I posted this question on a different forum and got pretty much no response, so hopefully it's not a completely ridiculous question.

So I've been in the market for a truck for a while now and I've been back and forth about what I want/need.

Initially I fell in love with the Raptor, but I've come to accept that it really is overkill for my needs and I can get a capable truck for less money that would suit me just fine.

I do a lot of driving on rough, unpaved roads and a bit of offroading. I drive year round and will drive through snow on forest service roads and logging roads in the winter. I also will use my truck as my daily driver for hauling equipment for work (nothing too heavy). So I want something capable off road with respectable clearance that also rides nice on the road.

I was thinking of just going with an F150 optioned how I want it (seems no matter the model, they all come out to be about the same price with the 5.0L, 4x4, and 3.73 locker) and upgrading the suspension and wheels/tires.

For suspension, based on what I've read, I was thinking of going with the Camburg Performance Kit (UCAs and Fox Coilovers for the front and new shocks for rear) and then adding a set of springs from National Springs, as I've seen on the RPG website. If I'm not mistaken this should give me enough clearance for 33-34" tires and a very nice ride on both paved and unpaved roads.

Thoughts? Is this overkill? Am I leaving something out? I drive a car right now, so I don't have much experience with trucks in general, much less aftermarket suspension upgrades.

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

With a 2" level you can fit 35's on stock wheels. the fox coil over will allow you to level it 2".

For what you are wanting, a raptor probably isn't much more if any once you take into account the mods you are wanting to do. Seems like you want every thing the raptor has but are just trying to talk yourself out of it.

 

Initially I did want the Raptor. If money were no issue, I would probably buy one. But even with the suspension upgrades, an FX4 would still be many thousands of dollars cheaper. Ford has some pretty great incentives right now and the FX4 can be had for less than $36,000. Not sure how Raptor pricing has changed for 2013, but invoice pricing was around $44k for 2012 and it would be a stretch to think I could get a dealer around here to order one at that price. I'd still expect the 5.0 to get better mileage even with larger tires and the extra width of the Raptor is more a drawback around here, so I'm pretty comfortable going this route.

Open to opinions though for sure on any of this. That's why I posted.

 

36k for the truck + $1200 for tires + $3000 for performance kit + $1400 for leaf springs + ~$1000 Install = 42,600

Remember the raptor is geared w/ 4.10's so it will push those 35's probably better than what the 5.0 and 34's. mileage is going to be pretty close if you don't tune the truck for the change in tire size. I'm not saying the 5.0 is going to have a problem with the set up you have planned, but for about $1400 in price difference i'd spend it and get the raptor.

The raptor later on is going to probably have a better resale, going to have more power, and IMO is a better deal since you are going to dump a lot of money into the truck to get it close to a raptor set up.

 

That's a good point, I think part of my problem is that I'm still not entirely sure what I even need and my comfort level with this type of technology is pretty low. My thinking went something like this: Need bigger tires for better clearance for driving through deep snow --> need to lift truck a bit to clear bigger tires --> want to do this properly, not lose suspension travel and keep a comfortable ride --> need camburg and rear leaf springs. So it seems like I may be trying to talk myself into spending money I don't really need to. I mean I could just as easily stick with a simple leveling kit to clear those tires right? But does a leveling kit negatively affect suspension performance off-road? Could it cause unnecessary and premature wear and tear? I just need to do more research I guess.

 

Also keep in mind that you will more than likely void all of the warranties by adding long travel suspension to a base f150.

 

The setup you mentioned sounds really nice. But it honestly sounds like overkill for your needs. Just a leveling kit or replacment Bilstien shocks (which also allow you to level the truck) would probably serve you well for a lot less money.

 

Agreed. If you want a Raptor, get a Raptor. If you want to save on the upfront costs, I'd go with Bilsteins, Rancho QuickLifts and now saw that Procomp makes a coilover with 2" lift capabilities for the front. Then put a larger block or lift shackle, or better yet, airbags in the rear along with new shocks (I prefer adjustable shocks). Fox, Kings, Icons, etc are top notch equipment but why do you need those?!? Finally, set it off with a rugged set of 33's or with the right backspace, 35's. If 35's, I suggest 4.56 gearing f/r and finally, a tuner to round it all out.

But having said that here's an average price breakdown:
(4) Bilsteins with 2" lift: ~$400.00
Airlift Bags Ride Control System: ~250.00
Lift shackle: ~100.00
(4) 35x12.5r18 mud tires: ~1400.00
(4) Wheels: black ~$250@, chrome ~$350@
Front and rear gears with labor: ~$1700.00
Programmer of some kind: ~$400

So I would say your range for the above would be $3500-$4500 depending on what you get and where get it plus any labor costs and taxes. As mentioned, you're probably gonna be the one turning the wrenches and eating the warranties, but on the bright side, you don't have to do it all at once.

Anyone know the going rate for an optioned out Raptor? I was under the impression they were just under 50k.

 

Thanks guys, I'm leaning toward saving money and just going with a leveling kit right now. I kind of don't want a Raptor any more. I feel it is impractical for my needs and the width is in no way an advantage around here. Plus in my line of work it would not be prudent to drive something so flashy. If I ultimately feel I need more in the suspension area I feel confident I can upgrade to meet my needs and I still won't have spent the same amount of money as I would have on a Raptor. Sure resale won't be that great, but I tend to buy vehicles to own for life. I hope I never end up in a situation that would force me to sell.