LawnDart's Build Thread

[Supa LA]

I just went from six to midnight!!

 

[fogcitysurfer]

Engineering.

Simple as that.
I guarantee Ford did some different stuff with the Raptor chassis that they don't do on the stock F-150. They may come off a similar assembly line, but I'd bet the frame has been altered from a stock F-150. Not to mention the weight savings that's already on the Raptor out of the factory. The engine may be tuned differently also and have some differences.

Now, if you were going to build an overlander rig, or something for less-than-Baja.... sure. Probably would make more sense. But if you're seriously planning on running it hard... I'd do a LOT of research first and try to ID major differences, and make sure I'm starting on the best foundation.

.....
God. I'm defending Ford here..... :barf:


Now I'm kinda angry. :gun4::AK47:

You could make something similar to the Raptor, but it has a full suspension monitoring system (among other things) that you can look at on the screen. Tells you what your suspension is doing. Not sure you could recreate that? (OEM anyway, probably some very expensive aftermarket systems you could add) You just have to drive one to see all the goodies.

 

[greatape]

Forget to ask but how did the GG storage system and fridge/slider combo hold up on the trip?

 

[LawnDart]

Forget to ask but how did the GG storage system and fridge/slider combo hold up on the trip?

It was like a maraca. held together fine, but if I do ToM again with the 4Runner it'll be removed next time.

 

[Jaydub514]

Thanks for the comprehensive trip report, sounds like a helluva time!!!

After this trip, any updated impressions on the Ridge Grapplers? Seems like they've been through hell and back, which is a great thing.

 

[greatape]

It was like a maraca. held together fine, but if I do ToM again with the 4Runner it'll be removed next time.

Great to hear but doesn't surprise me..pretty bombproof design. Thanks!

 

[LawnDart]

Great to hear but doesn't surprise me..pretty bombproof design. Thanks!

I need to take it apart and see if it's cracked at all, i may do that this week.

 

[LawnDart]

Thanks for the comprehensive trip report, sounds like a helluva time!!!

After this trip, any updated impressions on the Ridge Grapplers? Seems like they've been through hell and back, which is a great thing.

They worked great, they definitly show signs of wear, as 1500 miles off road at low PSI will do that.

For Baja I can see the advantage of a lighter tire, softer, etc. That said we didn't get any flats despite picking up 2 nails, and 1 screw, all of which we pulled out without punctures.

The BFGs on the trip had a lot of flats, but they probably rode softer. The Nittos had no flats, but were maybe too heavy a tire for our needs.

 

[greatape]

I need to take it apart and see if it's cracked at all, i may do that this week.

Probably a good idea and although the base is reinforced/coated wood, if I remember with mine, it's rock solid attached to the body.

Hell, if you feel like it while checking it out, post some pics of the 3rd seat delete set up you're running. I'm curious how the raised platform integrates with the drawer systems. I see GG offers different heights for that setup, however I imagine you might have just piggy backed off of your drawers though instead of a replacement full base plate.

 

[LawnDart]

Probably a good idea and although the base is reinforced/coated wood, if I remember with mine, it's rock solid attached to the body.

Hell, if you feel like it while checking it out, post some pics of the 3rd seat delete set up you're running. I'm curious how the raised platform integrates with the drawer systems. I see GG offers different heights for that setup, however I imagine you might have just piggy backed off of your drawers though instead of a replacement full base plate.

The different height is determined by the drawer system, which is what it links into. I'll try to get a photo of it this week.

 

[LawnDart]

Deciding this week what I want to do with my truck, sell it or fix it up and consign it.

Part of me wants to rebuild it back to pre-Baja.

Also, didn't post this before, but if you want to know what 35s do under full stuff at 70mph into a Whoops, well ask no further:

 

[Hellaflushfj60]

Sounds like either way you'll be getting a raptor?:naughty:

 

[LawnDart]

Sounds like either way you'll be getting a raptor?:naughty:

Honestly, I really really don't know. I have a great hookup on a raptor if I want it. Ideally I'd like to fix up the 4Runner, and see how finances are and have both. Frankly despite the size, the Raptor is likely a better daily driver.

 

[Hellaflushfj60]

That would be a *****in' garage to have both. If you have driven both the gen 1 and gen 2 raptors is it worth paying the extra coinage for the gen 2? I was considering a used gen 1 since you can get them for a decent price now but if the consensus says that the gen 2 is that much better then I don't want a gen 1.

 

[fogcitysurfer]

That would be a *****in' garage to have both. If you have driven both the gen 1 and gen 2 raptors is it worth paying the extra coinage for the gen 2? I was considering a used gen 1 since you can get them for a decent price now but if the consensus says that the gen 2 is that much better then I don't want a gen 1.

All around the gen 2 is better, only time will tell about the V6 twin turbo. I haven't seen many 1st gens for less than 50k that have low miles and look well maintained. For that price used I would go new if you can afford it.

 

[LawnDart]

That would be a *****in' garage to have both. If you have driven both the gen 1 and gen 2 raptors is it worth paying the extra coinage for the gen 2? I was considering a used gen 1 since you can get them for a decent price now but if the consensus says that the gen 2 is that much better then I don't want a gen 1.

The best way to describe the Gen 1 is that it's an F150 with better suspension and engine mods. And as a result it kind of feels like a half measure.

The Gen 2 is a ground up re-design. The Raptor Gen 2 doesn't share a ton of things in common with a normal F150 as a result. The more you dig into them the more you appreciate the design details.

 

[LawnDart]

You could make something similar to the Raptor, but it has a full suspension monitoring system (among other things) that you can look at on the screen. Tells you what your suspension is doing. Not sure you could recreate that? (OEM anyway, probably some very expensive aftermarket systems you could add) You just have to drive one to see all the goodies.

My actual time riding in a Gen 2 raptor off road is maybe an hour. The Ford Performance guys kept offering to let me drive one, but I think it was more out of sympathy.

To be honest I spent most of my time one evening in the bed of a raptor while I was absolutely shit faced drunk off Margaritas. In that regard it was very nice, however the hang over the next morning was very bad.

That was the day I had to do the JB Weld repair on my engine bay, and I almost barfed into the airbox while I was repairing it. FUN TIMES!

 

[fogcitysurfer]

My actual time riding in a Gen 2 raptor off road is maybe an hour. The Ford Performance guys kept offering to let me drive one, but I think it was more out of sympathy.

To be honest I spent most of my time one evening in the bed of a raptor while I was absolutely shit faced drunk off Margaritas. In that regard it was very nice, however the hang over the next morning was very bad.

That was the day I had to do the JB Weld repair on my engine bay, and I almost barfed into the airbox while I was repairing it. FUN TIMES!

Classic! I remember waking up in the morning underneath my brothers 1st gen on the beach in Mexico very hungover. You'll never forget.

 

[LawnDart]

Classic! I remember waking up in the morning underneath my brothers 1st gen on the beach in Mexico very hungover. You'll never forget.

First time in my life I can say I woke up in a ditch.

I will say this about mexico, don't drink the water. That said I think between the ice, and the produce that is grown in the local water, everyone on the trip had very soft daily movements...if you catch my drift.

Everyone had the runs. Basically.

 

[red16build]

Ill be first in line if you want to sell you 4Runner without the rebuild. I would love to do that!! Otherwise I am going to spend a TON of money to make mine like yours. I already have everything on a spreadsheet looking for the best prices etc!!!

Jeremiah