later than sooner, LOL, my 20 Gen 2 with FRS 3.0s, Deavers, bumps, and the SDI EClik system did really well. I didn't bottom anywhere, where I did the year before. IMO, any Gen Raptor can be set-up for off road really well, depending on your budget.
how much do you like the EClick system? did you keep the stock valving? thats essentially the same setup i have except i have Icon leafs. its really a great setup and its really good on and offroad. makes for a great stance also.
 

HOLLYWOOD 1

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2020
Posts
641
Reaction score
1,669
Location
2Sun AZ
how much do you like the EClick system? did you keep the stock valving? thats essentially the same setup i have except i have Icon leafs. its really a great setup and its really good on and offroad. makes for a great stance also.
I really like the EClik system! I did get my shocks revalved. I like how you can really feel a difference both on and off road. On road, I have it at almost full comfort. I rarely see even 3s at each corner, usually 1s or 0s, LOL. When I was recently in Baja, I had it set basically at about two thirds in sport. I was usually seeing 7s at all corners.

As I mentioned, i didn't bottom on this trip, and both me and my gf felt like I was able to push the truck more. Drive faster and harder. All in all, money well spent for an expensive hobby!!!
 
Top