As soon as we got the word our new gen3 was en route, we were already scheming about the new Cobb performance package with Goose Tuning and checking off all the boxes in our Raptor Run essentials list. But what wasn’t available on the market yet was a way were going to actually improve the stopping power while keeping 17” wheels and without breaking the bank. We’re pleased to share with the community that Wilwood finally showed up with the answer!
The Gen 2 and 3 Raptor’s brakes have always been, in our opinion, severely lacking. Especially for the way we drive our Raptors. Pretty much every aspect of the raptor has been upgraded for extreme off-road use, except surprisingly, the brakes. Our trucks come equipped with the same 2 piston calipers, pads, and rubber brake lines that the standard f-150 receives. These are at most, acceptable, for every day conditions. When you start driving fast, especially with more weight of heavier tires/added gear etc, you will find the limits sooner than you think.
The Wilwood Aero 6 big brake kit was announced and revealed at SEMA 2022 to be the next step up in price from a simple rotor/pad upgrade and geared towards those running 17” wheels. Since its official public release in April of 2023, we have been nothing but impressed with the fitment, aesthetics, but more importantly the performance!
On an Arizona Raptor Run to Tortilla Flats, Tight down hill switch back roads overcame the factory system. The brake pedal continuously become softer and the bite was drastically reduced. Even with call outs on the radio to remember to down shift, the air was filed with the stench of toasty brake pads. At this moment we knew we needed to address the weak link before it became a safety concern at the track or the next off-road trip.
Wilwood informed us that the gen 2/3 Raptor kit tested perfectly with no codes, no abs lights or issues, and no other problems. We pulled the trigger on a shop kit and got to work to see for ourselves. Install was a breeze and including time for bleeding, took a morning to complete.
We tested* the OEM brakes on a 2021 Gen 3 37 Truck at 156 FT averaged between 3 brake attempts from 60MPH-0MPH. With the Wilwood Aero 6 kit, we were averaging 130 FT.* That’s about a 17% improvement over stock!
*we conducted these tests with 37” KM3 tires and Method 703 Beadgrip wheels. A full tank of gas and the weight of 2 spares, jack, and a full chase rack…
We call that a drastic improvement to a part of the truck that until now, has very few ways to properly upgrade. On the street, pedal feel is night and day. Noticeably firmer pedal feel as you can feel the truck respond much faster to less input, giving you a much more positive experience. No more squishy feel. Light stabs at the pedal tears of speed so effortlessly you might forget you’re driving a hefty truck with oversized tires.
The kit includes Massive 6 Piston Calipers, 13.38” diameter HD drilled and slotted (or slotted only) rotors, performance brake pads, and premium stainless steel braided lines. This is a direct caliper replacement with no special brackets, spacers or tie rod ends necessary. 100% plug and play with most 17 wheels.
We have been Authorized to extend a special group buy offer for our next 10 wilwood orders. Ford Raptor Forum members only will receive special discount.
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