The Ford Ranger Raptor Integrates New Technology for its North American Debut

Photo Source: Ford

The Ford Ranger Raptor has been forbidden fruit for consumers in the United States since its debut in 2018, but no longer. The Blue Oval is fixing this oversight for the 2024 Ranger Raptor by bringing it to the United States in the first quarter of the 2024 model year. The Ranger Raptor is based on a proven performance legacy and assembled with uncompromised suspension design, purposeful technology, rugged styling, and power. In other words, the Ranger Raptor is fully prepared to take on the most demanding terrain its extreme adventure-seeking customers can find. 

Masterful Off-Road Pickup Truck

Earlier this year (2023), Ford unveiled the all-new Ranger Raptor with sophisticated FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Bypass shocks, and now the brand has released a new video that takes a deep dive into the shocks, giving enthusiasts a glimpse into how they contribute toward the Raptor pickup’s incredible off-roading prowess. Indeed, the Blue Oval partnered with FOX to create an unrivaled driving experience. To clarify, the shocks have a coil-over arrangement in front and piggyback reservoirs at the rear, which Ford declares minimizes heat build-up. 

The system has a dedicated computer control unit that allows for adjustable response depending on whether the truck is in Normal, Sport, Baja, Slippery, Tow/Haul, Rock Crawl, or Off-Road driving modes. Sensors monitor each wheel and alter the setup according to the condition. The shock’s internal bypass function offers various damping zones as it compresses and rebounds. The video presented by Ford displays how they work in detail.

Dissecting Ford’s Latest Video

Openings in the cylinder control the fluid inside. Shock fluid bypasses the piston via bleed holes on either side of the ride zone, increasing overall ride comfort. As the shock pushes past the ride zone–and toward the bottom out zone–shock fluid no longer passes through the bleed holes. This forces fluid into the main piston, increasing damping, essential when landing a particularly violent jump. 

As the piston reaches the upper and lower extremes, more drag is placed onto it, helping prevent the dampers from bottoming or topping out. Ford claims this system and the Live Valve technology give the Ranger Raptor “race-level performance.” Beyond the dampers, the new Ranger Raptor also has a Watts linkage and trailing arms on the rear end, preventing the axle from moving left to right. 

Moreover, the pickup truck’s chassis receives additional reinforcements, including the front frame rails, rear shock brackets, front shock towers, and suspension mounting points. These upgrades should make the Raptor stiffer so it does not flex as much while off-roading on rugged terrain.

Under the Hood

It is worth noting that the Ranger Raptor does away with the previous generation’s turbo diesel four-cylinder for a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that accelerates up to 405 horsepower and delivers 430 pound-feet of torque, paired to a ten-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain includes an electronically controlled on-demand two-speed transfer case and locking differentials for each axle.

All of this technology should make the Raptor off-road capable, but if the driver requires additional help, there is also a system dubbed Trail Control. It controls the throttle and brakes while the person behind the wheel only needs to steer. Plus, skid plates protect the transfer case, engine, and fuel tank in case of jagged rock collisions.

If the availability of the Ranger Raptor piques your curiosity, please come visit Sunrise Ford. After all, we are here to assist you with any financial help, needs, or suggestions to make paying for a vehicle easier. Stop by and see what we can do for you right now.