Carli Suspension F-250 VS Ford Raptor | Which Is Better In The Dirt?

We pitted our 2018 Carli Suspension Pintop 2.5 equipped 2018 Ford F-250 against our stock 2018 Ford Raptor to see which did better in the dirt! One can tow, the other was designed from the factory to get rowdy. Find out which truck came out on top.
If you're interested in getting your Ford or Ram truck to ride like this, head to our website:
www.cjcoffroad.com
The Wheels:
www.cjcoffroad.com/Innov8-Raci...
The Suspension:
www.cjcoffroad.com/Carli-Susp...
#cjcoffroad #Carlisuspension #raptor

[@CJCOffRoad]

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[@CeleVision]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="309">5:09</a> RIP drone lol

[@munson250]

Easy pick, Carli equipped f-250 all the way

[@Friedrich-Wilhelm-1980]

i agree BUT i dont like my truck squishy i like it to be so stiff you need a kidney belt to drive it off road it is more tiring but i can feel exactly what im driving

[@onlyonebran]

Even easier don't buy a damn ford!

[@munson250]

onlyonebran I can agree with that too, would much rather have an equally capable carli dodge instead

[@scottfree6479]

Only reason I wouldn’t take the raptor is the 3.5 eco boost

[@DownHillgamer]

@@munson250 ohyea

[@ziggy149]

Cole - speak up dude.

[@headhunter306]

The other guy must be wearing the mic

[@clm652]

You know you have volume control, right?

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

He looks like he just woke up. Needed coffee

[@ziggy149]

@@clm652 Been a year. Just seeing this. 108 people apparently agreed with me - and I had the volume cranked Mr Snarky pants.

[@clm652]

@@ziggy149 the world is full of cunts, enjoy your company.

[@joelsorli2156]

I have the Carli 2.5 Backcountry on my 2011 F250 and it is awesome. Allows me to travel east coast logging/hunting roads at 2x speed and comfort compared to stock. Guys at CJC were extremely helpful with selection and installation advice.

[@tuckerhodges5896]

Been daily driving, road tripping, and mobbing the desert for five years now in a 4.5” Carli coil-over kitted ‘07 F250. The performance of that truck never ceases to amaze me or my off-road buddies (many x-racers). Great video guys! Hope it enlightens people.

[@teufel314]

It depends what you want the truck for. If you are solely looking for off road performance, the Raptor is going to be your thing. Comparable price, great performance out of the box, better on gas, cheaper registration, etc. If you want a truck that can do anything you will ask it to do, like towing, hauling, working, the F250 is the way to go. I have the 2020 F250 Tremor, and love it. Keeps up with my buddy’s Raptor, and clears things he gets hung up on. I wouldn’t say it is the smoothest ride, but the Carli setup will go on it as soon as the warranty is up. The truck does everything I need and just looks badass. I have the 7.3 gas engine in it. No need to pay the diesel premium.

[@my2017raptorhardtail]

Cool comparison! Would never expect the 250 to even have a chance, but looks like your setup is gonna give my buddy the ability to keep up. Keep up the good work!

[@adams5xr847]

had the carli coilover suspension on my 08 f350 and loved it, in the summer time. Winter was a different story. The front coilovers knocked and banged ridiculously and rear shocks leaked out after 1 year.

[@TheAeswein]

I’d go with the Carli F-250, strictly for the fact that you’ve still got a work-horse pickup as well for towing. Best of both worlds! I’m not dogging the Raptor though, they’re great trucks too!

[@bquade70]

That's awesome. I built a ram tradesman with a Carli.... Love it! Out runs the rebels for sure....

[@rubenarguello13]

I’m running this carli leveling kit w king pin top on my ram 2500 and couldn’t b much happier rides amazing on road and oof road

[@jmetcalf6350]

Love what you guys do! Keep up the good work!

[@DrewDayToday]

Those Carli kits are awesome!

[@BrokeDown724]

I’m biased any full carli kit equipped diesel gets my vote! Keep up the good work on these quality and informative videos guys! For the average “joe” a box stock raptor is a fine truck but it’s so nice to have a heavier duty diesel straight axle for when it’s needed for me personally.

[@kregadeth5562]

In what situations do you actually NEED a solid front axle? Serious question.

[@bencox7439]

Great video guys. I would take the F250! I request a towing comparison between Carli/Thuren/BDS and AEV, with a 8k trailer (Ford F250/Ram 2500. With a discussion regarding towing capability, ride quality, sag, and safety. Similar tests conducted by the SAE 2807. Seams this is a popular topic on the forums... thanks again for all your videos, very informative.

[@nimrodrdc]

I absolutely love my 17 raptor. It’s got Deaver’s in the back with Geiser springs up front and 37” BFG’s. I can’t even tell you how much fun she is. I have a really hard time imagining a similarly equipped Superduty prices out to the same price as a Raptor, especially by the time you buy the Carli suspension.

[@CJCOffRoad]

Hey Mike, we’ve heard great things of that combination. The blue truck in the video can be purchased right around $60k and suspension wheels and tires can be had for around $7k. Putting both trucks in a similar price range!

[@nimrodrdc]

CJC Off Road awe I bought my Supercab raptor for 56k. I’d love to build a Superduty but man the raptor is sooo much fun! Since she’s the shorter cab she even did okay in Moab. Not her thing but still did okay.

[@robophobic3716]

You can buy a laramie Sport F250 diesel for a grand less than a stock Raptor both with 802a. Only the F250 you can get a invoice. So yea hard to see the Raptors value looking at t stickers side by side

[@jimco5852]

I bought a fully loaded 18 Raptor super-crew and love everything about it except the ugly wheels. I have the standard non-beadlock wheels and the chrome and flower shape doesn’t match the truck at all. Ford really should have made them more aggressive.

[@jimco5852]

chad six : everything about the Raptor was factory engineered by Ford Performance for high performance off-road/desert running. The 250 was not. That’s why the sticker price is way different.

[@rts3613]

You can see going through the woops, that the Raptor is much more composed. The F250 is seesawing and bucking. It may be due to the longer wheelbase. That said, the Carli equipped F250 has a lot more utility if you actually work your truck. Tough decision, can I have both?

[@ryansoltysiak2394]

Its because of the solid front axle

[@nismor3490]

Loved the vid! Both are awesome trucks!

[@SkywhiteChannel]

Great video. Just what I was looking for.

[@hankf616]

My 4.5” pin top kit with full deaver replacement springs for my f350 is on the way... can’t wait to see what it can do.

[@enriquevalencia5810]

How’d you like the kit on your truck?? I’m hesitant on this kit

[@dailyexplorer413]

How does the F-250 compare to the newer gen ram 2500 with same equipped pintop suspension

[@KoiAquaponics]

Saving for a super duty f350 when the new 7.3l becomes available

[@Safety-Sam-498]

Wang Hung heads up it’s a gasser, not a diesel.

[@veryaveragekyle311]

@darkjedi351 It's a vader no diesel

[@dickberry3910]

Great informative video. Would’ve liked to see your old shop Ram vs the raptor.

[@curtisg7924]

I would love the 250 with this Carli set up. Great vid👍🏻

[@JasonWaterfalls13]

Awesome video guys, thank you!! I'd take the Carli equipped Alumidtuy, assuming I could delete/tuned it. Alumiduty- diesel, solid axle, more capacity, and Carli is the gold standard. If I couldn't delete the Alumiduty (hi CA...) I might go Raptor to avoid the bs that goes along with all the emissions crap on modern diesels.

[@joeysawatzky5597]

I have had the raptor fun, but i'm really excited for my backcountry kit that arrives next week, I went with a level and everything but the radius arms . I love my new 2020 f-250 diesel but you guys are right. The suspension on this thing sucks, and i'm comparing to my 2017 which was pretty much the same build, loaded up platinum on 35x13 18" .

[@gorillahd9247]

For my use the F250 with Carli suspension and a gas motor would suit me fine. Fire-roading and exploring is my thing. I want a big truck that won't rattle my teeth out on a rutted out dirt road. The Raptor was more composed on the whoops and it looked like the Raptor wasn't pushed as close to its limits as the F250 was, but the improvement of the Carli F250 over a stock F250 was seriously impressive. Just what I am looking for. Scott

[@vinny-vm3wk]

The Pintop...is worth...every penny!!! I love mine..!!!! 2015 F250 4inch Carli pintop full leafs with airbags

[@bg5561742]

I use to have both until my transfer case on my f150 would not stop grinding and took it to the ford dealership 3 times so I got a 1500 z71 and really happy with and I was a die hard ford fan

[@Shortmag71]

Ive had the Raptor and it was awesome. Now on to something new. Ordered an F350 KR Tremor with 6.7 and will be adding a Carli Kit to it. Just want to have good clearance on 37’s and better than stock ride. Can’t wait to get it.

[@erikmc6385]

Where you getting all that dough? I've got a 21 250 gasser. But I can't afford the lift and tires or all the fun bumpers and leds

[@robertbranham3244]

You guys rock 🪨 I love the Super Duty with the Carli

[@TigerRagFishingTeam]

depends on your needs. For my mileage a heavy duty diesel with upgraded Suspension is the way to go.

[@chrisoh6627]

Extended cab F250 with short bed with Carli

[@jdmrider]

Very well said on everything

[@Ronix1313]

Love my Carli Equipped f250

[@rossco8260]

Devin Csiszar how did you find it from the stock kit the f250 comes with? A lot better? Dan

[@raymondcituk1995]

Awesome great job

[@robertahill2]

I had a Gen1 Raptor and loved that truck. However I personally do not like the aluminum body or turbo V6 and went with a 2016 SWB F250 6.7. Just installed a full 2.5" Carli Pintop suspension and I will have to say I am more than impressed. The ride and handling on road is greatly improved and the off-road ride is not able to be compared. This past fall our three truck family made a trip up through Montana and covered 6,000 miles with over 1,000 of that off-road. The factory suspension on the F250 was less than pleasant on much of those roads and tracks. This new Carli suspension has made this a completely different truck. We will soon be upgrading our LWB f250 to a Carli Pintop suspension also. I could not be more pleased and do not see myself ever going back to a Raptor even if Ford does finally go back to a V8.

[@mikea4074]

How would it work with a snowplow? Do you offer a lift for the rear to retain the factory rake?

[@ryanschiller1446]

I’d do the F250 so I can tow my trailer all week for work, then pull the toys on the weekend to the trails!

[@dtom420]

I’m starting with a Carli Backcountry whenever my ‘22 Platinum Tremor finally moves from the train yard in KY, where it’s already sat for a month! But, I’m toying with the idea of getting a Raptor and turning it into a dedicated overland vehicle. Why not have BOTH? Lol

[@adamada101]

Cool vid boys

[@MrLegacy36]

I have a leveled F250 6.7, I can’t wait till I can afford that Carli kit

[@bradstocker9559]

Added the Carli Commuter to the eco diesel and works great with 95%+ highway driving. The F250 (if Ford was the only choice) gives a lot more options for an all-around truck.

[@ididiesel83]

I'd pick the F-250 mainly because it's got the 6.7 torque, but besides that they're pretty even.

[@antonioaa8097]

That is the suspension, I will installed on my 2006 F250.

[@JsGarage]

Both are awesome. Let’s not forget what the aftermarket looks like for the Raptor too though. Of course you can modify most trucks to do what a stock Raptor does. Still impressive to get a HD truck to perform like a stock Raptor. Not sure how a super duty flexes more without sway bar modification though. Does the Carli kit on it have different sway bar? Put these trucks on a ramp!

[@CJCOffRoad]

Yes the carli system also modifies the sway bar. What’s impressive is that this F-250 can run with the Raptor and then tow a 17k trailer. The Raptor is pretty much a toy only, even in factory form. That said, with a proper long travel system a Raptor will run circles around the F-250 even with the Carli system.

[@Muonio19]

Wind? Would be nice if I could hear what you guys were saying

[@turbotj99]

Just ordered a 2020 Rap... this is making me rethink it but I probably would no longer fit in my garage due to at least two dimensions

[@jasonbogartcovers]

How much ya'll wanna bet at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="309">5:09</a> the drone hit that bush right before the cut

[@CJCOffRoad]

It did!

[@burgezzi2x663]

Both are beautiful off road trucks

[@insane96able]

I would much rather have the f250 carli equipped. For many reasons. One being it's a 450 hp diesel that is extremely capable and very responsive #2 all the components on it will last much longer being a heavy duty truck. #3 you kill 2 birds with one stone getting a fun truck that is also capable enough to haul anything on the road

[@victoriam9465]

CanbO get the autobot Ford? You know the one that transforms to a Raptor when hitting dirt and a f250 with the carli setup when on paved road or towing? Aubrey that will be a 2091 model.

[@ranpeaches4757]

loved the video. My question is then, Am I Better off not getting the tremor pkg? And just have you add thePin Top Cardi Suspension to the F250 truck. I would be adding a four wheeler Camper in Bed of Truck. Im going to travel the country and sure in hell don't want to get stuck out in the boonies.

[@CJCOffRoad]

The tremor packages has a ton of cool additions, so we actually recommend those trucks. A factory winch, lockers etc are all really helpful features!

[@coldsteel86]

I have a 13’ F-350 and would love to this system on my truck. Very pricey. But I guess if you want to play, you have to pay.

[@dre04mach]

I checked out their website... i'm sorry, but 350 bucks for a steering stabilizer option... over 2 grand for a leveling kit? really?

[@cdub.91]

It’s right at the same price as Tacoma suspension systems. And the steering stabilizer is the same price for wranglers. I was looking at the camburg/fox kit for my tacoma and it’s about the same price for the carli back country kit with fox shocks. You want to get a quality system for your suspension. Def not the place to go cheap. You want to see an expensive lift? Look at the raptor kits lol. $8k - $10k for coilovers, shocks, UCAs. All kits are 2.5-3” of lift. But way more performance.

[@jammin60psd]

It would be interesting to do a Carli equipped super cab short bed super duty since it would have closer wheel base length to the Raptor.

[@CJCOffRoad]

Our initial plan was to order the blue truck as a super cab as well. However things fell through when Ford closed the ordering books for a while over summer.

[@soniamaria2212]

Os melhores carros amo FORD

[@bheath26]

What did you air the 250 down to

[@nycmaverick]

Good video, How much was the Carli suspension kit including installation? Do they make one for a 2017 F250?

[@CJCOffRoad]

They do, the kits vary quite a bit in price. Check out cjcoffroad.com for more info!

[@halo2440]

You say it's a leveling kit but I didnt catch whether you said anything about the leafs? Is it the add a packs or full progressive?

[@CJCOffRoad]

It is equipped with the full progressive spring pack.

[@GaryLX870D]

250 AllDay!!

[@alroq3904]

They need to build some kits for the f250 6.2 gas models

[@tonyfoxxbuilds1920]

Gah dang that super duty is a sexy beast.

[@cavezon4686]

I take the raptor nice video thank you 🤘

[@Katherine-15-12]

Both awesome, but I am going to buy the F250 with the Godzilla V8 👍

[@killcarteragain7874]

What type of Mpg does the f250 get with that setup ?? Great video

[@CJCOffRoad]

According to the dash, 13 MPG living in the Los Angeles area. It would probably do a little better in a wide open space!

[@Texasbroski512]

If i could only one as im from texas and do alot of work that favors a heavy duty diesel f250 but a raptor is such a sexy daily driver

[@blkdavid]

hey is that F250 under 6 foot 3 just wondering if it can fit in the underground parking , thanks

[@nanagyasi4524]

Senna Zidane Narh it’s not. A normal f250 is around 6 ft 7

[@joshuabray5224]

Can I vote for both?

[@zfilmmaker]

My 2020 F350 KR6.7 w/ Carli 4.5 full pintop kit and Toyo MT 37’s could pull that Raptor sideways up a mountain.

[@jordanhartl5547]

2 BIG questions CJC. Why doesn’t Carli do a 5-6 inch lift for the f250s? A 6 inch kit is probably the most popular kit when running 37 plus inch tyres. Also, Carli offered coil overs on the older truck kits, why don’t they do that on the new 17’s and up? I thought coilovers had more pros then cons? Thanks!

[@CJCOffRoad]

Carli’s goal is ride quality and strength above everything else, so they decided that a 5” system suited the suspension design better. On the 2019+ Fords it ends up being a 5.5” system, which is essentially 6.” As for the coil overs, there’s actually a pretty significant loss of travel when using them, and Ford changed the coil bucket to a welded on design in 2017. Carli decided that it wasn’t worth the R&D effort to offer coil overs for 17+ trucks since there’s no gain in ride quality, and a significant loss of travel!

[@multumesc100]

Is the 2.5 backcountry kit comparable? I have that on order for an upcoming off-road trip to Moab. 2012 F350 super duty w/35 MT’s.

[@CJCOffRoad]

It doesn’t have the high speed capability of the pintop, but it’s still a pretty potent system when paired with the rear full replacement leaf pack!

[@ericsweet9112]

BOTH!!

[@andyradlgruber5315]

Carli equipped super duty any day. It can TOW anything, well almost. It will have a height disadvantage at times but if you plan your day to stay away from underground parking you will be happy.

[@johnakers326]

Super duty hands down.

[@RanchoDeSanchez]

I will always pick the truck that has the better towing capability. Especially when off road capability and price are similar.

[@Mike38901]

Easy, carli f250 built 😎

[@carlos1000rr]

Can we see a Carli vs Thuran Fab suspension comparison?

[@soynwasabi]

Id like to see that too

[@RyanSmith-yk6rp]

Love my Thuren equipped Power Wagon.

[@Bmxr1991]

That would be interesting

[@carlos1000rr]

Still waiting....

[@RealChoice1776]

Liquid Spring ba carli which is better

[@ocramhsainz2762]

Hello sorry for my ignorance but is there a carli suspension kit for a 2021 F150?

[@CJCOffRoad]

Sadly no.

[@treizTUBE]

Of the two I'm looking at the superduty

[@allenbennett4422]

What offset and backspacing would I need on method wheels to mimic the look of this f250?

[@CJCOffRoad]

You would want a 0 offset wheel with 4.75" backspace.

[@PRgencoupe]

Can we get more raptors on the channel please

[@nottheonlyjustin]

are you running stock gear ratio with those 37s? Debating on going up to 37s on my ram 2500 but didnt know if the 3.73 gear ratio would be enough for them.

[@CJCOffRoad]

3.73 is just right in our opinion. These trucks have so much torque that a 37 doesn’t really bother them.

[@alanphillips1344]

Just curious, when adding the Carli kit, do you lose any towing capabilities? Who do I speak to regarding a possible installation? I am located in South Florida and have used California Custom Trucks.

[@CJCOffRoad]

With the full progressive springs packs you do lose some capacity. However if you opt for the progressive add a packs instead, you do not lose capacity. We are located in Southern California but we can point you in the right direction. Give us a call during the week!

[@alanphillips1344]

@@CJCOffRoad thanks. Looking at the market right now. Looking at both the Ford and Dodge. Gas and diesel since my towing would be under 12000lbs.

[@leroymoore76]

Have a 350 carli truck and after 60000 miles enjoy it more than the wife’s raptor. And new v6 raptor just sound week. Much rather have super duty. And mileage not much difference. Enjoy video. Keep them up

[@selfishballer]

I've watched several of your videos and yoy only seem to recommend Carli Suspension. Is the any other suspensions that you love or are they just far superior?

[@CJCOffRoad]

Most of our videos aim to answer questions people ask us, and as the biggest Carli dealer we get a lot of Carli related questions! Let us know what else you want to see and we’ll include it.

[@paulesparza6522]

If we’re not diving deep into it just looking at it at face value I would go with raptor it’s a better looking vehicle and it’s just as capable obviously doesn’t toe as well but that’s not what comparing

[@tonyb282]

The f250 is very nice. You said that it was your daily driver. Do you know the height of the top of the cab to the ground with that lift kit? With the height will it fit into a garage?

[@CJCOffRoad]

The roof is right around 7 feet.

[@fmxman1564]

F250, nice comparison

[@truckstreestoys]

Life is too short to drive stock trucks. Raptor included.

[@unprecedentedcreations]

IFS is for high speed articulation. Solid front axle is for low speed articulation. Kinda apples to oranges here, but still good comparison.

[@brianrabbit7159]

F250 diesel with carli sounds like the way to go

[@townsendliving9750]

I just want to tow my camper to moab, and then use the same truck for the trails. Problem is camper is a 20k pound gooseneck. Might try it anyways

[@matheujew]

how does the truck do on the highways? My stock '18 F-250 is really stiff and rigid.

[@CJCOffRoad]

It’s a massive improvement over stock. Carli carefully tunes these systems to ride well on road too, since that’s where most of these trucks spend 90% of their time.

[@tylerinwood9182]

in BC Canada, I think the f250 Carli would be great, we only have 5 paved roads out side of town but probably 50 forest/fire roads

[@johnakers326]

It’s kinda like a mullet. Business in the front party out back.

[@secretsquirrel8010]

What's the difference between the Carli PinTop and BackCountry lifts?

[@CJCOffRoad]

the hard parts are all the same, but the back country has a 2.0 resi shock and the pintop is a 2.5 body resi shock. We just released a video today that explains the differences in more detail though. Give it a watch!

[@mj23polairs]

How's the front end of the super dutys hold up compared to a Dodge. As in BJs, hubs, and well i havnt seen a trussed super duty so the 60 must be stronger....

[@CJCOffRoad]

The hubs and ball joints seem to last longer. However in our opinion if you’re going to really run it, it should still be trussed. It’s the same situation as the Rams. If you can avoid the hard bottom outs it will last much longer.

[@15Jeep]

Check out RCV Performance for better quality axle shafts. They build heavy duty shafts for the Raptor and heavy duty CV axle shafts for F-250 and F-350 trucks. Check out the custom shafts and call them for the 2017 and newer Super Duty.

[@Mroffroadrecovery]

I have a 2022 F250 Tremor Power Stroke. Will the Carli Pintop 2.5 leveling kit work or fit my truck?

[@CJCOffRoad]

Yep! We have one on our shop Tremor!