The inner 10-year-old in all of us certainly appreciated that Ford crammed a 700-horsepower supercharged V-8 under the hood of the F-150 Raptor to make the Raptor R. But exactly what did Ford have to change to accommodate the heavier powertrain? In our latest suspension test video, Dan Edmunds finds out by exploring under the front and rear of a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R. He also puts it through our Ramp Travel Index test to compare the Raptor R’s flexibility with other Raptor variants and, of course, the Ram 1500 TRX.
As it turns out, the added weight didn’t require extensive changes to the suspension design. The front spring rates are stiffer, but fundamentally the spring package is the same as other Raptors. We also see the weight for the mounted 37-inch wheels.
Out back, Edmunds explains the benefits of the Raptor’s independent suspension and its inverted shocks. We learn how the active Fox Live Valve Shocks work, and we see how the center of the Panhard bar has been flattened to make room for the 37-inch spare tire.
The RTI test highlights the Raptor R’s approach angle of 33.1 degrees. But you might be surprised to see that the Raptor R has a lower score than not only the Ram 1500 TRX, but every other Raptor variant as well. What gives? Watch to learn.
Deputy editor, video
From selling it to testing it, Carlos Lago has spent his entire adult life consumed by cars. He currently drives the creative behind Car and Driver video.
