Need Help, New Raptor Owner

TeeRaySmith · May 22, 2020

Hey All, about a month ago I got my hands on a 2014 Limited Edition Raptor with only 38k miles on it. It has been the best decision I've ever made in a vehicle. That being said, I am getting close to 40k miles where I know it is recommended a rebuild be done on the shocks. I do not have much in the means of trails around me, this truck is more so my daily driver and has a tune from JDM with exhaust and intake. It has been incredible. With that, I know I don't need anything crazy for the suspension as about 90% of the time I will be on-road with this truck.

I did try to read through a ton of this forum on best bets but couldn't come to a consensus I was comfortable with. If I go rebuild route, I would likely use GJ Motorsports as they're closest to me and seemed to have good reviews.

Is there anything else I should be looking for? It was meticulously maintained by the previous owner. Also, I am told he put shocks on the front from the Gen2 Raptor, but I'm new to all this and I am not sure how to verify what I've really got suspension wise or even if it needs rebuilt.

I appreciate in advance everyone's help.

Canuck714 · May 22, 2020

Post a pic of your front shocks, it will be very easy to tell what you have upfront.
As for the need to rebuild, I have seen trucks that go 80k on the pavement and driver does not feel a difference. If you have not noticed any changes in the way it rides dont bother. If it starts to get a little clunky or feel stiff/harsh, its time for a rebuild.
Off Road can be hard on them, hence the 30-40k rebuild range. I did my stock 2.5 twice in 40k then moved up to a 3.0 with DSC.

TeeRaySmith · May 22, 2020

@Canuck714

Here's some pictures. Also, what would I need to take a picture of to see if they are at mid-perch? It doesn't have quite the rake that some Raptors do stock, so it leads me to believe either they are mid-perch, and/or the newer shocks if they are from Gen2 might be slightly taller in stock form?

Anyway, thanks again for your response. FWIW on the ride quality, it does seem to be a bit stiff, but part of that I will blame on the wheels, the previous owner did plenty of tasteful mods, except he has 22" wheels on 35" tires, and I'm sure the ride if suffering partially because of that, so can't say for sure as I haven't ridden in another Raptor to know if that's just the wheels/tires or if I truly need a rebuild.

Canuck714 · May 22, 2020

Ya there are a couple things making your truck unfriendly in the ride department.. Those are a 3.0 FOX from a Gen 2, and 22's with 35's leaves hardly any sidewall..lol

So while the previous owner was able to squeeze a G2 3.0 in there, you are partially compressed all the time!!
The shock extended length is close to 2" longer Gen 2 VS. Gen 1... It doesn't have 2 inches more travel, its the overall shock length that is the issue. The G2 shock tower is higher on the frame than a Gen 1, hence the longer shock length. So on your truck that shock has to compress and lose a couple inches of travel, just to fit!

If you are interested in playing offroad with your truck, I would not bother freshening up those shocks. I would look for a 3.0 for a Gen 1 from FOX, KING or ICON. It will work/ride sooo much better than that set up.

Canuck714 · May 22, 2020

I just looked at the picture and it appears that you have a double rubber bump on the shock shaft... I have not had a Gen 2 shock with the dust cover removed, but that seems odd to me. There is zero visible shock shaft in your picture.

Below is G1 and G2 front shocks

af7c2c32-f21d-4c48-8922-f94b1fe5ed62-jpg.93289

TeeRaySmith · May 22, 2020

@Canuck714

Awesome, I appreciate the thoughts there. I didn't even think of a different shock tower length, but makes sense. I will definitely it enjoy it off-road from time to time, but what's scary is the price of new suspension setups. I will put it on a short list of stuff to do though. Along with changing the wheel/tire combo.

The longer I look at this, the more likely I am to go ahead and upgrade everything. At least start with the suspension as it probably needs to be done anyway, and if still any ride issues it'll be time for the wheels/tires, especially seeing your second post about the double rubber bumper.

Again, appreciate your time, and for answering my questions thoroughly. Again, not a serious off-roader, but I do have a farm and a few places to go off-road occasionally. Upon a little research my preference would probably be to go with Fox 3.0. Any place in particular you recommend buying from? Possible to buy use and/or sell current setup to eat some of the cost?

Ricoman · May 23, 2020

TeeRaySmith said:
Hey All, about a month ago I got my hands on a 2014 Limited Edition Raptor with only 38k miles on it. It has been the best decision I've ever made in a vehicle. That being said, I am getting close to 40k miles where I know it is recommended a rebuild be done on the shocks. I do not have much in the means of trails around me, this truck is more so my daily driver and has a tune from JDM with exhaust and intake. It has been incredible. With that, I know I don't need anything crazy for the suspension as about 90% of the time I will be on-road with this truck.

I did try to read through a ton of this forum on best bets but couldn't come to a consensus I was comfortable with. If I go rebuild route, I would likely use GJ Motorsports as they're closest to me and seemed to have good reviews.

Is there anything else I should be looking for? It was meticulously maintained by the previous owner. Also, I am told he put shocks on the front from the Gen2 Raptor, but I'm new to all this and I am not sure how to verify what I've really got suspension wise or even if it needs rebuilt.

I appreciate in advance everyone's help.

I bought my 2014 SCAB with 50K on it,now has 60K and shocks are just fine.....been hearing from everyone they need to be done at 50K....but since mine was a pampered daily driver and not used for off-road thats why they lasted so long...I'f figure when you need new ones you will notice it in the ride or them leaking...
Good luck with your...I'm loving mine..!!

TeeRaySmith · May 23, 2020

Ricoman said:
I bought my 2014 SCAB with 50K on it,now has 60K and shocks are just fine.....been hearing from everyone they need to be done at 50K....but since mine was a pampered daily driver and not used for off-road thats why they lasted so long...I'f figure when you need new ones you will notice it in the ride or them leaking...
Good luck with your...I'm loving mine..!!

@Ricoman thanks! It has been a blast, per Canuck's notes above, and having mismatched shocks has my OCD going crazy, so at some point I will likely upgrade, or if nothing else buy their new version of the Fox 2.5. Time will tell. Swapping out my wheels for something with more sidewall will help with ride too.

TXRaptor · May 24, 2020

What makes your 2014 a limited edition? I am not sure I have heard about a LE package related to a Gen 1 or Gen 2 Raptor.

Canuck714 · May 25, 2020

TXRaptor said:
What makes your 2014 a limited edition? I am not sure I have heard about a LE package related to a Gen 1 or Gen 2 Raptor.

In 2014 there was an LE package that was color, decals and interior trim color as an option.

Need Help, New Raptor Owner

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