Request for Suspension Education (Practical)

[oxfordraptor]

Mall Crawl - Stock suspension and/or fabtech lift and rockstar 20's, hoonigan sticker

Gravel/Dirt Road Drifter - Stock suspension, methods, k&n sticker

Occasional Raptor Run - Mid Perch, bump kit, raptor run participant sticker

Professional Raptor Runner - 3.0's, bump kit, aftermarket bumper, deavers, raptor run number wrap job

Dezert whoop pounder - Dual 3.0's, fenders, 37s, bumpkit, bed cage, friend of a friend's race truck number sticker

 

[HAYNES OFFROAD]

Hi experts. Offroad and Raptor newb here seeking some education.
I've done a lot of research to understand what the various suspension components do and how they work, but I can't find anything about real-world application.
I always see on the forums the saying "know your limits and know your truck's limits." I think I know my limits pretty well, but I don't really know the truck's limits and I fear pushing my truck too hard.

It's all about learning it yourself bud. Everyone here can try and explain what can do what and this can do that.....

But in the end, experience is the best mod you can get. Take it easy and build your way up. The raptor is a great truck out of the box, but it is not anywhere near pre-runner status in stock form.

I also don't really like when people say they know "their" own personal limits, but don't know the limits of their vehicle. To me, they are one and the same, and change depending on the amount of experience in one particular vehicle. Most vehicles do not handle in all the exact same ways. You won't know this until you gain that experience. For example, NASCAR drivers, while skilled behind the wheel of a NASCAR, their skill set would not translate well into a F1 car. While not impossible, they would have to completely relearn how to drive and learn that vehicles characteristics.

When you participate in Raptor Runs, is there an average jump and/or whoop height and if so what would you say is "normal?"
What speed do you normally carry into them on a stock/stock + rear bump stop/fully modded suspension assuming a level landing area?

I don't know if there's an "average", but I've seen completly stock raptors jump upwards of 4-5' high on a proper jump/landing, but on average 2-3' of air under ya is ok on most jumps when stock. Jump prep is key, keep truck composed and under throttle thru the jump (not WOT), and as long as landing area is at least flat (declines are better as truck is nose heavy and will usually hit up front first). Again, just work your way up.

Whoops are a whole different animal. There's no two sections that will be the same. Different spacing, different heights... While one height will be ok with one spacing at a certain speed, another section the same height with larger spacing will eat your truck at the same speed and vise versa. For the most part, 12" tall whoops are doable at proper speeds depending on spacing. I've hit 12" ish tall/spaced 3-4' apart at 80mph in a stock raptor. The key is to float on the tops and always stay in the throttle to keep the front on top. Stock shocks will start fading really quick on whoops and will start to pack up.

I often see in posts, 'get a rear bump stop kit for peace of mind.' Does that mean bottoming out is no longer an issue? Where then does the "too much" line move to? Or does it mean nothing really changes, bottoming out is still "too much" but with a bump stop "too much" won't be catastrophic to your truck?

Yes a rear bump kit is a great first mod (coupled with progressive rate leafs springs is even better). Helps control the end part of the suspension stroke and moves the forces away from the frame and into a crossbar. Essentially an "insurance" if you will. Of course all insurances will run out eventually if ran too hard. But the threshold is MUCH higher. Bottoming is always a bad thing. Simply put, that means your running too hard. Your last sentence above pretty much sums it up. Of course reaching that threshold is harder to reach once you start improving the rest of the suspension (bigger shocks, progressive leafs, increased travel....).

How do I know it's time to move to 3.0 and/or a secondary shock setup?

Pretty much as soon as your comfortable with the current setup and have started finding the limits of the current setup. Skies the limit though, so fiqure out your future budget before you start down a path that will cost you more than what you need. Having a end game plan for your rig is key, then you can slowly build up to that point.



Hit me up if you want to discuss your setup, and we can get you going in the right direction based on YOUR budget, we'll get you the best bang for your buck.

-Joseph Haynes

 

[no1]

...

 

[Bulletnjm]

"When in doubt throttle it out"

 

[Houston Raptor]

I had never been off roading before I got my raptor in any type of vehicle, i had never even owned a truck before. So this was all new to me, so obviously I'm no expert here.

So as a newsb the best advice I can give you, that I haven't seen mentioned, is when you go on a raptor run, or whatever, get a ride with another raptor that has stock suspension, and a ride with someone that has an upgraded suspension. That will definitely let you know what each is capable of. And obviously the driver has a lot to do with it but it will give you a good idea.

I definitely was really timid and taking it way too easy with my stock plus bump stop and leafs. Rode with another guy with stock suspension and saw what the truck was more capable of. I still never beat it like him but it really let me open the truck up a lot more.

Then I rode in a dual shock set up and ruined me cause now I need more!!!!

 

[punchinpaper]

Research

my .02 to add to this would be that no matter what you decide to do with your build, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. There are a ton of products out there and most will do what they advertise to some extent, but that doesn't mean that they work with the future build plans you might have, nor does it mean that they work well PERIOD.

I am the second owner of my lightly modded truck and not only have I had to correct some pre-existing mods and I have purchased and installed some mods that I thought were good mods even researched online and read good reviews about, that turned out to be real shit ball parts.

It is expensive to mod the truck and you do not want to do it twice because of an inferior set up. Nothing ****** you off more than to have to re-buy a kit a couple months after you bought the first one.

Talk to the knowledge base, ride in a modded truck, go to events, learn as you go, Never be afraid to admit inexperience. Generally everyone I have met on here are the type of guys that will be more than happy to share their experience with you.

 

[svc]

A.J.Cruz,

Having been around Raptors for a very long time now, I can tell you that what ever suspension mod you do, it will most likely be a feeder part that will lead into even more mods.

Keep in mind even though we all build our parts to handle better in the dirt, they still add huge benefit when on the street. By upgrading things like tie-rods, uca's, leaf springs and shocks, the on road mannerisms of the truck become way better. Freeway expansion joints, pot holes and bumps are way less harsh or juttery so there is added benefit to pulling the stock stuff off.

Even though a stock raptor can handle tracks like Havoc, TRR and the CA deserts, they sometime get the shit kicked out of them trying to go at a decent pace. When you upgrade your components, you will be able to carry the same speed with much more confidence, which then leads to more speed, which then leads to more components needed.

That's the slippery slope. Which is great for me, but not so great for your wallet or marriage.

So I say, mod the **** out it and don't stop until she's in two pieces. And then we really need to talk.

Jarrett

 

[The Macf]

Mall Crawl - Stock suspension and hoonigan sticker Check

Gravel/Dirt Road Drifter - Stock suspension, methods Check

Occasional Raptor Run - raptor run participant sticker Check

Professional Raptor Runner - aftermarket bumper Check

I'm so confused. Am I TransRaptor?

 

[Raptizzle]

I'm so confused. Am I TransRaptor?

We shall call you Caitlyn.

 

[The Macf]

We shall call you Caitlyn.

Caitlyn Jenner Can