Tempted to upgrade to a Gen 3.

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ThePaintPirate

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Interesting, you think this 5 rear links doesn't give a better feeling coming from rear truck ? What about "wheel hop" which is a reality with oem leaf/shocks gen2 under certain conditions, I guess now it's better with the new configuration. For those who came from gen 2 to 3 , what do you think ?
I never said it didn't, depending on your application you may or may not notice. Starbucks getters might not notice the difference it makes while dropping the kids off at soccer practice. I might not have been subject to the "certain conditions" you mentioned but after driving both styles of rear end, I don't see the added cost of going to gen 3 being worth it. Maybe I need to do a full send jump to let it shine and make a determination?
 

Antho

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I never said it didn't, depending on your application you may or may not notice. Starbucks getters might not notice the difference it makes while dropping the kids off at soccer practice. I might not have been subject to the "certain conditions" you mentioned but after driving both styles of rear end, I don't see the added cost of going to gen 3 being worth it. Maybe I need to do a full send jump to let it shine and make a determination?
As long as you get a video of the Full send jump! I really noticed the biggest difference on small whoops at speed. Same kinda effect if you hit a washboard road at speed. In the gen2 it was a dance to keep the truck straight whereas the Gen3 stays planted in the back.
To your point, If the most offroading you are doing is hitting a speed bump leaving Buffalo Wild Wings the gen3 upgrade may not be worth it to you.
 

RaptorBros

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Personally I can see an argument being made for both sides. The Leafs in the back although they have some cons it’s nothing different than any other truck with leafs. The positive thing about leaf springs is if you carry even a moderate amount of weight even say 400-600lbs the leaf can easily be upgraded and is more stable with load. Also, if your leafs in your gen 2 aren’t blown out it is very minor when it happens. The big argument for the 5 link is pretty much everything but what what’s listed above. The suspension is similar to a car in that respect just with BIG ASS SHOCKS lol.

I say different strokes for different folks. The interior would probably be the biggest pull for me as the gen 2 plastic is kinda cheesy for such an expensive truck.
 

klarger

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Test drove a 25 today. It's interesting the difference the interior vs a gen2. For some reason I felt the windshield is much smaller and feels almost smaller overall in terms of dash/comfort. Still an amazing truck but definitely felt cramped in terms of space.
 

GEN3LV

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It is personnel preference really for me the Gen 2 interior is horrible compared to the Gen3. That is one of the main reason I bought a 22 and now 24R. For me the interior is where you spend all of your time so that is what matters most to me. But its nice not having a truck payment these are not cheap toys..
 

tcm glx

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Go for the Gen 3… I would say it is significantly more refined… exhaust sounds way better, tech is upgraded, interior is much nice and rear suspension is a huge upgrade both on and off road.
 

Badgertits

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I have this same problem. Have a Leadfoot (Best Color Raptor Ever ;)) late production 2020, love the truck. However the interior in the 2025 is much better... HUD, updated screen, drive mode selections, suspension, 37 inch tires, exhaust. Ultimately my decision to upgrade comes down to the Gen2's possibly losing a significant amount in terms of trade in value over the next year, which I'm using to alleviate the taxes on my future truck given their astronomical gain in MSRP over the past few years. Whether that's going to happen or not, who knows. Coupled with dealers and their stupid ADM and a possible tax write off for car loan interest with the incoming administration could make buying a new raptor quite expensive. All theoretical, however that is the reason for me and buying a new 25, and who doesn't want a new Raptor?!?
I have a 2020 in the same color w/ 82k miles that’s been basically trouble free so opted to spend the $$$ to refresh the suspension along w/ a few other maintenance items including replacing spark plugs for the 2nd time & the shop found a cracked weeping valve cover so I replaced that too.

I test drove some gen3’s & would’ve considered swapping out now (or just before I did all this work lol) for a new Gen3 except w/ the ‘23+ trucks locked from the factory “untuneable” I’m simply can’t go from my tuned gen2 to a slower gen3…the 21-22 models that could be tuned now have some miles on em & I’m all set getting rid of my used truck for another used truck & pay new truck price lol… Also, seems like the 21-22 trucks have more issues than the more recent years

So we both have end of the run Gen2s in of the best colors built after all the kinks have been worked out of that design (or as much as Fords going to straighten out anyhow), live valve shocks, no plastic oil pan, no cam phaser BS & you already know what’s been done to it, & you can tune it (or already have I assume)

I’d like to see a gen4 Raptor w/ a performance version of the Powerboost non-plug-in hybrid model, mate the 3.5HO to electric, no plug-in, increase the low end torque even more & hit 20mpg & they can take my $$$

Then there’s the high interest rates, the drop in trade value of our gen2’s, & Fords about to redesign the whole F150 lineup again in the next year or so….so may as well wait

Lastly….my take is the Gen3 interior is better/nicer & some of the tech like the cameras are improved- but it’s not a complete game changer, on other hand I’ve had plenty of time to consider this & I still feel that the Gen2 has the best exterior design from all 3 Gens, it’s much more aggressive/chunky & more easily distinguishable from “lesser” F150s. I never mistake a Gen2 Raptor for another trim but sometimes I find myself doing a double take on a Gen3 depending on the color they blend into the crowd more.
 

smurfslayer

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It is personnel preference really for me the Gen 2 interior is horrible compared to the Gen3. That is one of the main reason I bought a 22 and now 24R. For me the interior is where you spend all of your time so that is what matters most to me. But its nice not having a truck payment these are not cheap toys..
I was not wowed by the ’24 interior. I got in and immediately felt like I was sitting in my ’17 with a new screen and a worse dash. Honestly, I dislike the dash and the center screen is nice but not “oh hell yeah”. I will just withhold my keystrokes on the next Raptor, I am just not good at predicting their next move.
Then there’s the high interest rates, the drop in trade value of our gen2’s, & Fords about to redesign the whole F150 lineup again in the next year or so….so may as well wait
THIS. You should not pay over MSRP for any Raptor, period. Poverty/stripper 801a or Raptor R. Even if you’re paying cash, they’re not arriving pre-sold like the bad old days. They’re moving, but not moving like the covid drought. If you’re financing even a part of the purchase, paying over MSRP is a poor decision.
my take is the Gen3 interior is better/nicer & some of the tech like the cameras are improved- but it’s not a complete game changer, on other hand I’ve had plenty of time to consider this & I still feel that the Gen2 has the best exterior design from all 3 Gens, it’s much more aggressive/chunky & more easily distinguishable from “lesser” F150s. I never mistake a Gen2 Raptor for another trim but sometimes I find myself doing a double take on a Gen3 depending on the color they blend into the crowd more.
I’m right there with you.

As to the interior, I think the ’24 Mustang did a really good job on the dash and center console and I do actually like it. I miss the physical climate control interface but I can’t say the ‘virtual’ buttons have given me a reason to complain. The dash is all digital, but, you get half a dozen options, including ’68 gauges, which is a cool retro touch.
 

GEN3LV

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It's a no brainer on which interior is better 24 Gen3 with the HUD is far superior than any Gen 2 unless you enjoy driving in a dated old ass cabin..Funny you say paying over MSRP of anything is a poor decision just about any specialty vehicle going to be marked up and the R is no different. It's only a poor decision if you have no money people buying R's don't have that problem. I am not waiting years for my truck because I wont pay over MSRP. I got my 24R back in May paid the mark up because I could without a problem..

IMG_3198.jpeg
 

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