Ford F Series / Raptor

Ford Raptor Overview:

• The Ford Raptor is a specialized version of the Ford F-150, optimized for off-road prowess and high-performance driving. With its powerful engine, advanced suspension, and various off-road features, the Raptor is built to conquer diverse terrains with style and capability.

Engine Options:

• High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine

Transmission Options:

• 10-speed automatic transmission

Suspension and Off-Road Features:

• High-performance FOX Racing Shox suspension with live valve technology
• Terrain Management System with various drive modes for different off-road conditions
• Available beadlock-capable wheels for better tire grip in low-traction situations
• Skid plates to protect underbody components
• Trail Control for low-speed off-road cruising
• Electronic locking rear differential

Exterior and Design:

• Aggressive and unique Raptor styling with wide bodywork and bold graphics
• LED lighting, including available LED light bars
• Available dual-exit exhaust system

Interior and Technology:

• Comfortable and functional interior with available premium materials
• SYNC infotainment system with touchscreen display (varies by model year)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (varies by model year)
• Advanced driver assistance features (availability may vary by model year)

Towing and Payload:

• The Raptor is designed more for off-road performance, but it still offers towing and hauling capabilities suitable for a high-performance pickup truck.

The Ford F-Series covers a pretty wide range of trucks, from daily-driven F-150s and work trucks to Raptors built around high-speed off-road performance. Because of that, there really isn't one correct way to build one.

A truck that spends most of its time commuting and towing probably doesn't need the same parts as an F-150 being built for camping, trails or desert use. The Raptor is another story altogether. Ford already gives you a very capable suspension package from the factory, so with those trucks we usually recommend driving them first and figuring out what you actually want to improve before replacing parts just for the sake of replacing them.

At 9AM, we carry parts for everything from mild daily-driver builds to much more serious off-road setups. The goal isn't to tell you that you need every modification available. It's to help you find the parts that make sense for what you're actually doing with the truck.

Suspension

Suspension is one of the biggest areas for these trucks. You can start with something relatively simple or move into serious off-road setups like the ICON Stage 3 Raptor Suspension System depending on how far you want to take the truck.

Lighting

Lighting is an easy upgrade to appreciate once the truck starts spending time off-road at night. Options like the Vision X Raptor LED Halo Fog Light Kit add useful light in a factory-style location without turning the front of the truck into a giant light bar.

Powertrain

Intake and exhaust upgrades are common starting points for street-driven trucks. The AWE 2015+ F-150 0FG Single Exit Exhaust, AWE Gen 3 Raptor SwitchPath Exhaust, and aFe 2017-2025 F-150 Track Series Intake are good examples of where to start.

Exterior

Exterior upgrades can make the truck more useful just as much as they change how it looks. Bed accessories, steps, tonneau covers and truck-specific hardware are worth looking at if the truck is being used for work, camping or hauling gear.

Overland

For camping and longer trips away from pavement, focus on the gear you actually use. Storage, recovery equipment and camp accessories usually make more sense when they're added as the truck's role becomes clearer.

Recovery

If you're taking the truck far enough off-road that getting stuck is possible, recovery gear should be part of the build early. Proper recovery points and basic equipment matter a lot more once you're actually out there.

Off-Road Wheels

Wheel width, offset, tire size and suspension setup all work together. Plan the combination as a package, especially if larger tires or suspension changes are part of the build.

Interior

Interior upgrades usually become more useful as the build grows. Radios, switches and mounts help keep lighting, communication and other off-road equipment organized and easy to use.