2021 Ford F-150 Raptor w/37" Tires: Suspension Flex Test and Coil Spring Rear Suspension Walkaround

The 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor just debuted its third generation major redesign, and it includes two major new developments: a unique long-travel off-road focused coil spring rear suspension that’s not shared with any other F-150, and the option of upgrading the standard 35-inch off-road tires to 37-inch off-road tires. The truck in this video is equipped with the 37-inch option, which include bead lock-capable 17 x 8.5-inch wheels and 37x12.50R17 LT BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires in load range C. Unlike the Bronco Sasquatch and Badlands, which ride on off-road optimized Bilstein shock absorbers, the Raptor rides on Fox Live Valve long travel internal bypass shocks,
With the standard 35-inch tires installed, the Raptor’s front suspension boasts 14 inches of front travel and 15 inches of rear travel. But as is the case with the Bronco Sasquatch upgrade, the Raptor with the optional 37-inch diameter tires has its suspension travel restricted by an inch at both ends. The so-called Raptor 37 has 13 inches of front travel and 14.1 inches of rear travel. But this isn’t necessarily a competitive disadvantage, because the rival Ram 1500 TRX has pretty much the same travel as the Raptor 37: 13 inches of front travel and an even 14 inches of rear travel.
What does this mean for my Flex Index test on the home-made 20-degree RTI ramp? With the same travel and nearly the same wheelbase, one would expect the Raptor to equal the Flex Index score of the Ram 1500 TRX, which was 602 points when I tested it a few months ago. But you can’t accurately predict performance from specs written out on paper, so in this video I’ll be putting the new third-generation 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor with the coveted 37-inch tire option on my RTI ramp to measure its Flex Index score. While we’re there, I’ll pause a minute to take a close look at its all new and unique-to-Raptor link-coil rear suspension in a special version of my Suspension Walkaround series.
Why am I doing this? I geek out over vehicle suspensions, especially ones that are new and unique. I'm a former suspension development engineer that worked for years on truck and SUV suspension development projects for two automakers at their remote desert proving grounds. Later on, I somehow stumbled into auto journalism, and for several years I created a popular photo feature called a Suspension Walkaround for Inside Line, a now-defunct offshoot of Edmunds.com (no relation). Today I have resumed writing these features under the name Suspension Deep Dive for Autoblog. Between the two outlets, over 100 of them have been published. Along the way I managed to grow a good-sized fan base, and one question I often heard was, “When are you going to make video versions?”
I never seemed to have the time, the equipment, or the confidence to get in front of the camera, but I got over that by hosting at least 80 professionally-produced videos over three years on the Edmunds You Tube channel. If you like this, please tell your friends, click subscribe, share links to your favorite forums and social media platforms, give it a like and check out the other videos on my channel, which is simply called Dan Edmunds. You can also type in the channel’s alias: SuspensionTuna. And I take requests. I can't promise that I can get my hands on any car or truck, but the odds are good. And the more views I get, the more horsepower I'll have when requesting cars to examine.

[@maxmason2018]

Such a underrated channel . Love the content as always Dan

[@benjaminpaul8417]

Love your vids! Keep up the great work.

[@rafaeloliva8328]

This is science I didn’t quite understand all those measurements but I’m happy with my 35 tire raptor thank you for your hard work. God bless

[@mikeaninger7388]

I found your channel bud! The algorithm Did it. Congratulations! Love seeing blue in that sunlight

[@NevadaJohn1]

Can you do a video comparing the TRX with the Raptor in terms of overall suspension design for its intended purpose? I'm talking the link setup, shock setup, the robustness or apparent robustness of the different suspension components, potential weak points etc. You're just so knowledgable on suspension and I feel like you actually have a lot more insight to give to your viewers. This would work quite well for things like Bronco vs Wrangler, Land Cruiser vs Defender and things of that nature. Both cars dont have to be present at the same time. Would just love your opinions overall. They don't even have to be head to head but more just your opinions on what each vehicle got right and what they could improve on. Thank you. Big fan of your channel.

[@DanEdmunds]

Yes. I can certainly do that, and I want to move in that direction. But my intermittent output is a result of having too little extra time to keep up with demand, let alone expand the scope. It's a bit of chicken/egg for me time-wise right now.

[@kristoferfc6525]

Dirt King did the R/D for the TRX in case people were wondering

[@hukmai]

Absolutely gargantuan! Dan is so tall standing next to the Raptor

[@DanEdmunds]

LOL.

[@5thgearouttahere]

Fascinating Dan thank you 👍🏼

[@alphakilo9066]

This is one of my favorite auto channels

[@DanEdmunds]

Thanks!!

[@cppctek]

Totally subscribed because I love your videos brother ! You are awesome. I respect the skill set and and knowledge you have. Pretty much could listen to anything you wanna talk about because you will find a way to make it relatively super easy to understand and interesting as heck!

[@orrinbelcher6593]

Great video, amazing the Toyota’s did so well, very informative, love the spec board.

[@01_BruteForce]

Wow, this was a very well put together comparison and video. Subscribed

[@DanEdmunds]

Thank you. I hope to keep them coming!

[@9663mu]

Alright mate. You got another sub. Love the videos

[@mdjak3686]

Excellent video. Subbed.

[@alessandrovitii]

These vids r great

[@gunnys1758]

Love your videos man ,the details like you remove tire to show suspension system 👍

[@DanEdmunds]

Thanks! There are so many cool new suspensions coming out these days.

[@Cubanb407]

Awesome video

[@MichaelHarley]

Great stuff. Super informative. Subscribed!

[@DanEdmunds]

Thanks, dude!

[@benschoon856]

Awesome video, looking forward to the Raptor with 35’s!!

[@DanEdmunds]

Yes. And I have secured one toward the end of the month

[@dylanw890]

That’s crazy that even with the 37 inch tires and restricted suspension travel it still performs extremely well in the flex test.

[@MultiPartizan1]

Great clip very knowledgeable and correct,i think we all would like to see Ram powerwagon flex test true off road capable pick up.

[@emersonvestal]

Man, this guy with all his calculations and numbers. Me over here “ I’m still gonna send it!!”

[@dentistaf3897]

Thanks, Waiting for 35” raptor

[@DanEdmunds]

Me, too. I drove it extensively for Autoblog on the First drive, and it was fantastic.

[@bwpospolyta]

Great video. Thanks for all the extra info on breather tubes and other interesting bits. Love my current Raptor (waiting to upgrade to the R) KDSS from Toyota was great on my old LC but needed maintenance and a knowledgeable technician.

[@hellkitty1014]

Ive heard that about the KDSS system on the 4Runner/GX.

[@DanEdmunds]

I have it on my 5th gen 4-Runner. No issues yet.

[@haeuk]

Haeuk Chung 0초 전 I love all of your suspension detailed look up videos! I wonder how higher suspension efficient ratio that you always make a point is better performance.

[@AlexanderKoganB]

Great video as always. My only gripe is RTI is an overly abused metric. It's great to compare RTI of similar class vehicles. For example Land Cruiser obviously beats 4 Runner handidly. Being inverse function of wheel base comparing full size truck to mid size SUV tells one exactly not much. Yes RTI is less but absolute travel is far greater meaning it can scale higher obstacles or keep wheels on the ground going over deeper undulations. Posting absolute measurement score board in parallel to RTI would be very informative in my opinion. It would be great to bring my oldish 2008 Power Wagon on that ramp for comparo. With official RTI of 658 and ability to scale 36" obstacle per Chrysler would it go off the end of the ramp?

[@CoyoteFTW]

Seems about right I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Raptor on 35’s right below the bronco

[@bassslacker2157]

Great informative video. In Your opinion how would You eliminate rear sag when towing with the gen 3 raptor while not having the ride compromised. ? Not near the max weight, but boat still has substantial tongue weight.

[@CoryTheCanadian]

Loving the flex videos. I’d like to see what a 2020 Power Wagon can do with the sway bar disconnected.

[@DanEdmunds]

I do need to get one of those. On the list!

[@dsyebert]

Is suspect the algorithms aren't finding you because you don't post enough videos... Moar content!!!

[@DanEdmunds]

It's true. My fault because I can't find the time to do this more regularly. I took a full-time job in the first months of the pandemic, and that has robbed me of time.

[@JeffTScott]

Now we need to see the zr2 Silverado and tundra trd pro

[@sterlingburk3790]

Hello Dan, I have a 3rd gen 35in package id love for you to use to get those measurements.

[@annoyingkid2090]

Your on your way to be the next KZbin car guy but more like project farm car guy

[@peyeye]

I would like to see the Ram Power Wagon and the Wrangler Rubicon

[@ALMX5DP]

Still impressive, I did not think it would do better than the Bronco with the bar on.

[@DanEdmunds]

It is still impressive, and that's a good point. The Raptor absolutely crushes if when driven in anger on all sorts of high-speed desert terrain where diagonal flex doesn't enter into the picture, and that's what it's made for. The TRX's rear suspension is derived from the Power-Wagon, which is more of a rock crawler, and the truck itself is much heavier.

[@yasuke1075]

Hello Sir can you do videos on the E36 M3 Z axles rear semi-trailing arm suspension, the E39 M5's Integral Link, and the double wishbone front + multi-link rear suspension on the 04-08 Acura TL/TSX (03-07 Honda Accord) platform. I think the 2000s era Honda benefited from Shigeru Uehara's on all of its platforms and you can see it in the suspension geometry design.

[@master0puppets1]

I’m curious to see how much more flex the KDSS 4runner has over a non KDSS. Great video!

[@kevinnature3793]

Yes and also compare to TRD PRO.

[@DanEdmunds]

I have TRD Pro footage, but I'm in the midst of a job change. We'll see if I can push that one out before I get very busy!

[@electrikoptik]

The 200-series Land Cruiser being 14 years old keeps impressing!

[@and7976]

The new lc300 with E-KDSS has even better flex.

[@Dex8357]

Impressive that a used on with 200k miles is as much as a new 4Runner

[@johnt6673]

None of them have 37's either...

[@AkioWasRight]

Impressive, but apples to oranges.

[@and7976]

@@AkioWasRight In terms of the cabin, yes apples to oranges. In terms of a the frame then no. You can make a pickup truck with the same flex as the LC since it's front IFS and rear solid axle and all coils.

[@CJ-rk5eg]

Dan - are you still doing these great videos? Are you retired?

[@kristoferfc6525]

I wonder what the Silverado ZR2 is, I know the approach angle is better than the TRX or the Raptor on 35's

[@enh2k10]

How much of a difference would a 4 door Bronco with Sasquatch do compared to the 2 door First Edition? I see it scored better than a disconnected Rubicon Gladiator, but the Jeep climbed almost 8" higher on the ramp.

[@JavierBlanchardBJJ]

Dan I would love for you to review my 06 GX470

[@kristoferfc6525]

Hilarious the TRD Pro 4Runner got that kind of articulation

[@wayned3137]

Can you do a tundra TRD pro please.

[@nmotionproductions29]

I order 35” tires on my Gen 3 for that reason and the reduction in rotational mass.

[@nazarwalimuhammad3049]

GOOD CAR

[@PeakDecline]

That score surprised me; I know the 37s eat up some suspension travel but I was still expecting closer to the TRX. It really does make one curious how the Raptor on 35s would do. For the price of the Raptor 37 package I would have hoped to see less sacrifice in flex.

[@DanEdmunds]

I am surprised, too, but the Raptor is more about high-speed send-it than low speed technical crawling. It's so good at the high-speed stuff that I get the sense they didn't prioritize Flex as much. The TRX's rear suspension is derived from the Power Wagon, which is more of a crawler, but the sheer width of the TRX and Raptor don't make either one prime candidates for, say, the Rubicon Trail, where flex is king.

[@hellkitty1014]

The TRX's articulation for something of its size is amazing.

[@DanEdmunds]

I was certainly surprised.

[@bztrain]

Pretty sure the raptor on 35’s has best in class travel.

[@twinturbo3470]

Im assuming you didn't investigate the front suspension because you plan to do it with the 35" Raptor. So basically if the upcoming Raptor R wants to beat the current TRX in terms of offloading it needs to have the 37" tires but have a factory lift(body lift) to allow more articulation?

[@DanEdmunds]

I think this Raptor already has it over on the TRX in terms of high-speed desert off-roading. It impressed me no end when I attended the First Drive for Autoblog. Flex is more about low speed technical work, and both the TRX and Raptor are far too wide to be my first choice for that environment. Also, I didn't investigate the front suspension because: a) I called an audible when the rear tire came off the ramp and b) I'm writing a photo-based Suspension Deep Dive for Autoblog, and I'll get into that there. I'm not sure what the goals are with the Raptor R, but I would not be surprised if the front stab bar disconnect from the Bronco Badlands makes an appearance. That would make all the difference.

[@timothygonzalez6679]

Would love to see some less aggressive every day vehicle's that alot of people take in trails like the new subaru forester wilderness or subaru crosstrek!

[@dougg519]

Shocked that you haven't been able to get a Wrangler for the flex test. That would provide the "gold standard" comparison point!

[@DanEdmunds]

My timing has been bad. It'll happen.

[@flight2k5]

Land cruiser is still king

[@electrikoptik]

If only the 300-series with E-KDSS was sold in the US. I reckon the LC300 with E-KDSS will break the 700’s.

[@DanEdmunds]

I'm going to see the LX600 in a few weeks. I'll try to get my hands on one for the ramp as soon as I can.

[@electrikoptik]

​@@DanEdmunds Can't wait for you to get your hands on the LX600. The AHC on the new LX600 is improved. I wonder how much improved.

[@hotrod7603]

Not in front of Raptor

[@flight2k5]

@@hotrod7603 yes it is

[@hobyksa351]

A wonderful and useful video, but I would like to add an Arabic translation. I know English, but many here in Saudi Arabia do not know it. I wish you all the best my friend who loves you from Riyadh🌷🌷

[@thanhvu5510]

can you make a video about the new generation toyota Land Cruiser

[@DanEdmunds]

I plan to, but here in the US they've stopped selling the Land Cruiser. I'll have to test the Lexus LX600 instead -- when I can get one.

[@redbeardsflippedodometer7279]

This one! What hand speeder wrench is that!!!

[@DanEdmunds]

It's a discontinued Snap-On. You can find them on eBay, once in awhile. My favorite tool.

[@redbeardsflippedodometer7279]

@@DanEdmunds I was afraid you were going to say discontinued! Lol.

[@TJ-po9ol]

Your neighbors probably think you’re super weird lol

[@edmunds4]

Math in real life! High school teachers could use this.

[@LU-D1GITAL]

What about the Colorado zr2 suspension. It’s all mechanical, no computer like the raptor suspension has.

[@7pinnacle]

Would you be able to compare a Toyota 4runner TRD Off Road with KDSS to one without?

[@DanEdmunds]

Getting one without is the trick. The press-loaner versions always have KDSS. But I am super up for it if I can get one.

[@lukestoyz]

Like to see this compared to the 2022 TRD pro

[@DanEdmunds]

I do need to get the new Pro. I'm not sure when, but it will happen.

[@twinturbo3470]

I know your a chassis/suspension guy but whats your opinion on this..... If the Raptor R DOES come with the GT500 engine(which has an aluminum block compared to the TRX Iron Block). Do you think there will be much of a weight savings or will it be offset by the gt500 OHV design vs the push rod design and the Ford aluminum body compared to the steel/composite body of the TRX.... Im asking because they ball park the Raptor R to be 650HP due to the engine not liking to push beyond this # in a truck frame/body. Many people are speculating that even with the HP deficit the Raptor will come out on top due to the advantages I just listed as well as already having a stellar chassis in the 3rd gen Raptor. Its a bit of a mouthful I know.......thanks again, love your channel

[@DanEdmunds]

The Raptor with 37-inch tires weighs 499 pounds less than a TRX. I'm almost certain the R will weigh less than a TRX.

[@hellkitty1014]

The GT500s 5.2 is still a very heavy engine. The GT500's weight ballooned to 4300lbs with that engine, so you can only imagine what it will do to a Raptor, which is 6K with 37s.

[@twinturbo3470]

@@hellkitty1014 agreed but i mean an aluminum block vs iron.......plus the hellcat pushrod is no LS/LT in terms of size and packaging

[@dream-_weaver4769]

Being next to that spring would scare most people to death!

[@user-ww6xo3rh1s]

ممتاز👍👍👍👍

[@kadimsilahtar]

Next time flextest a truck, please dont forget to open the bed door in order to the probable frame flexing. Thnx for the video.

[@DanEdmunds]

I did open the tailgate for the final shot, and there was zero binding or misalignment. Same goes for the door when I got in and out.

[@grenjith]

Is the panhard rod suspension setup improve freeway cornering,esp. without a rear stabilizer bar.

[@DanEdmunds]

The Panhard bar/track rod is necessary to orient the axle laterally in all situations, and it has nothing to do with roll stiffness, like a stabilizer bar. Leaf rear truck suspension don't have a panhard bar because the leaf mounting itself restricts lateral movement (in a half-assed way) but the four trailing links of a link-coil suspension like this cannot define or control the left-right position at all, so we get the 5th link, the Panhard bar aka track rod. Another option is a Watts link, which is what the Australian Ranger Raptor currently uses, but that approach was discarded in favor of a Panhard bar when that suspension was adapted our Ford Bronco.

[@twinturbo3470]

@@DanEdmunds I actually didn't think there was a factory vehicle that used a Watts Link suspension

[@DanEdmunds]

Ford Ranger Raptor in Australia, which will soon be replaced. And it has a diesel engine!

[@grenjith]

@@DanEdmunds thank you. How could we improve the freeway cornering in these vehicles. I had an f-150(not raptor)and I don’t like that feeling esp. at relatively higher speeds.

[@Wandamartinezm]

Is The suspensión is The raptor is a perfect

[@VitalySokorenko]

TRX win 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@grisa12345]

Can you test a G Wagon? Pre-2019 solid axle and after? Thanks.

[@DanEdmunds]

Love too. Getting my hands on the older one is the trick. A neighbor a couple streets over, the BePeriodCorrect guy, has two. But I don't know him.

[@miraphycs7377]

South African publication tested a very old but more off-road capable G 300 CDI Professional (W461 of course with solid front axle) only got 376 which is really bad..

[@grisa12345]

@@DanEdmunds Great introduction idea: “Hey man, can I almost flip over your POS overpriced German Jeep?” -if that doesn’t work, I’m in Denver and you can use my 2016 G63 AMG!

[@chongmeng8666]

When to update tundra test video？

[@DanEdmunds]

I work full time for Car and Driver now, as west coast Technical Editor. I'm still shooting videos for this channel, but that one will show up on their KZbin channel very soon. The Rivian R1T one has already gone live there. Raptor R will soon be live there, too.

[@chongmeng8666]

@@DanEdmunds thanks

[@robwatumd]

Lexus GX460 please!!!!

[@SergioLopez-tq6wq]

do a wrangler 392

[@DanEdmunds]

I would totally do one of those. I just need to get one in.

[@akaSpiky]

Tacoma next

[@Hashpassion]

this truck is sexy af.

[@dantecasali9821]

Comment for algorithm

[@DanEdmunds]

Thx

[@zakikahl6904]

My TJ scores a 1090🤣expected more out of the raptor

[@DanEdmunds]

My lightly-modded JK, which I sold, was at 981 with full pressure in the tires. Probably over 1,000 aired down.

[@fireant1272]

I'm surprised ford didnt try to beat the trx with the suspension flex. Trx still king even with Fords version of coil rear.

[@johnt6673]

You are kidding right? The Raptor with 35's or 37's will make the trx look silly off road. These trucks are maybe 2 seconds different in performance in perfect conditions on road. Off road is a different story hands down. It is not just about suspension flex, it is how you handle it. Not just about horsepower and torque either. The ram has been shown to be a boat anchor off road at high speed. The raptor has been shown to excel at both high speed and general offroading.

[@fireant1272]

@@johnt6673 Haha not kidding at all. The trx is better in EVERY category except fuel mileage. Look it up way better then the raptor. It's the first mass produced super truck. Plus it actually sounds like a truck and not a moped. 😂 also I'm not a fan boy of either it's just easy to see which truck is better.

[@DanEdmunds]

He's not wrong. Except for outright flex, this suspension really works off-road. See my earlier Drive review for Autoblog: www.autoblog.com/2021/08/31/2021-ford-raptor-review/

[@hotrod7603]

@@fireant1272 Are you serious or a 5 year old girl that turd rx is nothing in front of Raptor , all you said is about raptor instead ,go attend yoúr online classes boomer , only thing turd rx has over raptor is v8 nothing else

[@Strugert]

poor front flex... Thank you!

[@DanEdmunds]

I think the stabilizer bar is doing a lot of stabilizing. The Raptor is much nicer to drive as a daily.

[@porroco]

This is a desert runner not a 4low vehicle

[@DanEdmunds]

True. It's more crucial for rock-crawlers. And off-road vehicles that aren't nearly as wide as this. But I measure them all, and the differences among competing vehicles do matter. Besides, the Raptor and TRX do include 4low, lockers, rock mode in the traction control. It's still marketed to be an all-rounder. I'll take your point one step farther. I grew up with desert off-roading, and what I'd like to see is a lightweight (and less costly) 2wd-only Raptor with a long-travel front suspension. But Ford will never make one because: a) they sell all of these they can make; b) the folks in Michigan don't understand the point of a 2WD off-roader. Meanwhile, most of the top-tier Baja racers are RWD.

[@drsalt4795]

My guy doesn’t have a impact gun

[@DanEdmunds]

Exactly.

[@motkh3963]

What this video benefits!!!?

[@m.a.m2257]

Luckily I own the Land cruiser 200 .. I thought the Raptor will be better but it seems not at all

[@DanEdmunds]

It does other things better, but Flex isn't one of them.

[@willkaufman363]

Crows

[@DanEdmunds]

This time I decided to leave that stuff in. I can get too aggravated if I obsess over every little background noise.

[@bobquattrini1787]

Not much flex

[@seanknight9898]

No offence but who cares. Put your highest rated vehicle on this list on a Baha course at full speed. There are just waaaay too many variables including vehicle design intent at play. I’ll bet that out of every 5,000 - 10,000 Raptor’s or TRX sold maybe, just maybe 1 will ever be placed into a situation where it would use even half of the available flex. Marketing, marketing, marketing that only creates a new sucker for every sale.

[@DanEdmunds]

For the super-wide TRX and Raptor, you're not wrong because they simply don't fit on narrow trails, have a long wheelbase meant for high-speed desert running. I'm still a huge Raptor fan because of how its suspension works generally for that, despite this score. But flex is still a point of interest and comparison -- if you can get more, why not? Meanwhile, for Jeeps and Broncos and 4Runners and Land Cruisers and such, the focus is on more technical stuff, and this attribute is big.