The 10-year-old in all of us certainly appreciated that Ford put a 700-hp supercharged V8 under the hood of the F-150 Raptor to make the Raptor R. But what exactly did Ford need to change to accommodate the heavier powertrain? In our latest suspension test video, Dan Edmunds discovered by exploring under the front and back of a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R. He also puts it through our Ramp Travel Index test to compare the flex of the Raptor R to other Raptor variants and, of course, the Ram 1500 TRX.
It turns out that the extra weight didn’t require full suspension design changes. The front springs are stiffer, but basically the suspension package is the same as other Raptors. We also see the weight of the 37-inch wheels fitted.
In the back, Edmunds explains the benefits of the Raptor’s independent suspension and inverted shocks. We learn how the Fox Live Valve active shocks work, and we see how the middle of the Panhard rod has been flattened to make room for the 37-inch spare tire.
The RTI test highlights the Raptor R’s 33.1-degree approach angle. But you might be surprised to see that the Raptor R scores lower not only than the Ram 1500 TRX, but every other variant as well. of the Raptor. Which give? Look to learn.
Deputy Editor, Video
From selling them to testing them, Carlos Lago has spent his entire adult life consumed by cars. He is currently leading the creative behind the Car and Driver video.
