The 2021 Ford Raptor Borrows Off-Roading Tech From Ram
The 2021 Ford Raptor is getting a suspension upgrade to be better on the pavement and for off-roading. However, it’s borrowing the suspension setup that has been used by the Ram 1500 and other Ram trucks since 2009.
2021 Ford Raptor Updates
The 2021 Ford Raptor is getting a coil-spring suspension in the rear. This is an update from the previous two Ford Raptor models that used a leaf-spring suspension instead. Also, the 2021 Ford F-150 will keep the current leaf-spring suspension setup.
This is an interesting move as Ram recently announced that the Ram Hellcat and Ram TRX will be arriving. Also, Ram trucks have used a coil spring suspension setup since 2009. So, what else will Ford borrow from Ram for off-roading?
RELATED READ: Will the 2021 Toyota Tundra be a Better Truck?
The coil-spring suspension setup provides better wheel articulation and travel to enhance off-roading at high speeds. They also create progressive spring rates and are paired with a four trailing link with a Panhard rod.
Coil-spring suspensions allow for a greater range of suspension movement and a wider tuning envelope. It will provide a significant performance upgrade for the Ford Raptor that will be felt while off-roading and while driving on the pavement.
The coil-spring suspension was spotted with a spy spot of the 2021 Ford Raptor. From the images, a keen eye can also spot Fox shocks with orange parts. This means the 2021 Ford Raptor will carry over the adaptive live wire dampeners from the previous generation.
Can the Ford Raptor compete with the Ram TRX and Hellcat?
The coil-spring suspension setup will undoubtedly help the Ford Raptor rival the beefy trucks that Ram has coming. But can the Raptor take down the T-Rex or Hellcat? Heck, the Ram TRX is expected to have over 700 horsepower with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine.
Ford could place the 5.2-liter V8 engine from the GT500 that creates 760 horsepower into the Raptor. The EcoBoost V6 engine with 660 horsepower that powers the Ford GT Hypercar would be impressive, but we will have to wait and see.
The 2021 Ford Raptor is currently expected to carry over its 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine that provides 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This will be paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Ford Raptor features
The 2020 Ford Raptor can tow up to 8,000 lb and carry a payload of up to 1,200 lb. These figures will most likely remain the same unless the 3.5-liter V6 engine receives an update. The Ram TRX is expected to have an 11,500 lb towing capacity and carry a payload of up to 1,800 lb.
Also, the 2021 Ford Raptor isn’t expected to receive much of an interior update aside from the 2021 F-150 updates that include a 10” infotainment center and seats that can recline totally flat for napping.
Currently, the RAM 1500 is the truck with the class-leading interior, so the Ram TRX should have a comfortable, sporty, and luxurious feel with carbon fiber materials in the dash. We haven’t seen the inside of either truck and will have to wait for more information to roll out to determine which option is king.
