M3Dragon – NorCal Basic Raptor Build

[m3dragon]

Here is the truck getting ready for a gaggle of parts to be installed. And notice in image 2 it is going for longest air time. Just ignore the arms holding it. Fly truck fly.

Please keep in mind I was hoping to document more of the build as this was being done at a home garage but circumstances meant me and a few forums members helping were in a time crunch to meet a deadline so I could take the rig out on a pre run. So because of this time crunch my documentation of images is minimal and I have no DIY's Sorry. However as I did the install of all the parts with help, I can answer any questions on any of the parts installs.

 

[m3dragon]

Tear down begins. First item to install was the headers as that was going to be the biggest headache base on all the forum posts. As already mentioned above in a earlier post, had a issue but that is all resolved now.

Fenders off so we can access things easier as well as new fenders going on to fit 37's

 

[m3dragon]

Installing has begun. Tackeled a few of the easier items before moving to the headers. Upper control arms in, Rear bump stop, pinch welds smacked to be more pinched to fit 37's, section 1 of the exhaust out, and another upper shot.

 

[m3dragon]

Header time. The un-install and install of headers are not horrible if you have a lift like I did but they are not easy. The obvious is it is a tight fit. Thanks to Str8fast on the forums and his ninja hands was able to get the headers in. There is a thread on how to install the Stainless Works Headers which has my updated notes on how to install the headers. Here is one of the tips of removing the front drive shaft to get more room. Headers in.

Make sure if you use the supplied bolts they go in smooth. If not re-tap the threads. Here is why as when you take the stud out it leaves crap.

 

[m3dragon]

Headers went in then the rest of the exhaust followed pretty quick.

Next was all the fun parts such as the bed rack and the front suspension.

 

[m3dragon]

Front suspension all together. @svc dual kit is 100% bolt up and easy enough for garage installs. You do have to drill a few holes and grind a few things down but beyond that, only bolts and no welding needed. Pic has the front oil can in the wrong spot. That was my goof and is fixed.

 

[m3dragon]

Front being done it was off to the rear bed system. This one requires a lot more work and some modifying. So this is not for the faint of heart. We were able to also get some images of the point of no return when we cut off the top of the shock mounts.

Tacked the new mounts in place and then welded them up.

Next was holes in the bed. Drew the initial pattern and then widen from there.

 

[m3dragon]

Installed the new bed rack and shocks. All ready to rock and roll now.

 

[m3dragon]

Before the rear bed rack was in, the deaver plus 2's went in. Reason for plus 2's was I still need this truck to be a truck now and then so need good on road handling. Granted with how nuts I went with suspension that is a oxymoron but still need what I can get. Also finished bolting down the bump stop.

 

[m3dragon]

Installed new stainless break lines in the front and 1/2 of the rear. As I have a 2014 I need to find a salvage truck and take the hard lines off it for the axle. Ford does not sell 2 separate lines anymore for the rear axle.