From headlamp to tailgate. From suspension to drivetrain. See how the unique features of the Gen2 Raptor work in perfect unison… to take off-road performance to an intimidating new level. The Raptor is even more of a beast off-road. To manage the power distribution between the front and rear wheels, an all-new, four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand transfer case. The Raptor also sports 3.0-inch FOX Racing Shox which provides great off-road performance and a smooth ride on-road.
After 36k miles on the BFG KO2s they were getting rather lumpy, noisy and down to about 4-5/32nds so it was time. Did a lot of research and found the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus in the stock size 315/70R17 - and decided they were a good choice for my driving style.
Pirelli’s new SCORPION™ ALL TERRAIN PLUS offers light truck and SUV drivers a durable, high performance driving experience in a wide range of challenging on or off road conditions. The product feature a self cleaning pattern aimed at increasing integrity while delivering excellent wet, snow, and mud traction.
These are E-rated tires, so heavier duty sidewalls - not the best for MUD and crawling, but then again my truck is 90% road so I won't be that concerned. The tire comes with a 50k warranty as well, as compared to the BFG KO2 - with no warranty.
The feel on the highway is excellent, and these tires are nearly silent. Maybe it was just the wear on the KO2 but it was like riding in a 747 - you had that constant drone of the tires...
A little cheaper than the KO2, and 50k warranty - plus all the features - time will tell if these were a good switch!
A few months back I was rather disappointed that my front driver side floor mat hasn't lasted 32k miles. I mean, yeah they're rubber floor mats - but I usually wear soft soled shoes, no boots (or heels). As you can see it was torn the whole way through on the driver side. The passenger side isn't as worn, but it's a horrible fit for being stock.
The Husky liners came out on top, so I finally broke down and got a set for the front. The rear seat gets marginal traffic, so I opted to leave the stock one alone there.
Pretty happy with the setup, the driver side snaps into the mat holders so they don't slide around. The passenger side looks to fit much better than OEM as well. Both sides extend a bit over the door sill, which doesn't bother me one bit. What are your thoughts? Not complaining for $83!
It's been about a year since my last update, and Ford is always tweaking, optimizing their ECU/TCU tuning - so I figured I should contact Whipple Superchargers for an annual update - and it was due for an update!
I'll report back with any noticeable differences, but most likely it will have transmission refinements to improve shifting logic and smoothness. Yahoo!
Update: the tune does have quite a few updates, primarily transmission and more boost down low. Overall VERY happy with this update!!
Ever sit in your F-150 and wish you could 'pop' the tailgate, much like if you're in a car and you want to 'pop' the trunk? Well, now you can!
Long story short, you can order this kit here for $25
note: This mod only works on the 2017 Raptor with 802A package.
This modification behaves exactly as a trunk release button in a Ford sedan would. Meaning, it will not function while the Truck is moving. It will not function if the truck is not in accessory mode or turned on. The system cannot be damaged by leaving the upfitter in the on position either. Leaving the upfitter switch toggled on is the same as pressing and holding the trunk release button in a Ford sedan. Once the signal to open the trunk is sent no more power is sent to the actuator, all signals are ran through the BCM processors. This is a modification that operates as an OEM system would.
FAQ:
Q:Does this modification require permanent modification to my vehicle?
A: No. Zero factory wiring will need to be cut or spliced (aside from the upfitter switch wires)
Q: How long will this take to install?
A: Approx 30min. Less time for some who is experienced with following simple instructions and the use of a wrench (haha).
Q: Will leaving the upfitterswiatch on cause damage? or overload the tailgate actuator?
A: No. Absolutely not. By flipping the up fitter ONE single signal is sent to "pop" the tailgate, after this signal is sent no more power will be sent to the tailgate.
Q: Will this modification work while the vehicle is in motion? While the vehicle is powered off?
A: No. This modification will only work when the ignition is in the ACC/ON/RUN position and the vehicle is not moving faster than 1MPH, regardless of gear selected.
$25 Shipped via PayPal Goods and services
(Please add $6 for international shipping if outside USA).
Each kit Includes:
-DETAILED, PRINTED FULL COLOR INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS
-All required wiring and relay. Everything is prewired and labeled for ease of installation.
-Wire ties and heat shrink tubing to insulate and secure splices.
-This kit requires ZERO cuts or splicing into factory wire harnesses and takes less than 30 minutes with basic tools to install. (splicing of up fitter switch wires required)
OK - if you haven't heard, when you buy a Ford Performance vehicle i.e. Ford Raptor - you get an invite for the first year of ownership to visit the FPRS (Ford Performance Racing School) in Erda Utah. Erda what? Exactly! So here's a quick history lesson...
TOOELE (pronounced TOO-WILL-AH), UTAH – With the recent announcement that Ford Performance Racing School has signed a four-year agreement with Tooele County in Utah to provide new driving school programs at the racetrack formerly known as Miller Motorsports Park, it’s a pretty good bet that somewhere in the afterlife, the late Larry Miller is smiling. The racing circuit was first slated to cost $2M but ended up ballooning to a stout $160M! Seriously - it's a kick-ass track!
Lawrence Horne Miller (April 26, 1944 – February 20, 2009) was a Utah businessman and philanthropist who was well known as the owner of the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s Utah Jazz and of the Salt Lake Bees, a Triple-A Minor League Baseball franchise. Miller and his companies also owned 54 automotive dealerships throughout the Western United States,[2] and a variety of other business ventures, including Prestige Financial Services, Inc. The racetrack was sold to Tooele county and Ford decided to start it's racing school at this fantastic track!
Founded in 2006, Ford Performance Racing School has become one of America’s top training programs for those wanting to sharpen their skills while becoming better and safer drivers. The school employs a fleet of modified vehicles as well as a team of instructors comprised of championship-winning drivers.
Of course, there will never be another Larry H. Miller, who had ordered his casket painted Guardsman Blue with Wimbledon White racing stripes. While the Ford Performance Racing School at the Utah Motorsports Campus still honors the Miller legacy, we’ll likely never see another man with the passion or wherewithal to build such a tribute to Ford Motor Company’s racing heritage.
So now you know the history of why it's in Utah.
We bought our 2017 Raptor and officially took ownership April 10th, 2017 - and the school only allows a free visit/track day for one year after purchase! We JUST made it on April 2nd 2018 WAHOO!
My wife and I opted to drive from Folsom, CA to Toole, UT which is about 9 1/2 hours - yes a long day but it's fun to explore! Definitely try the Black Rifle Coffee Company - they're veteran based and roast their coffee right in the shop!
Anyhoo... We arrived late Saturday night 3/31 at our AirBNB - and we didn't plan this but it was Easter weekend - yikes! The family was super nice even though it was a busy weekend... only about 10 minutes away from the track as well.
Sunday was Easter so we went into Salt Lake City and tried out Finca - the Easter brunch was fantastic! Normally they're a tapas kind of place and it influenced the menu for sure! My sexy wife and her plate of food :)
Easter was nice and relaxing - kind of odd as we usually host every holiday at our house, but our kids seemed to enjoy the time away... don't worry, they're older. We explored SLC and had a nice little hike overlooking the valley.
My wife wasn't allowed to participate in the Raptor Assault (really our only gripe!) So we explored a bit more to find some spots for her to visit while I was out in the truck...
We found Kindig-It Designs and Diesel Sellerz both shows we like to watch on TV - so she was set and ready to visit them Monday.
The evening before the track/off-road day the FPRS guys host a dinner - it was pretty good, not a $120 plate by any means, but geesh guys it's free food and was good chicken & roast beef!
They have a 30 minute review of what to expect the next day - it's about 2 hours on track, and the rest of the day is off-road on public trails... very cool!
Some pics of the vehicles in the FPRS Center
Ok - onto Monday the actual day! You arrive around 7:45am and get an overview of the day, pair up with a buddy, plus you pick a helmet to fit your noggin. Yes, a few times in the day you have to wear a helmet - probably a good idea on some of these activities for sure! Also, to note, the front tires are inflated to 32psi and the rears are 28psi - after years of testing the FPRS team says that's the best setup - but the warning light will stay on in the truck at that lower pressure.
My buddy (Ray) for the day - with a thumbs up as we set off!
They split our 15 trucks into 2 main groups at first, one set went to the dirt track to test different truck modes, and we went to the hill section. The hills are meant to show the capability and stability of these trucks - it's a big crazy. If you look at the pic below - we were at a 27-30 degree angle sideways and the instructor was standing UNDERNEATH us on the side and shook the truck! We seriously thought we would tip over and crush him, but he said the trucks are good for over 40 degrees before thinking about tipping - that's just insane!
Next we did a 30 degree vertical climb... just as crazy, turn-on the rear locker - can't see over the hood and have to use the front camera. The Raptor goes up and over without ANY issues... The hill-descent is amazing, hit the button and the truck will hold you in spot.
Next was the dirt track for us - had to wear helmets for this one! Each driver gets 4 laps. 1 in normal mode, 2 in mud/sand, 3 in baja, and 4 back in normal. You feel pretty good but when you hit Baja mode it's AWESOME!
After our toss around in the baja pit - we got to drive on the highway to our off-road courses
The trails were simple to crazy - the flats were Baja Mode primarily and we scooted across the holes and bumps like nobody's business. The hills were very much aligned with these bigger trucks - note: Jeeps have a big advantage because they have a shorter wheelbase. But when put to the task, the Raptors rock climbed with the best of em...
Here's some pics of the first trail... when you go offroad you have to turn on the front light bar and rear chase lights using AUX1 and AUX2 - the radio in the center console is great (Kenwood) and lets you chat with your lead truck all the time.
After the romp through the first trail, we came up to a nice climb - did some Baja to get to the base of the climb then used Mud/Sand (turn off the locker) to go the rest of the trail...
You get a box lunch and we hang out by these huge holes that are rebar-covered... they go down 70-100 feet. Pretty windy at this elevation (I think about 4,300 ft) but more to come!
Group pic!
After lunch we put it in Rock/Crawl mode with the locker ENABLED (we're gonna need it!)
We started up a trail that took us up to over 7,000 ft. The school placed a spotter in a few places because the rock ledges were pretty big and lots of shifting shale/rock - nobody wanted to experience downhill sideways :)
After we hit the peak we relaxed - but it was SUPER windy at 7,300 ft.
hey Ray!
The descent was really nice - got to use Hill Descent Control - basically you push the button and the truck takes over - you pretty much steer! Once we got past the steep stuff we put it in 2M and let the engine braking help with the rest of the way...
Then we headed to the last spot - for a Baja run through the desert!
After a training run, we each got 2 runs. The first cone was the start, and could run 40mph up to checkpoint 1, then slow to 30mph by checkpoint2, and finally back to 10mph at the end. Was about a 2 mile run and the Raptor ate up the holes, rocks like nothing was there! Just amazing!
After the Baja run it was time to head back to FPRS - we finally got some rain on the way back.
We get back - review the day and get our trophies - so cool the BFG KO2 tire that was built specifically for the Raptor is on the trophy!
Great job Ray! We survived!
My Trophy and Certificate!
Overall - fantastic experience. If you have a Raptor - don't pass this up! You can even get some Ford apparel at the store on your way out... I nabbed a Raptor Assault sticker for my truck :)
EARNED IT!
The drive home the next day was nice during the daytime -got to see the Great Salt Lake and other fun stuff. Like the Morton Salt Facory...
Pretty cool how the water reflects the mountains...
The weird Tree of Utah
...and this dude in a '90s Mustang GT convertible with the top down at 37F 👀
we were doing the speed limit at 80MPH and he went by pretty fast!
Oh, and if you ever go through Sparks, NV - stop at BJ's Barbecue on Tuesdays -it's Tri-Tip day!
