Still a newbie to the forum but have a couple different uses for the Ford F150 Raptor. I am not a 100% off road weekend warrior, but have the need for what the Raptor offers.
First off, The Raptor is what every F150 4x4 should be. I love the truck. It does everything I want it to but one thing. Tow.
Here are a couple pics of what I have done so far.
-Tuffy Security Front Bed Box
-Tuffy Under the rear seat box
-Proven Design Splash Guards
-Red Reflective SVT Fender backing
Now even though I am not a weekend off road runner/jumper/mud bug, nearly every day the Raptor has many advantages over std F series pickups. The biggest is suspension, smooth operation over non highway roads.
For instance, I went and visited a good friend that has wanted a Raptor for some time due to what he thought the suspension would offer running through fields, center pivot two tracks, and general pasture areas. Lets just say after a ten minute drive he has one he is going to pick up this weekend.
The 4wd system was something I hadn't played with a lot before this little trip to my friends. We traveled a canyon area that I hunt often. WOW, the rear locker and front end pretty much sealed the deal as the Raptor will allow for less distance driving to climb out of canyons with ease and control where as a limited slip F150 simply had some issues if you were not direct with the route. The Raptor is way more forgiving.
For most general every day use, the rear suspension is great, but there is the once a week or month that a trailer needs pulled.
Well, after questioning on here and there and contacting Ford, I came up with little other than the frame on the Raptor sucks.
I learned this about the frame:
-Same as the std F150
-There are three rear spring packs (all suck for heavy tounge weight)
-Will accept air ride suspension, but must use Daystar cradles to retain travel.
-The biggest reason that the frame bends on the Raptor is it gets used and it also has blocks with bump stops. The std F150 does not.
This week I have a couple items to play with:
-Supersprings
-Firestone 2525 and the Daystar cradle kit
Pretty sure I will favor the air system as it doesn't limit suspension.
Now, my dealer brought over the three sets of F150 springs (all on pickups). The Max tow, Eco Boost, Platnum didn't hold my trailer any better than the Raptor. Little sucker does get up and go though. (unloaded)
Anyway, I will report back and let you all know what I decide is the best for me on beefing up the spring sag.
Well, here it is. As soon as I can get the rear sag issue taken car of I will likely dive into some additional lighting for the front end, and LOTS of it.
First off, The Raptor is what every F150 4x4 should be. I love the truck. It does everything I want it to but one thing. Tow.
Here are a couple pics of what I have done so far.
-Tuffy Security Front Bed Box
-Tuffy Under the rear seat box
-Proven Design Splash Guards
-Red Reflective SVT Fender backing
Now even though I am not a weekend off road runner/jumper/mud bug, nearly every day the Raptor has many advantages over std F series pickups. The biggest is suspension, smooth operation over non highway roads.
For instance, I went and visited a good friend that has wanted a Raptor for some time due to what he thought the suspension would offer running through fields, center pivot two tracks, and general pasture areas. Lets just say after a ten minute drive he has one he is going to pick up this weekend.
The 4wd system was something I hadn't played with a lot before this little trip to my friends. We traveled a canyon area that I hunt often. WOW, the rear locker and front end pretty much sealed the deal as the Raptor will allow for less distance driving to climb out of canyons with ease and control where as a limited slip F150 simply had some issues if you were not direct with the route. The Raptor is way more forgiving.
For most general every day use, the rear suspension is great, but there is the once a week or month that a trailer needs pulled.
Well, after questioning on here and there and contacting Ford, I came up with little other than the frame on the Raptor sucks.
I learned this about the frame:
-Same as the std F150
-There are three rear spring packs (all suck for heavy tounge weight)
-Will accept air ride suspension, but must use Daystar cradles to retain travel.
-The biggest reason that the frame bends on the Raptor is it gets used and it also has blocks with bump stops. The std F150 does not.
This week I have a couple items to play with:
-Supersprings
-Firestone 2525 and the Daystar cradle kit
Pretty sure I will favor the air system as it doesn't limit suspension.
Now, my dealer brought over the three sets of F150 springs (all on pickups). The Max tow, Eco Boost, Platnum didn't hold my trailer any better than the Raptor. Little sucker does get up and go though. (unloaded)
Anyway, I will report back and let you all know what I decide is the best for me on beefing up the spring sag.
Well, here it is. As soon as I can get the rear sag issue taken car of I will likely dive into some additional lighting for the front end, and LOTS of it.
