2021 Ford F-150 Raptor Finally Arrives, Is All About the Redesigned Suspension

The iconic Raptor was first released by Ford in 2009, and it quickly became the weapon of choice for those who wanted the most badass truck out there.

The latest model seems to have lost that title in favor of the insane Ram 1500 TRX, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to back down since Ford fitted it with all the latest tech at their disposal - except for a better engine.

Fans were hoping that this model will go back to a V8, borrowing the GT500’s Predator unit, but for now, the truck will use the same 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost as its predecessor. Curiously, the carmaker hasn’t specified the powerplant’s output yet, but we’re expecting more than the previous model’s 450 hp.

What Ford did reveal is detailed information about the redesigned suspension system, which now uses a five-link design for the rear wheels.

This should make the truck much more responsive, comfortable, and easier to handle on rugged terrain, but at the same time, the multi-link layout has its disadvantages. Since it’s more complex than conventional designs, tuning its geometry will not be easy, and replacing any damaged components could take more time and money.

To easily navigate through harsh terrain, the new five-link rear suspension comes with extra-long trailing arms. Engineers also fitted a simple yet sturdy Panhard rod to prevent lateral movement, and to top it off, the Raptor uses 24-inch coil springs that Ford states are the longest in its class.

For those who are looking to fly over obstacles, a soft landing will be provided by a set of Fox race-proven 3.1 Live Valve internal bypass shocks with electronically controlled damping.

Using a suite of sensors, road and driver feedback are gathered at a rate of 500 times per second and then sent to the truck’s ECU, which adjusts the damping to the optimal setting. This eliminates the need to manually adjust the shocks every time owners want to go from comfortably driving on paved roads to jumping over dunes.

These are also the largest shocks ever fitted onto an F-150 Raptor, and their 3.1-inch-diameter anodized aluminum bodies are filled with a new low-friction shock fluid, which should reduce frictional losses. The electronically controlled base valves were completely redesigned and can now withstand more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg) of damping force per shock.

The new truck will be available with a choice of 35-inch or 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. The carmaker states they are the largest to ever be fitted on a mass-produced light-duty full-size pickup.

With the first option, the Raptor has a 12-inch (30.4 cm) ground clearance, an approach angle of 31 degrees, a maximum departure angle of 23.9 degrees, and a breakover angle of 22.7 degrees.

When fitted with 37-inch tires, the ground clearance is boosted to 13.1 inches (33.2 cm), the approach angle to 33.1 degrees, the departure angle is also better at 24.9 degrees, and so is the breakover angle that goes up to 24.4 degrees.

This system is worthy of challenging the TRX’s Bilstein suspension, but the truck needs a bigger engine to obliterate its competition. Ford has revealed that it will release a Raptor R version next year without providing further details, but we can bet that it will mark the long-awaited return to a supercharged V8.

Until then, the 2021 F-150 Raptor will be available in showrooms this summer in SuperCrew configuration with a 145-inch (3,683-mm) wheelbase.