Another Freaking Raptor Thread

[DrunkenSailor]

Alright so my buddy is looking at used Raptors. Budget is flexible but not 65k+ for a new one.

Single guy so cab doesn't matter to him.

Given the choice would you go for 6.2 or 3.5?

2013 is when they strengthened the bed frame so they didn't taco so easy. I have already told him to stay away from 11 and 12 and to get under every truck he looks at.

Is the extra coin for the 2017 with the 10 speed worth it? Does that tranny work? Or is it kinda like a blind guy in a whore house searching for the right hole all the time?

Anyone ever own one of the Roush stage 2 6.2's? He found a bitchen extended cab but it's got almost 100k miles.

 

[BONER]

6.2. Ecoboost's blow up. Been proven.

 

[tunnel vision]

145k on my 3.5 EB and no probs...

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

The Supercharged 6.2s run well. I have a friend that has one.

The new ones are much better trucks. By and large the 3.5 EBs are pretty solid.

 

[Bigbore500r]

How smooth do they actually ride in the desert? I'd be tempted to get one to replace the rzr for offroad cruising, and my current truck, since we went motorhome we don't need a dually anymore to tow heavy. Obviously they aren't gonna go thru stuff that a rzr fits thru, but for 50-60 mph fire road cruising, light whoops (reasonable driving), are they fun?

 

[Taboma]

Alright so my buddy is looking at used Raptors. Budget is flexible but not 65k+ for a new one.

Single guy so cab doesn't matter to him.

Given the choice would you go for 6.2 or 3.5?

2013 is when they strengthened the bed frame so they didn't taco so easy. I have already told him to stay away from 11 and 12 and to get under every truck he looks at.

Is the extra coin for the 2017 with the 10 speed worth it? Does that tranny work? Or is it kinda like a blind guy in a whore house searching for the right hole all the time?

Anyone ever own one of the Roush stage 2 6.2's? He found a bitchen extended cab but it's got almost 100k miles.

Except for the name, they're essentially two different trucks. Has your buddy driven both ? I came from a 3.5 Platinum, I really liked that engine in the Plat and I like it even more now. Are there times I wished it sounded like a 6.2 ? --- damn right --- but for me that SINGLE reason in no way justified the multitude I found in favor of the 3.5.
90% of the time if I didn't look, I'd never know it had a 10 speed, I've had zero issues with confused or hesitant shifting. I really appreciate the 10 speed when I'm towing.
Oddly I've gotten better overall MPG with my Raptor than my previous Platinum. (Neither great by the way)

Also keep in mind I was I suppose brain washed by my neighbor who's spent the past 8 or 9 years in the desert as a field consulting engineer on the Gen 1 and 2 Raptor development. He's the lucky bastard who got paid daily to driven em till they blow, then drive em again until the don't. Of course not all of his advise or decisions make it past the marketing dept unfortunately, at the end of the day, Ford wasn't looking for a $ 100K truck to market.

For him it's a no brainer, Gen 2 all the way, it's not even a close race. Of course the GEN 1 guys will scream, not true, so at the end of the day it's whatever trips ya trigger enough to pull out the check book. I test drove a few Gen 1's and would have probably bought one, except all the dealers were ass-fucking everybody (Even worse than the Gen 2s). According to my neighbor, even a high ranking Ford engineer took it in the ass, he couldn't even get a deal on a Gen 1.

 

[SBMech]

Bury a Body bro has a 14 6.2, we are going to Whipple it when it gets out of warranty.

I like the way it drives compared to the new version with the 3.5. Have not driven a 19 however. Another buddy has an 18 and it's ok, it's a different experience than the V8 trucks.

I just like the way they run with the 6 speed and the V8. 2014 was the last year for the 6.2.

Without a Whipple kit, the eco turd version is faster, better gearing because of the 10 speed, and 450/500 vs 411/434.

 

[SBMech]

How smooth do they actually ride in the desert? I'd be tempted to get one to replace the rzr for offroad cruising, and my current truck, since we went motorhome we don't need a dually anymore to tow heavy. Obviously they aren't gonna go thru stuff that a rzr fits thru, but for 50-60 mph fire road cruising, light whoops (reasonable driving), are they fun?

We've beat on my buddy's 14 pretty fucking hard a few times, it's unbelieveable what it will handle and how smooth it is.

IMO the only way you could get something more capable of eating up offroad terrain is a prerunner trophy truck. Funny, the friend that owns the 14 used to build trophy trucks lol.

I'm a Chevy guy all the way, but damned if I don't fucking want one everytime I drive his Raptor...

Have someone take you for a ride in one, you'll find yourself bracing for shit from previous offroading, and it just eats it up. Truly impressive for a factory offering.

 

[Cole Trickle]

New ones are way better and haul ass...spensive and sound like poop but they get with it and mob pretty hard in the desert .

I think the only half ton truck that would run with it on the street is a new 2x4 6.2 8 speed GM

 

[DrunkenSailor]

Except for the name, they're essentially two different trucks. Has your buddy driven both ? I came from a 3.5 Platinum, I really liked that engine in the Plat and I like it even more now. Are there times I wished it sounded like a 6.2 ? --- damn right --- but for me that SINGLE reason in no way justified the multitude I found in favor of the 3.5.
90% of the time if I didn't look, I'd never know it had a 10 speed, I've had zero issues with confused or hesitant shifting. I really appreciate the 10 speed when I'm towing.
Oddly I've gotten better overall MPG with my Raptor than my previous Platinum. (Neither great by the way)

Also keep in mind I was I suppose brain washed by my neighbor who's spent the past 8 or 9 years in the desert as a field consulting engineer on the Gen 1 and 2 Raptor development. He's the lucky bastard who got paid daily to driven em till they blow, then drive em again until the don't. Of course not all of his advise or decisions make it past the marketing dept unfortunately, at the end of the day, Ford wasn't looking for a $ 100K truck to market.

For him it's a no brainer, Gen 2 all the way, it's not even a close race. Of course the GEN 1 guys will scream, not true, so at the end of the day it's whatever trips ya trigger enough to pull out the check book. I test drove a few Gen 1's and would have probably bought one, except all the dealers were ass-fucking everybody (Even worse than the Gen 2s). According to my neighbor, even a high ranking Ford engineer took it in the ass, he couldn't even get a deal on a Gen 1.

I'm telling him to drive both. I don't think he has yet. Funny that the Ford engineer couldn't get a deal lol.

Bury a Body bro has a 14 6.2, we are going to Whipple it when it gets out of warranty.

I like the way it drives compared to the new version with the 3.5. Have not driven a 19 however. Another buddy has an 18 and it's ok, it's a different experience than the V8 trucks.

I just like the way they run with the 6 speed and the V8. 2014 was the last year for the 6.2.

Without a Whipple kit, the eco turd version is faster, better gearing because of the 10 speed, and 450/500 vs 411/434.

If he goes with the 6.2 I have already told him about the whipple kit. The Roush truck is interesting but I worry about someone else's abuse. Rather have a clean 6.2 and do the bolt on myself.

 

[Taboma]

How smooth do they actually ride in the desert? I'd be tempted to get one to replace the rzr for offroad cruising, and my current truck, since we went motorhome we don't need a dually anymore to tow heavy. Obviously they aren't gonna go thru stuff that a rzr fits thru, but for 50-60 mph fire road cruising, light whoops (reasonable driving), are they fun?

My Ford test engineer neighbor gave me a very solid piece of advise (Base on his years of slamming them across the desert) --- the Gen 2's Achilles heal is it's light aluminum bed. If you want it to ride BETTER in the desert, drop the rear air pressure and toss a couple of hundred lbs of sand bags in the bed ---- or two spares strapped down.
I can't recall the exact weights, but the aluminum bed changed the sprung to unsprung rear weight dramatically, which can leave the ass end a bit skidderish, especially with tires running factory inflation.

I tow our Wildcat XX to our ranch up all the dirt roads and across creeks etc. From there on we use the SXS --- mostly because the Raptor is wide and as much as I'll pin stripe the shit out of my SXS no problem, I'm not yet ready to scratch my Raptor I'm looking forward to getting it on the desert dirt away from any bushes however

 

[HotRod82]

How smooth do they actually ride in the desert? I'd be tempted to get one to replace the rzr for offroad cruising, and my current truck, since we went motorhome we don't need a dually anymore to tow heavy. Obviously they aren't gonna go thru stuff that a rzr fits thru, but for 50-60 mph fire road cruising, light whoops (reasonable driving), are they fun?

You're going to get 100 different opinions on this but I've ridden in a few raptors and they are pretty slow off road in stock form but they ride well. Again, IMHO a raptor with Deavers and 3.5 bypasses in the rear connected to a simple bed cage combined with coilovers and air bumps in the front makes them fast enough to be fun. They are really heavy so you can only do so much with 14" of travel in the front. The guys at JD fab advised me to buy a regular f150 4x4 with the motor and type of cab I wanted and bring it to them for all of the suspension work instead of buying a raptor. They said for way less money you can get a truck that will be twice as fast and twice as reliable.
The problem with pre-runners is there are 1000 different options and 2000 different opinions.

 

[Bpracing1127]

6.2. Ecoboost's blow up. Been proven.

Back that statement up!

 

[SBMech]

Take a close look at the shocks, we played with it pretty rough a few times, the shocks ended up leaking, so we had them warrantied, they are spendy without a warranty.

They eat power steering pumps, don't believe all the hype on the forums, replace the pump with another Motorcrap one and tell the $3000 upgrade guys who want to sell you a rack with the pump to pound sand.

I really like the upgraded trim package, the air conditioned seats are fucking awesome in the desert!

 

[Taboma]

I'm telling him to drive both. I don't think he has yet. Funny that the Ford engineer couldn't get a deal lol.



If he goes with the 6.2 I have already told him about the whipple kit. The Roush truck is interesting but I worry about someone else's abuse. Rather have a clean 6.2 and do the bolt on myself.

I have no idea where your buddy intends to use the truck. But I'm going to repeat a story, with absolutely no malice intended to those who own awesome Gen 1's.

During development of the Gen 2's, Gen 1's were used as chase trucks, also used to make comparisons.
All of this testing was done around Ocotillo, mostly on a private ranch Ford leased. They built a rather extreme offroad test track of high speed sections, whoops, steep ascents and descents, rock, etc, where they could conduct testing privately under controlled conditions.
During the summer heat, most Gen 1's were only able to run one or two laps without going into limp mode from overheating. During one test section my neighbor was TRYING to stay with a Gen 2 over the whoops, Gen 2 was pulling him bad, then the worst happened --- Gen 1 goes into limp mode WHILE running hard over the whoops, truck starts bucking like a crazed bull as it's rapidly decelerating. The spare in the bed broke loose from the tie-downs, flies up and goes right through the motorized rear window
Now he had some 'Splanin' to do
Gen 2's were running that same course lap after lap, all afternoon in the heat and never went into limp mode. Knowing I'd be towing in the desert, I felt that was worthwhile information.
Is the average owner going to over heat --- highly unlikely, these guys were flogging these things hard.

So I'm guessing by now you've figured out why I told this story ---- now add a supercharger ?? Keep it cool, bro

 

[BONER]

Back that statement up!

Seen it first hand. Written multiple tickets for motor replacement. Have seen 2 Friends blow their shit up in the last 18 months.

Do all Eco's blow up? Of course not. Do all 6.0 Powerstrokes blow up? Of course not.

With my knowledge of Eco's and writing Service for a long time, I'd never buy one.

Here's where the Ecoboost Nutswingers bring up the Ford GT running an Ecoboost in IMSA and other endurance racing in 3....................2..................1...........

Lol

 

[DrunkenSailor]

You're going to get 100 different opinions on this but I've ridden in a few raptors and they are pretty slow off road in stock form but they ride well. Again, IMHO a raptor with Deavers and 3.5 bypasses in the rear connected to a simple bed cage combined with coilovers and air bumps in the front makes them fast enough to be fun. They are really heavy so you can only do so much with 14" of travel in the front. The guys at JD fab advised me to buy a regular f150 4x4 with the motor and type of cab I wanted and bring it to them for all of the suspension work instead of buying a raptor. They said for way less money you can get a truck that will be twice as fast and twice as reliable.
The problem with pre-runners is there are 1000 different options and 2000 different opinions.

If I was going to buy a new one I would absolutely buy a basic ecoboost F150 4x4 with a decent interior and take it to my buddy who owns a shop and turn him loose. Problem with the used truck market is I can get a Raptor at a couple grand more than a regular F150 it makes sense to just buy the raptor.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

I have no idea where your buddy intends to use the truck. But I'm going to repeat a story, with absolutely no malice intended to those who own awesome Gen 1's.

During development of the Gen 2's, Gen 1's were used as chase trucks, also used to make comparisons.
All of this testing was done around Ocotillo, mostly on a private ranch Ford leased. They built a rather extreme offroad test track of high speed sections, whoops, steep ascents and descents, rock, etc, where they could conduct testing privately under controlled conditions.
During the summer heat, most Gen 1's were only able to run one or two laps without going into limp mode from overheating. During one test section my neighbor was TRYING to stay with a Gen 2 over the whoops, Gen 2 was pulling him bad, then the worst happened --- Gen 1 goes into limp mode WHILE running hard over the whoops, truck starts bucking like a crazed bull as it's rapidly decelerating. The spare in the bed broke loose from the tie-downs, flies up and goes right through the motorized rear window
Now he had some 'Splanin' to do
Gen 2's were running that same course lap after lap, all afternoon in the heat and never went into limp mode. Knowing I'd be towing in the desert, I felt that was worthwhile information.
Is the average owner going to over heat --- highly unlikely, these guys were flogging these things hard.

So I'm guessing by now you've figured out why I told this story ---- now add a supercharger ?? Keep it cool, bro

That's an awesome story.

 

[Hullbilly]

Back that statement up!

I’ve seen 3 scattered eco blocks on I10, 2 on 90/94 up north...Its not unheard when they are driven hard. Just like chevy 5.3’s lifters wipe out cam lobes.

They all have their issues.

 

[pkbullet]

Alright so my buddy is looking at used Raptors. Budget is flexible but not 65k+ for a new one.

Single guy so cab doesn't matter to him.

Given the choice would you go for 6.2 or 3.5?

2013 is when they strengthened the bed frame so they didn't taco so easy. I have already told him to stay away from 11 and 12 and to get under every truck he looks at.

Is the extra coin for the 2017 with the 10 speed worth it? Does that tranny work? Or is it kinda like a blind guy in a whore house searching for the right hole all the time?

Anyone ever own one of the Roush stage 2 6.2's? He found a bitchen extended cab but it's got almost 100k miles.[/QUOTE.

Alright so my buddy is looking at used Raptors. Budget is flexible but not 65k+ for a new one.

Single guy so cab doesn't matter to him.

Given the choice would you go for 6.2 or 3.5?

2013 is when they strengthened the bed frame so they didn't taco so easy. I have already told him to stay away from 11 and 12 and to get under every truck he looks at.

Is the extra coin for the 2017 with the 10 speed worth it? Does that tranny work? Or is it kinda like a blind guy in a whore house searching for the right hole all the time?

Anyone ever own one of the Roush stage 2 6.2's? He found a bitchen extended cab but it's got almost 100k miles.

If he buys a nice 2017 he is going to spend around 60k. That doesn't sound like the goal. I have a 2013 and a 2017, the biggest difference to me is more the tech in the truck. I can't travel without interactive cruise, it drives me nuts. I have never used either to its offroad capability. My 2013 only has 20k on it and will bring in the 40's, so maybe a 6.2 is closer to the number he wants to spend. I don't think I would buy one that had a 100k on it for what the still would book for.

 

[beaverretriever]

I'm a V8 guy but the Ecoboost is pretty bad ass.

Unfortunately: Like Forest Gump would say, "Raptors are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are gonna get".

I think about Raptors like used Mustangs and Camaros. Some are the most babied vehicles on the planet (like the ones I own), but MOST are beat to shit. The problem with a Raptor, you can look and look at them, but its hard to tell how bad they have really been beat sometimes. Especially from a test drive and a complete walk through. It's down the road three months later after five alignments you realized the thing is driving sideways because the frame is completely tweaked.

 

[H2O]

I haven't driven one, but Motor Trend says the '19 adaptive suspension is a MAJOR upgrade.

As a baseline, the shocks have three modes: normal, sport, and off-road, which covers the litany of off-road driving modes. It's not an if-then system, though. The controller, Lincoln's CCD adaptive damping unit reprogrammed by Ford Performance, constantly watches how you drive, tries to predict the surface you're on, and adjusts the damping to compensate. For example, if you're in an off-road mode and you're heavy on the throttle, the shocks will soften up a bit for when you inevitably hit a big bump at a higher speed than you might've intended to. Conversely, when the ride height sensors detect the truck is airborne, as Raptors are wont to be, the shocks stiffen to better absorb the landing.

That bit, I can confirm, works precisely as advertised. Should you find yourself temporarily divorced from the ground in a 2019 F-150 Raptor, the landing is quite gentle. With excellent grip from the meaty BFGs, it's a drama-free affair. Indeed, that's how most driving goes with the Raptor. Tearing down a trail in Baja mode, it's composed and confident, with excellent steering response. The shocks turn every rock and rut into a jostle instead of whiplash, encouraging you to push the truck even harder since clearly you're not hurting it. Having off-roaded our long-term F-150 with FX4 off-road package this past summer, I can tell you the difference the Raptor's shocks make in passenger comfort is almost too great to quantify.

When things slow down, Ford's new Trail Control comes into play. Essentially cruise control for off-roading, it allows you to set an extremely low crawl speed and have the computer work the gas and brakes while you focus on your line and the obstacles around you. It works in any drive mode, any transfer case position, and up to 20 mph. For the off-road beginner, it takes an entire element of driving off your mind and lets you focus on where you're going. For the pro, it lets you relax a bit on a tedious, low-speed, mildly challenging trail on your way to the good stuff.

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/f-150/2019/2019-ford-f-150-raptor-first-drive-review/

 

[DrunkenSailor]

If he buys a nice 2017 he is going to spend around 60k. That doesn't sound like the goal. I have a 2013 and a 2017, the biggest difference to me is more the tech in the truck. I can't travel without interactive cruise, it drives me nuts. I have never used either to its offroad capability. My 2013 only has 20k on it and will bring in the 40's, so maybe a 6.2 is closer to the number he wants to spend. I don't think I would buy one that had a 100k on it for what the still would book for.

There are some nice ones in the mid 50's range.

 

[Taboma]

I haven't driven one, but Motor Trend says the '19 adaptive suspension is a MAJOR upgrade.

As a baseline, the shocks have three modes: normal, sport, and off-road, which covers the litany of off-road driving modes. It's not an if-then system, though. The controller, Lincoln's CCD adaptive damping unit reprogrammed by Ford Performance, constantly watches how you drive, tries to predict the surface you're on, and adjusts the damping to compensate. For example, if you're in an off-road mode and you're heavy on the throttle, the shocks will soften up a bit for when you inevitably hit a big bump at a higher speed than you might've intended to. Conversely, when the ride height sensors detect the truck is airborne, as Raptors are wont to be, the shocks stiffen to better absorb the landing.

That bit, I can confirm, works precisely as advertised. Should you find yourself temporarily divorced from the ground in a 2019 F-150 Raptor, the landing is quite gentle. With excellent grip from the meaty BFGs, it's a drama-free affair. Indeed, that's how most driving goes with the Raptor. Tearing down a trail in Baja mode, it's composed and confident, with excellent steering response. The shocks turn every rock and rut into a jostle instead of whiplash, encouraging you to push the truck even harder since clearly you're not hurting it. Having off-roaded our long-term F-150 with FX4 off-road package this past summer, I can tell you the difference the Raptor's shocks make in passenger comfort is almost too great to quantify.

When things slow down, Ford's new Trail Control comes into play. Essentially cruise control for off-roading, it allows you to set an extremely low crawl speed and have the computer work the gas and brakes while you focus on your line and the obstacles around you. It works in any drive mode, any transfer case position, and up to 20 mph. For the off-road beginner, it takes an entire element of driving off your mind and lets you focus on where you're going. For the pro, it lets you relax a bit on a tedious, low-speed, mildly challenging trail on your way to the good stuff.

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/f-150/2019/2019-ford-f-150-raptor-first-drive-review/

This essentially echos what my neighbor who was on the development team for this suspension system has told me. Then I inquired, why he hadn't shared this with me prior to me buying my 18' --- two reasons he responds, # 1 was his NDA, which he protects religiously. # 2, he starts laughing, telling me, because he knew there's no way in hell I'd ever be driving my Raptor in a manner to warrant that suspension and of course, he's right. The only way my Raptor will escape earth is if I drive it off a cliff
Everytime I drive past his house in my Raptor he runs out, stops me and checks the skid plate, then mocks me for it not having any scratches or dents on the bottom --- I can't get no respect I tell ya
I'd love to know what he's back out in Ocotillo working on now. If I even hint at asking I get a stern look and occasionally a rebuke for even asking.

 

[SBMech]

I have no idea where your buddy intends to use the truck. But I'm going to repeat a story, with absolutely no malice intended to those who own awesome Gen 1's.

During development of the Gen 2's, Gen 1's were used as chase trucks, also used to make comparisons.
All of this testing was done around Ocotillo, mostly on a private ranch Ford leased. They built a rather extreme offroad test track of high speed sections, whoops, steep ascents and descents, rock, etc, where they could conduct testing privately under controlled conditions.
During the summer heat, most Gen 1's were only able to run one or two laps without going into limp mode from overheating. During one test section my neighbor was TRYING to stay with a Gen 2 over the whoops, Gen 2 was pulling him bad, then the worst happened --- Gen 1 goes into limp mode WHILE running hard over the whoops, truck starts bucking like a crazed bull as it's rapidly decelerating. The spare in the bed broke loose from the tie-downs, flies up and goes right through the motorized rear window
Now he had some 'Splanin' to do
Gen 2's were running that same course lap after lap, all afternoon in the heat and never went into limp mode. Knowing I'd be towing in the desert, I felt that was worthwhile information.
Is the average owner going to over heat --- highly unlikely, these guys were flogging these things hard.

So I'm guessing by now you've figured out why I told this story ---- now add a supercharger ?? Keep it cool, bro

Interesting, were they 2012's by chance? We've played race car on his parents ranch on an offroad track they have and run the shit out of it, it never overheated....

It did eat the P/S pump that day though....

 

[beaverretriever]

Is the first one in the video the one he is looking at? hahahahahaha!!! Man, people are morons. I can't believe the way people take care of expensive stuff.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Seen it first hand. Written multiple tickets for motor replacement. Have seen 2 Friends blow their shit up in the last 18 months.

Do all Eco's blow up? Of course not. Do all 6.0 Powerstrokes blow up? Of course not.

With my knowledge of Eco's and writing Service for a long time, I'd never buy one.

Here's where the Ecoboost Nutswingers bring up the Ford GT running an Ecoboost in IMSA and other endurance racing in 3....................2..................1...........

Lol

Did they blow up because they were not running factory tires??

 

[Taboma]

That's an awesome story.

I honestly can't believe this guy gets paid to have so much fun.
But, not without sacrifice to family and his body. For years now he's spent every week day in the desert, all year long. Winter freezing, blazing summer heat, only seeing his family on weekends. So as much as I'd love to do this for a day or three, I know my aging body couldn't take that punishment and I doubt his will very much longer either.
But yes, once his NDA allows, he loves to tell stories of destruction in the desert. But, when they break em, they also have to fix em, so it's not all fun and games.

One Achilles heal on the Gen 2's is the location of the front license plate. The Raptor supplemental handbook tells owners to remove the front plate if you're going to play in the desert. Obvious reason is the location blocks the air for Turbo-intercooler . Isn't a problem on the road, as speed allows enough air to pass, but can restrict the air at slow speeds when the intercooler fans are on.
Of course this was all revealed during testing in the desert heat. So the engineers recommended (Strongly recommended) the license plates be mounted off center as were the previous year Eco-Boosts (Like my 12' Platinum was). Nope, marketing fought it and won on aesthetics, claiming being off-center bothered some people. So marketing solution was to simply advise owners to remove them --- Now these are the kind of stories that piss a person off
Naturally, no front plates were mounted during development testing other than to prove that they blocked the air --- didn't matter, so remainder of testing was done with no front plates installed.

 

[Taboma]

Interesting, were they 2012's by chance? We've played race car on his parents ranch on an offroad track they have and run the shit out of it, it never overheated....

It did eat the P/S pump that day though....

I have no idea, or how hard these Gen 1 chase trucks had been flogged, broke and repaired previously as test mules. He did however share the pic of the shattered back window I do recall this particular testing was being done during extremely hot desert summer weather, not the kinda weather most of us would be playing off road.
In the new Ford Raptor commercial with the Blue Raptor running hard and doing a few mild jumps --- he's the guy driving it. During filming he got serious air a few times, but Ford wouldn't allow those in the video, that wasn't the message they wanted advertised ---- DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME, lol

 

[pronstar]

How smooth do they actually ride in the desert? I'd be tempted to get one to replace the rzr for offroad cruising, and my current truck, since we went motorhome we don't need a dually anymore to tow heavy. Obviously they aren't gonna go thru stuff that a rzr fits thru, but for 50-60 mph fire road cruising, light whoops (reasonable driving), are they fun?

I have first-hand experience with what you're proposing, but it was my Ram, not a Raptor.
But the overall capabilities are probably close.

When you drop $10k in big Carli-tuned King shocks - triple-bypass n the back, progressive coils/deavers, hydrobumps etc etc...you'l sell your SxS.
That's what we did.

The appeal of windows (so no dust) and climate control are too much to overcome.
I mobbed the shit out of my truck in Glamis, Occotillo, pretty much everywhere.
And had zero desire to own another SxS.

 

[Bigbore500r]

I’ve seen 3 scattered eco blocks on I10, 2 on 90/94 up north...Its not unheard when they are driven hard. Just like chevy 5.3’s lifters wipe out cam lobes.

They all have their issues.

5.3 chevys known to wipe out cam lobes? Lol Probably one of the stoutest cam / lifter setups offered from an OEM

 

[Runs2rch]

5.3 chevys known to wipe out cam lobes? Lol Probably one of the stoutest cam / lifter setups offered from an OEM

The Early AFM was crap.

 

[pronstar]

The Early AFM was crap.

Not taking any chances with my 2015...I’ve disabled AFM electronically.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Hullbilly]

5.3 chevys known to wipe out cam lobes? Lol Probably one of the stoutest cam / lifter setups offered from an OEM

Yes sir, 3 of 10 in our fleet had it happen.

 

[WhatExit?]

Most of you guys know everything about the Raptors

Gen1's are great; Gen2's are even better

When you drive one - either a Gen1 or Gen2 - in the desert (go to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Ocotillo Wells where Ford tested the Gen1's) you'll want to buy one. There's no factory truck like the Raptor.

And if you think you're gonna build one for similar or less money be sure to tell us all how that goes

 

[Taboma]

Most of you guys know everything about the Raptors

Gen1's are great; Gen2's are even better

When you drive one - either a Gen1 or Gen2 - in the desert (go to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Ocotillo Wells where Ford tested the Gen1's) you'll want to buy one. There's no factory truck like the Raptor.

And if you think you're gonna build one for similar or less money be sure to tell us all how that goes

Ford never left Anza and Ocotillo, they've still got the private ranch leased (Not sure if it's Ocotillo or Ocotillo Wells) but my NDA obsessed neighbor won't even offer a hint
Also won't offer a hint what he's working on, but he's still going there week after week and I only see him on weekends.
I've even tried to bait him, tossing out what if's, all I get is a poker face or a "You know I can't tell you" OR occasionally I get "Did you see it on the internet and where ?"
They tend to stray off the ranch during the middle of the week, they don't like prying eyes and attracting a crowd, if so they scramble back into hiding.
Two weeks ago a new white Chevy HD Duramax shows up in his driveway. It was his GM buddy driving a new 2020 2500 LTZ with a fall release scheduled.

 

[Chili Palmer]

I checked out a Raptor on Saturday, I fired it up with the door open and threw a couple of short revs, it sounded like a ride-on lawnmower. It had just rained so I couldn’t really get on it. I wasn’t that impressed. The exhaust sound didn’t help either. Don’t get me wrong it’s badass looking and is a nice truck, but $70k+ for a ½ ton pickup I couldn’t justify it.

 

[Enen]

I want a Raptor for my off-road toy. There are groups that do desert adventures in AZ and SoCal. There are also groups that will meet in SD and run Baja. Some pretty cool long-travel suspension available for these trucks. Throw a few bucks at them and you can get pretty close to trophy-truck level performance.

 

[Taboma]

I checked out a Raptor on Saturday, I fired it up with the door open and threw a couple of short revs, it sounded like a ride-on lawnmower. It had just rained so I couldn’t really get on it. I wasn’t that impressed. The exhaust sound didn’t help either. Don’t get me wrong it’s badass looking and is a nice truck, but $70k+ for a ½ ton pickup I couldn’t justify it.

Yeah well, nobody's claimed to be impressed with the exhaust sound, ever. Of course to get the full effect you need to shut the damned doors so you get the full "Stereo" exhaust sound courtesy of your speakers ---- yeah, well that kinda sounds like shit too After a year I can say, I've kinda gotten used to it and at least rollin down the road, or when towing, it's not loud, just mostly obnoxious under hard acceleration. I had to laugh, a year before I bought mine I did a test ride and the dumb-ass sales dude had me open the rear slider window so I could enjoy the full exhaust ensemble --- Fuck, that got closed quickly.
I was driving a 12' EB Platinum where you had to stick your ear to the pipe to even know it was running --- one extreme to another.
With that said and out of the way, it fuckin hauls ass and is one hell of a fun and nice truck on road or off. So if you didn't get to mash the gas, you missed the main attraction.
Most of us Raptor owners are very happy that the average consumer can't justify --- I'm already seeing to damned many and feel like we're just letting anybody into our exclusive club I think they need to raise the price another $ 20 K !!!
Seriously, they're not for everybody, I really dug my old Platinum, but I'm not getting any younger, this could be my last new truck purchase ---- Boo Hoo, this is also the same act I'm planning on using to justify my "Last" car --- like that Audi R8 V10 I've been eyeballing, hope the wife feels sorry for my old ass, lol

 

[mesquito_creek]

Suspension will be the limiting factor, not the motor, so I would seriously consider the 3.5 Eco. I don't care how much bolt on stuff you do to the suspension you still wont be able to out run it... My 92 F150 with 22 inches of cheap hooker travel still can't out run a stock 5.0L with only 260 HP....

 

[Cole Trickle]

Another thing that nobody is discussing......

Resale - Resale - Resale

These things hold there value better than just about anything out there. What is a loaded standard 2013 F-150 worth today after you dump 20K worth of suspension into it?

Clean raptors with under 75K are still selling for 40K.

If you could get into a new not crazy loaded raptor for 65K I bet you will come out smelling pretty good 6 years down the line. They are honestly a dang good deal for what they are when you start pricing out a loaded 6.2 4x4 GM product.

 

[Taboma]

Another thing that nobody is discussing......

Resale - Resale - Resale

These things hold there value better than just about anything out there. What is a loaded standard 2013 F-150 worth today after you dump 20K worth of suspension into it?

Clean raptors with under 75K are still selling for 40K.

If you could get into a new not crazy loaded raptor for 65K I bet you will come out smelling pretty good 6 years down the line. They are honestly a dang good deal for what they are when you start pricing out a loaded 6.2 4x4 GM product.

Good point and I realize I'm shooting myself in the foot I'm putting out the wrong info, so I offer the following update and correction ---- They Suck Balls so bad and they won't sell, so Ford is going to stop building them --- Raptors are CLOSED.
So move along, there's nothing to see in this thread

 

[RCDave]

I had a friend with a blown 3.5 eco. He changed the oil every 3K miles, drove it easy, and had very minimal towing miles on it.

He called it an ECO-BOOM. Got it fixed under OEM warranty and immediately turned around and sold it

 

[Taboma]

I had a friend with a blown 3.5 eco. He changed the oil every 3K miles, drove it easy, and had very minimal towing miles on it.

He called it an ECO-BOOM. Got it fixed under OEM warranty and immediately turned around and sold it

Your buddy's smart, obviously the other million(s) of them are all just rolling time bombs With any luck he can find a replacement with an engine type and year that's never suffered a failure. Please share

With that rather sarcastically written, I might be inclined to do likewise if I'd had one rebuilt by a dealer's tech. Hopefully Ford just shipped a new engine and it was swapped.
Either way, I understand how he feels, but I can't think of a truck or car I've ever owned that somebody hasn't blown one or lots of em up. Just not mine, thankfully !!

 

[RCDave]

I can't remember all the details but recall it had a block issue. Wasted piston and bent connecting rod (along with related damage caused by the foregoing).

Who know. Maybe an motor built on a monday.....

 

[Outdrive1]

I can't remember all the details but recall it had a block issue. Wasted piston and bent connecting rod (along with related damage caused by the foregoing).

Who know. Maybe an motor built on a monday.....

My Eco Boost broke a piston skirt and was replaced at 62k. It only took Ford three months to replace it.


As far as the Raptor, I loved mine. It rode better than a car. Mileage was pretty poor, but who cares really. My only issue was towing. It can’t handle any weight without being bottomed out and towing I was getting sub 8mpg. Either way I should have kept it. [emoji2359]


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[Skinny Tire AH]

My Eco Boost broke a piston skirt and was replaced at 62k. It only took Ford three months to replace it.


As far as the Raptor, I loved mine. It rode better than a car. Mileage was pretty poor, but who cares really. My only issue was towing. It can’t handle any weight without being bottomed out and towing I was getting sub 8mpg. Either way I should gave kept it. [emoji2359]


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Which is exactly why I still have my 13'

 

[Ziggy]

How smooth do they actually ride in the desert? I'd be tempted to get one to replace the rzr for offroad cruising, and my current truck, since we went motorhome we don't need a dually anymore to tow heavy. Obviously they aren't gonna go thru stuff that a rzr fits thru, but for 50-60 mph fire road cruising, light whoops (reasonable driving), are they fun?

For this reason buying a used one would worry me a little.
In the car biz on trade ins we always said, "it's easy to see through dirty but hard to see through clean", if you get what what I'm sayin'.

 

[DWC]

My only issue was towing. It can’t handle any weight without being bottomed out and towing I . [emoji2359]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

This^^^^^. I get that you can’t have it both ways. A suspension that eats up the desert and is stout enough to tow heavy loads. It would be my first pick for my next truck.

 

[pronstar]

My Eco Boost broke a piston skirt and was replaced at 62k. It only took Ford three months to replace it.


As far as the Raptor, I loved mine. It rode better than a car. Mileage was pretty poor, but who cares really. My only issue was towing. It can’t handle any weight without being bottomed out and towing I was getting sub 8mpg. Either way I should gave kept it. [emoji2359]


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That’s where long-travel airbags come into play [emoji106]

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