smurfslayer
Be vewwy, vewwy quiet. We’re hunting sasquatch77
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2016
- Posts
- 16,300
- Reaction score
- 24,045
H/T to RAPTORZIN
for a great FAQ on buying a Rap. Here are some things to look for on the 2017 - 2020 model year F150 Raptors
For reference
2010 - 2014: The original, first generation, “Gen 1” or Jen Juan Raptor.
2017 - 2020: The new, improved, younger, hotter sister. “Gen 2” or Jen Too Raptor
2021 - 2024+?: The newer, improved-ish, younger, definitely not as hot sister. “Gen 3” or Jen Tres Raptor.
2017 - early 2018:
Look at the oil pan, check for leaks. For provisioned a plastic oil pan for the 2nd generation Raptor, and it quickly developed a reputation for leaks. Yes, this means you will have to get dirty to check, but know before you buy. Most of them don’t leak and never have leaked, but once they leak, the fix is an intricate and time consuming procedure that requires the newly installed pan and gasket ‘cure’ for a full 24 hours before filling with oil. Most stealership service departments have trouble following this procedure correctly. Basically, if it’s not leaking, you’re in good shape. If it is leaking and it’s plastic, it will be a few hundred bucks to fix.
2017’s in particular, some examples of each model year.
Harsh, unexpected or unusual shifting. There are 2 issues of concern. 1) Early model 2017 at least and some examples from other model years had TCM programming that was “revised”. If you notice this odd behavior, Ford has revised TCM programming that addresses a number of issues - won’t downshift, harsh shifts, unexpected shifts, etc. 2) The Transmission has adaptive learning tables that develop a predictive driving strategy. Many FRF members have expressed dissatisfaction with this adaptive learning. You can clear the tables and reset the adaptive learning with FORSCAN - see Forscan changes - tweak your truck You can even disable adaptive learning entirely.
No, we are not going to read the entire Forscan changes - tweak your truck thread for you
What is FORSCAN? it allows you to read and clear diagnostic codes, as well as change some module behavior from factory default to ‘optional’ settings. Lincoln fold mirrors, for example. They automatically fold in when you lock the truck, deploy when you unlock and open.
Have we mentioned how easy it is to break into a 2010 - 2022 Raptor?
An F series Ford truck from 2010 - ~ 2022 is laughably easy to break into by simply pulling the driver’s side door handle and rotating the lock cylinder with a pair of pliers. We’re talking 5 seconds or less. There are strategies and modifications to harden entry, but you will need to research this separately.
2017-2020 - a limited run of trucks had oil consumption issues due to a valve cover design flaw. Consumption was noticeable when the trucks were new, it’s unlikely an affected truck would be found unrepaired, but worth mentioning. 2017-2019 models built on or before 4/1/19 that had a valve cover replacement and 2018-2020 models built between 4/2/19 and 9/11/2020 (calibration update).
2017 - 2019, approximately mid year: Cam phasers. Some trucks and not just Raptors had faulty cam phasers and/or programming which caused premature wear and ultimately failure in the cam phaser ‘parking’. The result of this wear and failure sounds horrible, but is actually just aesthetically displeasing. To check for this, you will need a “cold soak” start of the truck - it must have sat for at least 12 hours without starting. if buying from a dealer, they will almost always bring the truck to you, so be aware. The failure sounds like “marbles in a can” when the engine starts up, for a few seconds after and settles into normal rhythm. Ford issued a recall for this, but historically it was something like
late ’17 or early ’18 - new phaser part revisions
about April ’19-ish, - new programming for the lubrication duty cycle.
The recall brought in a warranty specifically for the cam phasers. With the revised duty cycle programming, further abnormal wear is eliminated. This doesn’t repair existing wear. This is a costly repair, so be cognizant of checking for this problem.
2019 - 2020: the first year of the “live valve” Fox shocks. Some people reported harsh ride and unexpected damping. The live valve shocks are electronically integrated with the Raptor drive modes, and the suspension damping changes as the modes are selected. They’re excellent. When they work. If they fail, however ; such as if you were to damage one of the wire harnesses or connections in the circuit, the truck defaults to full compression damping - like riding in 1 ton truck or “non compliant”. Earlier model year Raptors with the “unintelligent” Fox shocks are not susceptible to this failure. They also aren’t as adaptive off road.
2010-current production year: Off road shocks like the ones on the Raptor you’re looking at are expensive compared to normal shocks and, they have a more frequent maintenance schedule. The Fox’s on the Raptor have a service life of ~40,000 - ~ 60,000 miles. They can be rebuilt and can also be purchased new.
2017-at least 2024, for at least a few years before 2017:
Moonroof doesn’t operate correctly, won’t open, won’t close or rattles. Ford loves them some twin panel moonroofs. It’s not unique to the Raptor, and an overwhelming majority of Raptors are produced with the twin panel moonroof. This is an option of internet and youtube infamy, with literally thousands of videos of ‘Ford F series moonroof broke’ and similar. The thing is, it is a very strong part
if the twin panel moonroof can survive this intact
then it will surely handle anything you throw at it.
Tricks for the Raptor moonroof:
1) lube the rubber to glass contact points on the front glass panel.
2) don’t skimp. use the Ford Krytox grease, you can get on amazon. some dealerships throw it in with a works service. Ask. <-- edit to add: Krytox spec is GPL-205
3) ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS open the moonroof to the VENT position first. If you hear the ‘pop’ sound, it’s the sound that would have broken your moonroof tracks seconds earlier. close, repeat and if no pop sound, it’s ok to open it rearward.
4) Ford doesn’t call out the need to lube the moonroof. Do it anyway.
The common failure is from a lack of maintenance aka lube and opening the moonroof rearward. The stickiness between the glass and rubber causes the moonroof lift mechanism to break off plastic bits into the tracks, causing the moonroof to either not open or not close. This can be exacerbated by ...
sometimes, over time the moonroof may develop some squeaks & rattles. A quick, easy workaround is to open and close the moonroof fully. just be sure to follow the moonroof suggestions above.
2017 - 2020: uneven wear on the stock BFG KO2 tires. Many of us have seen unusual wear on the stock tires. First, the center wearing before the edges. For recommends 38 PSI all around, great for economy, not so great for traction. Most of us have found about 34-32F and 33-28R unloaded give an even wear pattern, good traction, a few less mpg’s. Second, the front tires, inside, every other tread block seems to wear rather unusually. Not every block, every other block. This is most often observed with less frequent tire rotations.
for a great FAQ on buying a Rap. Here are some things to look for on the 2017 - 2020 model year F150 Raptors
For reference
2010 - 2014: The original, first generation, “Gen 1” or Jen Juan Raptor.
2017 - 2020: The new, improved, younger, hotter sister. “Gen 2” or Jen Too Raptor
2021 - 2024+?: The newer, improved-ish, younger, definitely not as hot sister. “Gen 3” or Jen Tres Raptor.
2017 - early 2018:
Look at the oil pan, check for leaks. For provisioned a plastic oil pan for the 2nd generation Raptor, and it quickly developed a reputation for leaks. Yes, this means you will have to get dirty to check, but know before you buy. Most of them don’t leak and never have leaked, but once they leak, the fix is an intricate and time consuming procedure that requires the newly installed pan and gasket ‘cure’ for a full 24 hours before filling with oil. Most stealership service departments have trouble following this procedure correctly. Basically, if it’s not leaking, you’re in good shape. If it is leaking and it’s plastic, it will be a few hundred bucks to fix.
2017’s in particular, some examples of each model year.
Harsh, unexpected or unusual shifting. There are 2 issues of concern. 1) Early model 2017 at least and some examples from other model years had TCM programming that was “revised”. If you notice this odd behavior, Ford has revised TCM programming that addresses a number of issues - won’t downshift, harsh shifts, unexpected shifts, etc. 2) The Transmission has adaptive learning tables that develop a predictive driving strategy. Many FRF members have expressed dissatisfaction with this adaptive learning. You can clear the tables and reset the adaptive learning with FORSCAN - see Forscan changes - tweak your truck You can even disable adaptive learning entirely.
No, we are not going to read the entire Forscan changes - tweak your truck thread for you
What is FORSCAN? it allows you to read and clear diagnostic codes, as well as change some module behavior from factory default to ‘optional’ settings. Lincoln fold mirrors, for example. They automatically fold in when you lock the truck, deploy when you unlock and open.
Have we mentioned how easy it is to break into a 2010 - 2022 Raptor?
An F series Ford truck from 2010 - ~ 2022 is laughably easy to break into by simply pulling the driver’s side door handle and rotating the lock cylinder with a pair of pliers. We’re talking 5 seconds or less. There are strategies and modifications to harden entry, but you will need to research this separately.
2017-2020 - a limited run of trucks had oil consumption issues due to a valve cover design flaw. Consumption was noticeable when the trucks were new, it’s unlikely an affected truck would be found unrepaired, but worth mentioning. 2017-2019 models built on or before 4/1/19 that had a valve cover replacement and 2018-2020 models built between 4/2/19 and 9/11/2020 (calibration update).
2017 - 2019, approximately mid year: Cam phasers. Some trucks and not just Raptors had faulty cam phasers and/or programming which caused premature wear and ultimately failure in the cam phaser ‘parking’. The result of this wear and failure sounds horrible, but is actually just aesthetically displeasing. To check for this, you will need a “cold soak” start of the truck - it must have sat for at least 12 hours without starting. if buying from a dealer, they will almost always bring the truck to you, so be aware. The failure sounds like “marbles in a can” when the engine starts up, for a few seconds after and settles into normal rhythm. Ford issued a recall for this, but historically it was something like
late ’17 or early ’18 - new phaser part revisions
about April ’19-ish, - new programming for the lubrication duty cycle.
The recall brought in a warranty specifically for the cam phasers. With the revised duty cycle programming, further abnormal wear is eliminated. This doesn’t repair existing wear. This is a costly repair, so be cognizant of checking for this problem.
2019 - 2020: the first year of the “live valve” Fox shocks. Some people reported harsh ride and unexpected damping. The live valve shocks are electronically integrated with the Raptor drive modes, and the suspension damping changes as the modes are selected. They’re excellent. When they work. If they fail, however ; such as if you were to damage one of the wire harnesses or connections in the circuit, the truck defaults to full compression damping - like riding in 1 ton truck or “non compliant”. Earlier model year Raptors with the “unintelligent” Fox shocks are not susceptible to this failure. They also aren’t as adaptive off road.
2010-current production year: Off road shocks like the ones on the Raptor you’re looking at are expensive compared to normal shocks and, they have a more frequent maintenance schedule. The Fox’s on the Raptor have a service life of ~40,000 - ~ 60,000 miles. They can be rebuilt and can also be purchased new.
2017-at least 2024, for at least a few years before 2017:
Moonroof doesn’t operate correctly, won’t open, won’t close or rattles. Ford loves them some twin panel moonroofs. It’s not unique to the Raptor, and an overwhelming majority of Raptors are produced with the twin panel moonroof. This is an option of internet and youtube infamy, with literally thousands of videos of ‘Ford F series moonroof broke’ and similar. The thing is, it is a very strong part
if the twin panel moonroof can survive this intact
Tricks for the Raptor moonroof:
1) lube the rubber to glass contact points on the front glass panel.
2) don’t skimp. use the Ford Krytox grease, you can get on amazon. some dealerships throw it in with a works service. Ask. <-- edit to add: Krytox spec is GPL-205
3) ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS open the moonroof to the VENT position first. If you hear the ‘pop’ sound, it’s the sound that would have broken your moonroof tracks seconds earlier. close, repeat and if no pop sound, it’s ok to open it rearward.
4) Ford doesn’t call out the need to lube the moonroof. Do it anyway.
The common failure is from a lack of maintenance aka lube and opening the moonroof rearward. The stickiness between the glass and rubber causes the moonroof lift mechanism to break off plastic bits into the tracks, causing the moonroof to either not open or not close. This can be exacerbated by ...
sometimes, over time the moonroof may develop some squeaks & rattles. A quick, easy workaround is to open and close the moonroof fully. just be sure to follow the moonroof suggestions above.
2017 - 2020: uneven wear on the stock BFG KO2 tires. Many of us have seen unusual wear on the stock tires. First, the center wearing before the edges. For recommends 38 PSI all around, great for economy, not so great for traction. Most of us have found about 34-32F and 33-28R unloaded give an even wear pattern, good traction, a few less mpg’s. Second, the front tires, inside, every other tread block seems to wear rather unusually. Not every block, every other block. This is most often observed with less frequent tire rotations.
Last edited:
