Does Lifting your Truck Ruin its Ride Quality? | Ford Raptor 3 inch Geiser Lift

I know there are quite a lot of Ford Raptor purist out there who feel the engineers at Ford should never be questioned and the trucks suspension should never be touched. However, what if your truck suits other needs besides just mobbing in the desert? Is a stiffer ride really such a bad thing? In this video we lift my Ford Raptor by adding Geiser Coils and Icon Leaf Springs paired with Baja Kits Upper control arms.
Check Out www.northwestrides.com for more cool overland builds.

[@wilmarmacadangdang6062]

For anyone looking to do this to their Raptor: -The front bolts for the leafs should have come with that box that you were holding. That hardware kit should also come with bump stop spacers if you're still using the stock bumps. Ford installs the bolt "backwards" during assembly. A sawzall/ grinder will do the trick to take the old bolts off. -IF you're using stock bump stops, you should also be buying the bump stop plates from Icon as the stock strike pad is integrated with the stock lift block. -The two bolts in the center that hold the leafs together should be cut down after install. They come in long so that you can add the add a leaf if needed. Failure to cut the bolts will result in it hitting during full compression. Appreciate the content Max! Take care

[@Maxx.Powell]

Hey good looking out, I'll pin this comment. I should have updated the vlog but it was a hectic day, we did find the two bolts and installed them like you are saying. We didn't cut them down though 🤔 Also, I will be adding some aftermarket bumpstops soon! Just hitched up my crawler to the Raptor and it sits so much better with a load on there. Can't wait to see how it tows!

[@wilmarmacadangdang6062]

@@Maxx.Powell no worries Max 🤙🏽 I have icons on my Gen 1, and the rear end is pretty jacked up too. It did settle about 1/2 inch after throwing in my tire rack but it is what it is. Love the ride and it doesn’t look as raked as it did when I installed them originally. and yeah those two center bolts need to be cut eventually lol. Maybe you can get around to it when you get bumps! Just keep the maxxidents to a minimal until then 😂

[@Sanjuk0522]

If i am doing option 3 do i still have to cut the bolts down on the leafs?

[@bueller747]

“You’re married. You ain’t got all day.” 😂.. Obviously the mechanic doesn’t know how awesome Des is..

[@chriscallahan1000]

“Ya this a Ford” lol

[@thegonger1]

The Raptor looks awesome with the lift, don't take the add a leaf off until everything has settled or you will regret it when you tow the Tacoma back on the trailer. Great job and keep up the good work!

[@Maxx.Powell]

Good advice. I think that extra leaf will be perfect when towing

[@thegonger1]

@@Maxx.Powell I agree, once everything is broken in you will be a happy "Overlander". The back end of that truck will be loaded up when you go on your overlanding trips and the springs will be perfect!

[@Andy-rp3ee]

100 percent

[@conchgarage]

The amount of times "stiff" and "it feels really good" was said in this video made me laugh and shocked there wasnt a "that's what she said"

[@edwardlopez3101]

“I quit school because they forced me to take recess”

[@steventoomire1644]

Happy to help and be a part of this build. Look forward to completing the Taco build ....and maybe a Tundra? Bring it! I don't play around!

[@808touge]

Running the same setup on my Tacoma. Icon stage 3 with added leaf. I debated taking out the extra leaf but after adjusting my rebound I was able to slow the speed of the spring. Same weight bed rack/ikamper and now it feels great. Check your u bolts after about a week might got pretty loose once the leaf broke in. Leaf hack instead of C clamps I use the adjustable wood working clamps much easier to use 🤙🏽

[@parkvapes2127]

I did an add aleaf on my last tacoma because i was towing a bunch, it settled after about a month or so. One thing i did notice was the rebound was a bit off so the back would hop over washbboards. I'd imagine the fox shocks can compensate for that tho. For the type of wheeling you do i think it will work perfect for ya. Keep up the awesome videos and hope the family is doing well. TTYL from Alberta Canada

[@johnt6673]

The coils and upper arms and deavers are normal for the pure off road baja guys that carry some extra stuff in their beds. Nothing wrong with customizing the raptors suspension a bit. Still functions like it should.

[@Maxx.Powell]

Now that the leaf packs have broken in, the Raptor is much more rounded all around. It rides much better with the extra weight over the bed

[@vegasrider05]

Those icons stage 3 are extremely still. I recently pulled out the thinner leaf down to stage 2 and it's perfect. Holds the weight but decent ride.

[@anarchyrun8253]

been waiting see hear about the Raptor lift!

[@rwilliamson82]

Can’t wait to see more videos. Still my favorite channel.

[@Andrewjbrock]

Keep killing it brother! Love the content! New tundra would be dope plus you could be one of the first with the new generation.

[@steveperkins223]

Love the putting it in your pocket start a new trend🤣oh yeah and all the great vids you always put out👍🏻

[@traviskorda3262]

I like the new Tundra for sure. The TRD Pro or even the Trail model which is basically an SR5 with locking rear diff and crawl control (plus u can add the big 14" screen) would be more cost effective if you're gonna be one of the first to do a build on it would probably be a sick option

[@mercurials54]

Nice setup and good piece of land!

[@94apaulin]

Appreciate everything you do for us as a community and your family you have been pushing me to do more and better things for my family and my kids so thank you so much ❤ P.S. I want that raptor if you decide to move on from it.

[@playwinnerman2810]

My father sent me this video off Facebook and I realized he was in it and I recognized he was working on the car with Max. If you wish to know I'm not giving his name he was the mechanic who said "I quit school man" and was wearing a dark blue hat.

[@danieldehay5198]

Love the video!

[@bigslacker666]

I've been thinking about the Raptor->Tundra swap as well. The orange and lunar ones don't look as bad and I think a lift + bumper will go a long way. Disappointed in no 4A though, that's so nice up here in the mountains during winter where we have mixed snow/road and don't want to switch between 2H and 4H all the time. Also congrats on the business! I know it's scary to leave a 'stable' career for the unknown, especially with a family, mortgage, etc. But it was clear from your previous video that the 'stable' job was adding so much more stress and trauma to your life, much more than the uncertainty of doing your own thing. Life is too short to suffer like that in the name of finances!

[@RyanRKJ]

I know what you mean about going hard in the summer. My wife and I are pretty tired, and actually looking forward to winter, when we slow things down a bit. And yes, some of our toys need some TLC, though fortunately, we don't have as many as you do to care for.

[@Ikelikesboats]

You might need an old school jet ski for that pond.

[@ConquerorT117]

Those wheels coming out of the shop reminded me of Judy Greer as Kitty Sanchez in Arrested Development; definitely needs an alignment. "Say goodbye to These! Michael..."

[@Fasel99]

This Raptor is locking great! :)

[@Mater585]

I've been through several lifts. My current Long Travel setup with Radflo shocks is far superior to stock. But cheap lifts do ruin trucks ride. (Procomp, Rough Country, Rancho, etc)

[@markr.7153]

I added rear air ride bag helpers on my 19 Tacoma. Works great with pulling a trailer and rear bed loaded down.

[@sandman_alive]

Mostly a lurker man and almost always don't think about liking or commenting, but trying to do better. Just want to say that I think your channel is great and I watch every episode. I hope you don't totally get away from the Tacoma content since I have one and that's what got me into your channel, but even if you do, I'll still watch.....because you work hard and never forget to live! Thanks man.

[@KiwiNewellLimited]

I'd love to see you get and build a new Tundra! I agree that I don't like how they look stock and I don't like how electronic even the Toyota's are becoming, but some renders of modified Tundras look amazing.

[@lGuileWilliamsl]

I can't tell you how much I can relate to you not having a place to work on my Tacoma. I can tell you if you're going to make yourself a place to work on it, don't skimp on size. I have a small garage here that I can drive my Tacoma into but cannot jack it up because it will hit the ceiling, and there's barely space on the sides to get around it. Given how much land you have, just have a construction company put down a concrete foundation for you. You can go with a prefab building for your shop at that point or build it yourself. Those are my plans anyway. Heh. I'm not much of a Ford guy but the Raptor does look better. Great work!

[@TheDhimmel]

That can sensor is not one to wait on mine went out and caused other issues cost me almost 5k to get it fixed due to the other issues it caused by waiting

[@zuesmondo1]

New tundra would definitely create new video stuff. I kinda want one too. I agree that the frontend needs something. It is just to . . . Open . . .

[@tylersharpe411]

The lift on the raptor looks cool. I think you should just give it some time and do some towing with it to see if the springs settle. I agree that you should go with the tundra next that would be pretty cool

[@nsbtacoma6650]

Can’t wait for those snow wheeling videos in the first gen Tacoma!!

[@Sanjuk0522]

Do you know what the part number was for the bolt?

[@flameartcom]

I live just up the road from that shop. Kind of a long drive from your side of the water! They must do good work 👍

[@drewncars9505]

“Everything on that Tacoma I did myself” “yeah but it’s a ford” 😂😂😂 I worked at a ford dealer for a while and man they make stuff difficult for no reason sometimes lol

[@knolysjohnson7244]

Hey do you have any thoughts on adding a Dobinsons Coil lift kit on a 3rd gen tacoma? Im keeping the lift pretty small 2-2.5" so I don't have to mess with brake lines etc!

[@Maxx.Powell]

It sounds singular to this lift. I would say it's a great way to add some size without going to crazy. A coil lift is better then a puck spacer lift for sure

[@Just_Joe71]

Would like to see the new Tundra, but I just ordered a Bronco. Any more thought on getting a Bronco?

[@thomasmcgrath2110]

I definitely miss the vlog type videos Always check the don’t forget to love channel for them exited for you to get back to some of those videos

[@danieldehay5198]

Anyone know the name of the music piece at the end of the videos? Absolutely love hearing it…..I feel like I’ve heard it somewhere other than your videos……and I would like to see if it can be downloaded

[@rickyford2202]

Dude this is a Ford. That was funny.

[@bud8465]

Look goods. Look forward to the tacoma build

[@Bandrews892000]

Thanks for the video of beautiful Washington, and the trucks! Maybe some content with the Moses Lake sand dunes or content on a Ford Ranger (4th gen please) if possible. Thanks!

[@PRodent]

Keep slapping the camera, or don't. Do whatever you want. Love the vlog style where you show your journey. Keep it up Maxx!

[@ChrisLove887]

That’s the overland truck store in Gorst. I almost bought a Tacoma from them a couple weeks ago but somebody snatched it up before I got there lol. Ended up with a white DCLB Tacoma from Renton.

[@dtran22]

Would love to see you build a new Tundra! Don’t take the extra leaf out til it settles and you tow with it.

[@alanserge5212]

It looks bad ass how is ur buddy's f250 working out For him raptor looks great

[@JK-xq3qe]

My wife and I were just in the PNW for our honeymoon, awesome country out there

[@dalephillips8250]

Crankshaft and Camshaft position sensors are usually very easy fixes. Crankshaft sensor on my old 2005 Dodge Ram literally was a 5-10 minute swap.

[@kylebizzell5198]

Gosh I love Washington's beauty....

[@kylebizzell5198]

Hope to see some more offroading with your crawler as well.

[@justingarnick6021]

Any plans to build a shop? Not a mini shop. But a legit shop. And yes please get the new Tundra. You could make that a killer build. Has the full drop down rear window. That does it for me. Keep it up Max. Love the channel

[@elielchavira1888]

Broooo!!!! That raptor ended up so sweetttt!!!!! But I'm sure the back will settle more when you tow you tacoma back!

[@541overland7]

You better get the TRD pro Tundra!! My dad got a new one and he loves it!!

[@akifikea7900]

YOU ARE PRO BROOOO... LIKE YOUR VIDEOS.

[@tarapaul8212]

You are going to need tall garage doors when you build your new garage/barn.

[@scottblake6850]

Can't wait to see the Tacoma build

[@MoonyJohn]

Defintely dont skimp on shop size. Atleast 16' wide by 30' long. Need room for tools and work benches. Stoked on the raptor!

[@josecasarojo5199]

Badass Raptor.

[@insanesurfer23]

Bro I’m trippin watching this! . I just discovered that store yesterday! I saw ur truck parked in the lot there. I have a 2021 raptor and I work at west hills ford in Bremerton! I used to have a 2020 lead foot like you!

[@joshpward]

The new Tundra looks great on-road and off-road. Check out TFLtrucks video of the hybrid Tundra going off-road. Idk how long I’ve been subscribed but I’m super excited and happy for where you are at now.

[@inferno1770]

Yes new tundra I'm excited

[@livinfulltilt]

I think everyone always wishes the leafs didn’t settle as much as they did so I’m sure after you tow anything you’ll be happy with how it sits

[@kiiko9090]

The bolts go out on the leaf spring to not puncture the tank bro

[@jackrockholt2823]

Fall is when your suppose to ride at least in the south Tennessee

[@JeffBunkinator]

I installed Eibach coils front and back on my Gen 3 they ride much better than the stock springs

[@ryanharris20]

why not the bronco max? you seemed pretty into it

[@Maxx.Powell]

I do really like the Bronco but I need a full size truck and can't bring myself to sell my Tacoma so it's hard to justify the Bronco

[@paulsmith-ld8xl]

Sweet

[@ReginaTrans_]

Loving the LONG hair

[@codycarlson7711]

just a food for thought at 7:44 on your side view of the Raptor the front tire isn't straight up and down which will cause an uneven wear on your tires. The reason it is like that is because of your lift, you might need a new lower control arm to fix it.

[@steventoomire1644]

Nah, just an alignment.

[@bowtiecity]

Looks like you need about 100 yards of 3/4" road mix for the back road of your property

[@geoff0brn]

Longer shackles could drop you an inch or two and allow the leafs to articulate better...or something like that.

[@Al.Venture]

I say SMACK THAT LENSE LIKE IT OWES YA MONEY😂

[@sixshooter4570]

Could have installed 1" drop shackles for the rear springs.

[@Fredyspaghetti]

Sick vid!!! I miss short hair Max. How’s Des liking the hair??

[@Darwindiggler]

😂😂😂 I quit school because they forced me to take recess ffs 😂

[@OregonDuckz]

Word bro

[@fredeschen3783]

How about a Tiregate?

[@TacoBrad]

Maxx working on a man bun

[@savageraider7422]

more videos every week will be awesome!

[@mech-E]

Having too much unsprung weight hurts general ride comfort. Thats why that VW bus was comfortable, it had such low unsprung weight that the suspension can work better.

[@newlinedetails]

Max.... I built that taco Mechanic... yeah this is a Ford True that!

[@JamesDailyTV]

You better have gotten some footage of the scavengers eating the meat in your pasture!!!

[@HessianForHire]

You gave me shit on IG a couple months ago for recommending you beef up the suspension if you're gonna be towing and now look lmao

[@matthewgardner1238]

Yes , TUNDRA! Do it

[@Darwindiggler]

Your married u don’t have all day hahaha

[@MarkJones-sk6vk]

Those blocks are also the bumpstops.

[@daleh.9489]

Careful with the Tundra, they're rated to tow over 10,000lbs but have transmission heating problems after just a few thousand pounds on mountain passes and hilly climbs! FORD is where it's at, MAXX! I'd say hang tight for the Bronco Truck whenever they decide to release it (2024?!?), or maybe a Raptor Ranger!!?

[@mattnunnimaker6833]

is that a 10barrel beer sir?

[@mattnunnimaker6833]

at 10:08?

[@jessewarren2689]

leaf springs will probably fix the engine light

[@9thGenerationCajun]

Looks perfect to me,Other than not being a Toyota lol

[@cab1198]

It's hard to change the mind of a knuckle dragger 🔩🔩🪨🪨💪💪

[@Josh-jq4xq]

Get the Tundra!

[@Bward216]

The raptor is great and all but you really need a dedicated tow rig at this point.

[@justinkrieger1559]

the way he said this is a ford 🤣😂

[@NoonMight]

Who doesn’t have their check engine light on?

[@Burn280]

There is a fine line between payload capacity and ride quality. Give it time

[@daleh.9489]

Just go tow around with it for a couple thousand miles before you decide to take the helper springs out!! It will squat down more eventually.

[@jaytee1086]

How is the dry aged Tim? Lol

[@messix7768]

BWAHAHAHA !!!!! heim joints cut down on squeezyness and maintenance BWAHAHAHA!!!! good joke!