Love the videos. I've been overlanding my raptor for years with no major issues. I did toss the original leaf's for a set of Icon's, and its made a big difference. Congrats at moving out of CA.
270, 280, what ever it takes ~ Michael Keaton (1983 Mr. Mom) LOL It's a bad ass truck, and honestly, even if it wasn't, it's still yours, and that's really all that matters. Truck on, brother!
I went through the same issue on my raptor with all the camping gear and tent. I put Icon Stage 2's and it doesnt sag, not mooshy and rides Much Much better. When all the camping gear is off, tent included, i place 300lbs of sand in the bed. Truck rides pretty good naked with sand in the bed. I also went and got my shocks reset (at the dealer), cause it felt like it was riding stiff. Sure enough, rides like a dream afterwards
As a suggestion for the off season. How about you and Parnell going over trail fixes and stuff to carry to do them not just the usual parts but what you can use in place of actual parts . That radiator clamp on the springs was a total surprise to me , I didnt think it would hold. Must have been the super secret add on of Duct tape
Your a good sport; the video where you lost your spring I made fun of you, but you rolled with it and here we are watching your new suspension upgrade.👍 looking good 😊 oh I own a 2012 first generation one & half cab raptor too. My wife drives it to work and back. 😮
It’s all good. I honestly thing part of why we do this is to break stuff and learn. I’m definitely learning every day hahahaha and, thanks for watching man I appreciate it!
Thank you so much for this very useful, and in my case timely video. Maybe you have some thoughts about the choice I am looking to make later this year, late 2024, maybe early 2025? I'm looking to get an F150, deciding between the Platinum or Tremor, both of which I would do some mods after market like leveling, larger 35 tires, and offsetting a bit, or the Raptor, probably the 37 package, but not the R. I'm older now, I don't do crazy off roading, and when off road it's more about destination, dirt roads and such, getting to a trail head or campsite or cabin, occasionally more difficult terrain. More often I'm on roads and highways, but wanting what I call a go anywhere, anytime, any kind of weather vehicle with good road clearance. Living in mountainy ski country with its often rougher roads, being able to get to the ski slopes during bad winter storms, one hour day drives to 6-7 hour weekend drives during blizzards, that's the biggest concern, though I will over the course of a full year drive in varied conditions and terrains and temperatures and altitudes, from sea level on up. It will also be my only vehicle, so my daily driver as well. I would like to do some overlanding, so will likely get a Diamondback HD bedcover or an even heavier RSI Smartcap. I don't do much if any trailering, or heavy work loads in the bed, but with overlanding things could get heavy in and above the bed. I want the buttery smooth drive of the Raptor, especially on highways, that comes with its front and rear springs, but your video gives voice to a concern I saw on one other about the Raptor sagging under loads that wouldn't phase a normal F150. I am also a little concerned that though I love the look of that extra Raptor width, it might drive wishy washy in snow tracks on roads and highways being wider than normal vehicles. I am wondering if with upgrades to suspension and such when I do the mods to the Platinum or Tremor with their much heavier trailering and payload capacity, if I can make either of those drive anywhere near as buttery smooth on roads, especially highways, as the Raptor? Or conversely, if I get the Raptor but do some of these mods you suggest to increase its ability to handle higher weights, will those sacrifice that buttery smooth drive I want so much to any degree, maybe even bring that drive quality down to the level of the Platinum or Tremor? Those Raptors look so freakin nice, but with the right mods, a Platinum or Tremor can look pretty darn nice too. Any thoughts on these questions or the rest that I've shared? Either way, thanks for a great video.
More capable than a Tacoma/Tundra TRD Pro. I currently have a Gen 1 Raptor and I'm still figuring out whether I want a RTT or a trailer to sleep in. I like to send it when off-road, so being able to unhook the trailer wherever I make camp to go enjoy is very appealing (and probably don't need to upgrade the leafs for towing). On the other hand, I wonder if that limits where I can go. The turning circle is already bad enough!
Thanks for the vid, was very informative. BTW, so not we know Parnells secret lair is in Sunnyvale. Does that mean he was the one who built the Six Million Dollar Man?🤣
I am currently in the exact same situation with my Raptor GFC. Very curious to what @SocialPants front and rear ride height was pre/post Alcan springs and what his comments are the set up are.
@@mattw8336 i just installed icon multi leafs option 3 on the rear. Currently sitting at 44.25” with my rtt, rack, fridge, awning which is about 350lb. Im debating on geisers vs eibachs on the front right now. Im sitting at 40” on the front right now.
@@Sanjuk0522 how would you describe the ride difference Pre/post leaf spring install? I want the soft supple compliance but don't wanna blow through the stroke of the shock either. Local place suggested thicker block to move ride height back close to stock
Just watched a guy load up a Raptor almost exactly like yours at a local offroad store. Tried to talk to him while in line about the springs but he didn't want to listen. His comments were something like This is a" FORD Raptor" and its built for offroading and overlanding. And my question was: who told you that? His answer was the Ford dealer salesman. I managed to mostly stop laughing and my last comment after this was, Make dam sure you have a sat phone if you are out in the bush or leave your will with a relative...
Greetings Mike. I just recently came across your channel, I’m really enjoying your videos. What is the extent of the suspension work you’ve had done? Is it purely just the Alcan leaves and the rest is bone stock or have you done anything to the front as well? Thank you for your time.
Welcome aboard, and thank you! At this stage, all factory with the exception of the Alcan Springs. That said; I am making plans to upgrade the front suspension in conjunction with changing out the front bumper soon. The front springs have handled it well given the weight but looking to level it out a bit- although I do like the "bulldog" stance (back sits a little higher). But, between the bumper itself and the height my approach angle isn't as good as it could be.
@@SocialPants that's good to hear. I hadn't heard of Alcan Spring prior to your videos so I'm thankful for that and recently placed an order with Lew for my truck. My setup is a little different (Decked drawer but an RSI Smart Cap Adventure instead of a rack) but I will also be pulling a large off road camper as well. I was going to add some different springs upfront, Eibach or Geiser, but I wanted some rake with my 75% of the time load and hopefully level out with the additional gear and camper when traveling. Since you hadn't mentioned it I was hoping the front was stock and it has given me confidence I made the right choice for what my current setup will be. I may upgrade the front springs in the future to handle the extra weight of a bumper and winch I'd like to add at some point. If I remember correctly, you mentioned your bumper and winch are by Warn. I looked it up and it appears you have to make some small trim cuts on the bash plate but it otherwise is a direct fit. Did you have to modify or change out the intercooler to install the bumper and winch? Many I've come across require you to change the factory intercooler to a front mount that sits up higher to accommodate the winch. I'd prefer to avoid that if possible and it seems that your Warn setup may avoid doing just that. Thanks for the reply Mike, I appreciate your time and am looking forward to future videos!
It's actually a WARN bumper and Winch. No need to relocated the inner cooler. That said; it does adversely effect your approach angle. After running it for two years, I'm thinking of looking into a smaller bumper. That would cause me to lose the winch so I'm still undecided.
I was looking at a Raptor R for all around use, including overlanding. Ultimately I walked away in favor of a Super Duty Tremor. Even the SD Tremor has its downfalls. They ALL have pros and cons
It can certainly be a limiter in terms of the type trails you can access. That said; I've pushed mine through the heads of needles that I didn't think I would make. I also concern myself less with trail stripes. :)
Love the videos. I've been overlanding my raptor for years with no major issues. I did toss the original leaf's for a set of Icon's, and its made a big difference. Congrats at moving out of CA.
Awesome! Thanks Robert
Heck YAH go where ever you want. I had a complete new set of rear leafs built for my rig up, and take on any types of weather and terrain. Have fun
That drone chase view at 5:05 🔥🥵🔥
270, 280, what ever it takes ~ Michael Keaton (1983 Mr. Mom) LOL It's a bad ass truck, and honestly, even if it wasn't, it's still yours, and that's really all that matters. Truck on, brother!
Hahah thanks Rob. I agree and maths is hard haha
I went through the same issue on my raptor with all the camping gear and tent. I put Icon Stage 2's and it doesnt sag, not mooshy and rides Much Much better. When all the camping gear is off, tent included, i place 300lbs of sand in the bed. Truck rides pretty good naked with sand in the bed. I also went and got my shocks reset (at the dealer), cause it felt like it was riding stiff. Sure enough, rides like a dream afterwards
Nice. I'll have to look into the "Shock Reset."
I hope I can live like this guy when I retire!
Sir, thank you for this video. Helped with planning my build. Hoping to use it to hit the trails before the end of the year.
@@Nico-rn6we thank you and good luck! If you have any questions let me know
That was an awesome awning!!
I have learned overtime just how fast custom pieces start becoming required. It’s bonkers.
As a suggestion for the off season. How about you and Parnell going over trail fixes and stuff to carry to do them not just the usual parts but what you can use in place of actual parts . That radiator clamp on the springs was a total surprise to me , I didnt think it would hold. Must have been the super secret add on of Duct tape
Great idea!
Your a good sport; the video where you lost your spring I made fun of you, but you rolled with it and here we are watching your new suspension upgrade.👍 looking good 😊 oh I own a 2012 first generation one & half cab raptor too. My wife drives it to work and back. 😮
It’s all good. I honestly thing part of why we do this is to break stuff and learn. I’m definitely learning every day hahahaha and, thanks for watching man I appreciate it!
Gotta say your leafs blowing out where & when they did ended up being a Happy Accident it looks like. Glad things ended up for the best.
Agreed. It could have been much worse. I had the best possible outcome.
Great video, your music is a nice touch as well
Thank you very much!
High Quality Video 👍🏼
Thank you 🙌
Thank you so much for this very useful, and in my case timely video. Maybe you have some thoughts about the choice I am looking to make later this year, late 2024, maybe early 2025? I'm looking to get an F150, deciding between the Platinum or Tremor, both of which I would do some mods after market like leveling, larger 35 tires, and offsetting a bit, or the Raptor, probably the 37 package, but not the R. I'm older now, I don't do crazy off roading, and when off road it's more about destination, dirt roads and such, getting to a trail head or campsite or cabin, occasionally more difficult terrain. More often I'm on roads and highways, but wanting what I call a go anywhere, anytime, any kind of weather vehicle with good road clearance. Living in mountainy ski country with its often rougher roads, being able to get to the ski slopes during bad winter storms, one hour day drives to 6-7 hour weekend drives during blizzards, that's the biggest concern, though I will over the course of a full year drive in varied conditions and terrains and temperatures and altitudes, from sea level on up. It will also be my only vehicle, so my daily driver as well. I would like to do some overlanding, so will likely get a Diamondback HD bedcover or an even heavier RSI Smartcap. I don't do much if any trailering, or heavy work loads in the bed, but with overlanding things could get heavy in and above the bed. I want the buttery smooth drive of the Raptor, especially on highways, that comes with its front and rear springs, but your video gives voice to a concern I saw on one other about the Raptor sagging under loads that wouldn't phase a normal F150. I am also a little concerned that though I love the look of that extra Raptor width, it might drive wishy washy in snow tracks on roads and highways being wider than normal vehicles. I am wondering if with upgrades to suspension and such when I do the mods to the Platinum or Tremor with their much heavier trailering and payload capacity, if I can make either of those drive anywhere near as buttery smooth on roads, especially highways, as the Raptor? Or conversely, if I get the Raptor but do some of these mods you suggest to increase its ability to handle higher weights, will those sacrifice that buttery smooth drive I want so much to any degree, maybe even bring that drive quality down to the level of the Platinum or Tremor? Those Raptors look so freakin nice, but with the right mods, a Platinum or Tremor can look pretty darn nice too. Any thoughts on these questions or the rest that I've shared? Either way, thanks for a great video.
More capable than a Tacoma/Tundra TRD Pro.
I currently have a Gen 1 Raptor and I'm still figuring out whether I want a RTT or a trailer to sleep in.
I like to send it when off-road, so being able to unhook the trailer wherever I make camp to go enjoy is very appealing (and probably don't need to upgrade the leafs for towing).
On the other hand, I wonder if that limits where I can go. The turning circle is already bad enough!
As "Mike Spivey" would say! "EEEEEEEEEELike it!"... Cheers, Mate..
Haha thanks
Thanks for the vid, was very informative. BTW, so not we know Parnells secret lair is in Sunnyvale. Does that mean he was the one who built the Six Million Dollar Man?🤣
Haha I can not confirm nor deny your query 😛
Nice
How's it goin mike? Let me know if your adventures ever take you near TN, we can hit some trails together with my Gladiator. 👍
Hey, old friend. For sure. High probability I'll be out that way at some point this year.
Lew explained it in less than 2 minutes. They weren't meant for it.
How are you mounting your spare tire? Thanks love your build
www.rigdsupply.com/products/rigd-ultraswing-multi-fit-spare-tire-hitch-carrier
...does that mean its better to have a hilux GRS truck with stiffer suspension (KYB) for an initial overlanding rig?
I have about 350lb on the back of my raptor full time noticed rear is about 39.5” tall.
Debating if i should go with icon or custom leafs.
I love what Lew at Alcan Spring did for the beast. He doesn’t pay me to say that hahaha I’m a big fan though.
Did you’re rear height go up? Did you replace front springs also?
I am currently in the exact same situation with my Raptor GFC. Very curious to what @SocialPants front and rear ride height was pre/post Alcan springs and what his comments are the set up are.
@@mattw8336 i just installed icon multi leafs option 3 on the rear. Currently sitting at 44.25” with my rtt, rack, fridge, awning which is about 350lb. Im debating on geisers vs eibachs on the front right now. Im sitting at 40” on the front right now.
@@Sanjuk0522 how would you describe the ride difference Pre/post leaf spring install? I want the soft supple compliance but don't wanna blow through the stroke of the shock either. Local place suggested thicker block to move ride height back close to stock
Any New vids coming? Really looking to see how the new suspension does over time.
Big adventure coming soon!
Any new vids coming out? Really miss them.
Working on new vids. Holidays and personal stuff slowing me down, but more to come soon!
Just watched a guy load up a Raptor almost exactly like yours at a local offroad store. Tried to talk to him while in line about the springs but he didn't want to listen. His comments were something like This is a" FORD Raptor" and its built for offroading and overlanding. And my question was: who told you that? His answer was the Ford dealer salesman. I managed to mostly stop laughing and my last comment after this was, Make dam sure you have a sat phone if you are out in the bush or leave your will with a relative...
The salesman is 100% right-- IF YOU NEVER PUT WEIGHT ON IT. :)
Greetings Mike. I just recently came across your channel, I’m really enjoying your videos.
What is the extent of the suspension work you’ve had done? Is it purely just the Alcan leaves and the rest is bone stock or have you done anything to the front as well? Thank you for your time.
Welcome aboard, and thank you! At this stage, all factory with the exception of the Alcan Springs. That said; I am making plans to upgrade the front suspension in conjunction with changing out the front bumper soon. The front springs have handled it well given the weight but looking to level it out a bit- although I do like the "bulldog" stance (back sits a little higher). But, between the bumper itself and the height my approach angle isn't as good as it could be.
@@SocialPants that's good to hear. I hadn't heard of Alcan Spring prior to your videos so I'm thankful for that and recently placed an order with Lew for my truck. My setup is a little different (Decked drawer but an RSI Smart Cap Adventure instead of a rack) but I will also be pulling a large off road camper as well. I was going to add some different springs upfront, Eibach or Geiser, but I wanted some rake with my 75% of the time load and hopefully level out with the additional gear and camper when traveling. Since you hadn't mentioned it I was hoping the front was stock and it has given me confidence I made the right choice for what my current setup will be.
I may upgrade the front springs in the future to handle the extra weight of a bumper and winch I'd like to add at some point. If I remember correctly, you mentioned your bumper and winch are by Warn. I looked it up and it appears you have to make some small trim cuts on the bash plate but it otherwise is a direct fit. Did you have to modify or change out the intercooler to install the bumper and winch?
Many I've come across require you to change the factory intercooler to a front mount that sits up higher to accommodate the winch. I'd prefer to avoid that if possible and it seems that your Warn setup may avoid doing just that.
Thanks for the reply Mike, I appreciate your time and am looking forward to future videos!
What winch bumper are you running? That’s the biggest issue is getting a winch on a Gen 3. Don’t wanna move the coolers.
It's actually a WARN bumper and Winch. No need to relocated the inner cooler. That said; it does adversely effect your approach angle. After running it for two years, I'm thinking of looking into a smaller bumper. That would cause me to lose the winch so I'm still undecided.
Do you have contact info for the company that made your cage?
www.bayareametalfab.com/
Although, I might be selling mine soon. The cage is awesome, but entertaining a new setup.
I was looking at a Raptor R for all around use, including overlanding. Ultimately I walked away in favor of a Super Duty Tremor. Even the SD Tremor has its downfalls. They ALL have pros and cons
I like those as well
Is Width a problem?
It can certainly be a limiter in terms of the type trails you can access. That said; I've pushed mine through the heads of needles that I didn't think I would make. I also concern myself less with trail stripes. :)
8100lbs!! (Faints)
🤣😂