M3Dragon – NorCal Basic Raptor Build

[m3dragon]

All done with the suspension and exhaust. Next is the intake and fenders in order to get her up and running.

 

[m3dragon]

MISC install parts.

Alpha 1 steering tie rods. Here is the truck missing any ability to steer. Just use the throttle right.

Here is the modified bed bolts for the rear bed cage. Only needed to modify 2 but I did all 4 for the mounting area just to have them done.

 

[m3dragon]

@svc made a great kit. After two weeks of evening and weekends we were able to make the deadline of getting the rig done to hit the dirt. We still have some items to finish such as the visionX lights, power steering cooler, trans cooler and radio antenna. Basically all the finishing touches which I am hoping to have done before the Ghost Town Trip.

The PRE Run of Ghost Town was a hard 190 miles to shake down run of the kit and all the parts installed. Everything held up nicely and there is a lot to get used to on the truck now. Looking forward to seeing what the new changes can really do as I get more comfortable in the truck with the new parts.

 

[TiFJ]

Looks like you changed the wheels too, what did go with?

 

[m3dragon]

Sorry forgot I changed wheels and tires.

Fuel Trophy in gray and black right with BFG MT2 37's.

I went with fuel over method as they are 1.5 LB lighter in all the research I did. Why 1.5 is not a lot that is still less rotational mass that needs to be stop.

 

[TiFJ]

I agree that light wheels are an advantage in all areas of vehicle handling. I'm still on the hunt for a sub-25 lb wheel that I like the looks of. I like the direction you're taking with your truck.

 

[m3dragon]

I tried to find the lightest I could with a design that matched. Fuel as of my hunt was the lightest and had best design.

 

[cbcgeneral]

Man your truck is coming along fast. The truck is looking great and you have some good taste when it comes to mods. Every time I check out your build thread it makes me want to go out on an adventure to some of the cool places in all your pics. I'm really enjoying your build keep the awesome pictures coming.

 

[m3dragon]

Welcome to come out west and we can take you on some runs. I am sure we can even be tour guides if needed for the none dirt time.

I have a LOT of runs we are going to do, just need the time to do them as they range all over the south west states.

 

[factive]

Awesome build thread! I have a similar story to yours in that I couldn't find a Raptor locally without paying at least $5k over invoice. Ended up buying in Las Vegas and immediately road tripped it with the fam to San Diego with a nice little stop in Barstow to test out my new toy. I remember the valet at the hotel in SD was blown away that I took my brand new truck off roading already. Told him I didn't buy to drive to the mall, he got a kick out of that. Oh, and I also have an ///M car, e39 M5!

Love the SVC suspension setup. Planning on getting the exact same thing. Question, are you planning to cage your truck? I already push it so hard with just the 3.0s that I don't feel I go dual front & bed cage without caging it.