What makes a Raptor a Raptor?

[Chris's FX4]

Most SVT vehicles has essentially just been bolt ons from their base platform to an extent, aside from the Ford GT at least. The engineering comes from designing these performance bolt ons and making them work really well with the base platform and working together. That's the beauty of it.

 

[ZBoater]

What exactly are you looking for? Its not a porsche turbo tested at the nurburgring. They have to make it affordable.

I'm looking for some fact. I don't have to be sold. I bought one. But I'd like to learn.

Are the shock mount reinforced?

Are the axels thicker?

What makes a Raptor a Raptor? What is special about a Raptor that is not a bolt on?

What did the SVT do to the Raptor to make it special?

 

[Raptizzle]

It's pretty much a factory built trophy truck.

 

[ZBoater]

Every SVT vehicle has essentially just been bolt ons from their base platform to an extent, aside from the Ford GT at least. The engineering comes from designing these performance bolt ons and making them work really well with the base platform and working together. That's the beauty of it.

From what I have read, it seem like a lot more than that. The Off Road Mode seems like a distinguishing characteristic.

Have reinforcements been made in specific areas to withstand the intended off road use?

We know the Raptor is 7 inches wider than a regular F150. So longer control arms? Thicker axel?

The springs and shocks are obvious, as are tires and things of that nature. I'm trying to dig a little bit deeper and understand the not so obvious improvements/design choices the SVT made to make the Raptor "different".

If I take a plain F-150, and I swap out the suspension with a Raptor suspension, do I have a Raptor? (grill and fenders aside). Is the Raptor just a modified suspension with a custom ECM? Or is it more? And if so, what? I'm curious and I guess I should have asked this at the SVT engineer open forum... I read one of the engineer's responses about the modifications to the F-150 production line to accomodate the Raptor. Width alone was a challenge, they had to move ceiling posts! What else?

---------- Post added at 02:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:08 PM ----------

This is the list I have compiled so far from all I've read, and i am not sure everything here is entirely accurate. But this is what I am looking for:

• Nearly seven more inches of track width than other F-150 models to accommodate larger components
  
• Unique cast-aluminum (and longer) SVT control arms provide extra off-road strength
  
• The shock mounts on the frame of the Raptor use different super-high strength steel as the stock F150 frame, in those areas couldn't cut it.
  
• The locker on the FX4 can only work up to I think 35mph where as the Raptor's goes up to the governed 100mph.
  
• Raptor axles are wider front and rear.
  
• Raptors have hill descent control, off road mode and electric locking rear diff. the 2012 raptors have a torsen front diff and a front camera as well.

 

[matrix243]

I see what you mean. A more technical description instead of the generic list of details. I always thought that most of the ford performance side had weak depth in describing the technical side, but they do it for the general public.

 

[ZBoater]

I see what you mean. A more technical description instead of the generic list of details. I always thought that most of the ford performance side had weak depth in describing the technical side, but they do it for the general public.

Yes! That's it! That's what I am looking for.

Ford Marketing did their job. I bought into the hype, and I'm very happy with my Raptor. I just want to learn more. Go beyond the marketing and learn more technical details as to what's what.

 

[matrix243]

I also wondered why they went for cast vs alluminum 6.2 block, and hydraulic vs power assist steer.

 

[Chris's FX4]

Found something about the lower rear shocks mounts. Looks like they are stronger using the same material as the F-350's mounts.

Stone Shields Shock Mounts - Photo 11 - 2010 Ford F150 Raptor SVT - King Of The Desert

2010 Ford F150 Raptor SVT - 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

 

[FreightTerrain]

the biggest difference is E-30 can be used in a regular f150 but is not recommended for use in a raptor. unless, of course........

 

[ZBoater]

Found something about the lower rear shocks mounts. Looks like they are stronger using the same material as the F-350's mounts.

Stone Shields Shock Mounts - Photo 11 - 2010 Ford F150 Raptor SVT - King Of The Desert

2010 Ford F150 Raptor SVT - 4-Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

This is awesome. Thanks!

---------- Post added at 04:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:19 PM ----------

Here's my running list.

• Nearly seven more inches of track width than other F-150 models to accommodate larger components
  
• Unique cast-aluminum (and longer) SVT control arms provide extra off-road strength
  
• Raptors feature high-strength steel shock mounts made from the same material as those on F-350s. Stone Shields Shock Mounts - Photo 11 - 2010 Ford F150 Raptor SVT - King Of The Desert
  
• The locker on the FX4 can only work up to I think 35mph where as the Raptor's goes up to the governed 100mph.
  
• Raptor axles are wider front and rear.
  
• Raptors have hill descent control, off road mode and electric locking rear diff. the 2012 raptors have a torsen front diff and a front camera as well.