How to assess your next Suspension Kit - Dirt King F150 Long Travel kit breakdown

After weeks of struggling with my laptop, Pedro getting cold feet and having to reshoot the whole thing, Here is finally the Dirk King Review video. But we changed it up a bit so that you guys see all the weak points of all the popular kits out there for the Raptor. Hope you guys actually watch the whole thing and learn something to have those frank conversations with your builders on your next upgrade.
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[@NSQGarage]

Love how detailed you are in this comparison using all of your real world experience

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks.

[@mikemcd6093]

I agree this information vary helpful

[@DOGwithanO]

Very informative like always, love watching these side by side comparisons!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man.

[@ConcreteButcher]

Fair video. Glad this didn’t turn into a shit slinging video. Gave a fair enough perspective on what you saw that day. I will say after seeing the ig clips of their shock tuning day with him and my buddies Tundra. It made a very noticeable difference and it’s impressive what 12” can do. 😳

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Very true. Properly setup you can do a lot with less. Still has its limitations, but with the right driver, any truck can be capable. And yeah man, I did not need to turn into a shit show and I worked hard not to. But I can’t control others. All I can do I say my peace and hope they listen. If not, that’s on them.

[@colinwatt00]

This was by far the most helpful video I’ve ever seen. I actually came here because I’m interested in Raptor swapping my Lariat and all the extra information you’ve included was very (very) helpful. I sincerely thank you. P.S. - can confirm, don’t do full Heim steering.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man. You would be surprised with how controversial this video actually was when it first dropped. I tried to dispel a lot of bad advice and info people get. And some were not happy.

[@Stuckonstoopidf150]

Thank you for all the information! I’m looking around for a “long” travel for my f150

[@r.eed25]

very informative video! That F150 built by Evil MFG is insane. Dirt King truck looks bad ass and performed not so bad!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Agreed. It’s definitely a good performing truck.

[@dynamicweaponsolutions]

It’s a raptor that was built by evil just fyi lol the 6.2 matters lol

[@Rommer2258]

This is a good analysis of the dirt king kit. Ultimately the OEM shock location kills the kit. They have good quality and for the money with some carbon or lesser expenses shocks can actually be fairly affordable, especially with 15k over msrp raptors. The entire Dirt king "build" costs less then the front part of the SVC kit, which is an entirely different level of cost. That being said, the F150 should have been left alone and not built or at least cut the tower off and move on, I've seen the 4th gen Ram 1500 4x4 kit do some nasty stuff plus the Chevys are a diamond dozen, can't go wrong. Overall if you own an F150, buy a different kit. Last take away, the 3.0 is the perfect shock, they'll fit 97% of every user it all comes down to the tune.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Totally agree with everything you said here. Upgrading the shock tower is the better way to go.

[@5150skrew]

I would love to see a comparison of the factory replacement shocks vs stock shocks on Raptors. Something like Icon vs fox vs king or ADS. Love your videos and the real feedback you give. My goal is to eventually swap my Gen 1 to a true mid travel but for the time being I’m running the Icon stage 4. My personal experience has been amazing with this kit VS factory fox suspension but like all kits it has its limits too. Thanks again for the killer content!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man. In the last video we did testing fox live valve and then later testing the TRX we did have a truck with Factory race series Fox shocks and saw similar experience and slightly better performance. Would love to get a full icon truck out here and just more builds to compare. I love these kinds of videos where your surprised by the results.

[@Kyrothes]

Very fair and respectful review! Been waiting for this!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man.

[@EasyDoesIt18]

Great video guys. Loved the shot by shot comparisons. I'm new to the go fast stuff and this was such an informative video, seriously thank you!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man. Really hope this video help people .

[@Michael-Gould]

I need a long travel kit in my life 😂😂😂😂

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Everyone needs long travel!! 🤣

[@daleyfamily2179]

I think you hit on the head. It all comes down to your budget. You get people who want all the cool guy stuff and cut corners cause of budget. Its hard to build it right cause of money. Sometimes you just gotta take your time, save the money and do it right. Or just build to your limitations and drive within that. I'm upgrading a lot on my gen 1, but I'm keeping it with 35's and I'm keeping it with factory travel, but upgrading front and rear to Fox Gen 1 3.0's and rear bump stops as it needs it. Changed bumpers front and rear, added lights, chase lights radio etc. etc. But its all about money lol. I just drive within the limits of my truck lol.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Exactly the message I wanted to get across. Some think there is only one way and it’s full out. In the real world we all have different budgets and you don’t need a crazy built up truck to go play. For years I led groups with a stock truck and had a ton of fun. Getting out there is the point of it all

[@matt_takata]

I really think 12-16” is mid travel and anything 18” plus is long travel. Again my opinion. I think for the price it’s a good kit. I’ll be going with RPG due to their customer service and quality products with true testing. Informative video appreciate the insight

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah but then stock raptors would be mid travel. Technically they are when compared to an F150 and if that’s the case this DK alit should be called mid travel. Good choice on the RPG kit. I really like their bed rack design over the others. Just keep an eye on the front bypass mount. Definitely add it to your checks before the runs

[@robp418]

Spacers are fine when using quality spacers installed properly. I’ve seen guys sheer axle flanges off running bora spacers and the spacers suffered no damage

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I’ll never run spacers. Why run the risk? Simpler is better

[@cpgeorge2518]

Great information. You should do a break down of suspension upgrades from beginner-expert. Maybe like 5 levels of suspension upgrades for each raptor generation…

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I have a video like that on the channel from a few years ago but a lot has changed since then. SDI e click came out and really woke up live valves and I have more experience with more rings. So the plan is to work with one of the distributor companies to outline all the options and my recommendations and put it all on a website for easy reference and purchase.

[@irregularf150]

Great review and explanation of these kits etc. definitely learned something 👍🏻 Yet here i sit happy I finally get to add deaver +3s and geisers, but still deciding on what perch and if i want to add drop shackles still 😂

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man. And yeah tons and tons of options for these trucks

[@eltwitch9469]

To add to the tire air pressure portion.. not only does having low psi leave you prone to cutting a side wall or bending a wheel. It actually affects your Shocks/Bypasses in a negative way. The way Shocks/bypasses are valved and shimmed and flow rate and all that good stuff is affected by the tire psi as well. On how it cycles through its stages. So all in all running low tire psi in fast-paced desert running is not a recommended. Unless you have way more slow portions or crawling portions then you do fast sections.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man. I did not know that. I know that when I experimented with low and high preassure I got much better control and better response from the suspension. And no more bent rims.

[@OvaHendrix-j4t]

I love ur show its great were u at jam in Phoenix?

[@rogerd9405]

IDK, I think it did fine for what it is. I get it, it's not a true long travel kit but it is 3-4" over a stock F150. Though it's the same travel as a stock Raptor, it's longer than a stock F150. I've been considering DK for my 05 FX4 as I can still use the King Shocks that I already have. If I went with a Raptor swap, I'd have to buy new shocks.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah, you would need new shocks and a taller shock bucket. And cutting that shock bucket is nerve racking AF. So yeah man. In that case this kit would be great for you. Raptor level performance with a bypass so you can deal with more on the trails and less cutting up of the truck

[@rogerd9405]

Nah, a gen 1 Raptor suspension swaps right over to the 04-08 f150 shocks and all. I believe the deeper shock buckets are a gen 2-3 issue.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Ah ok. I see now. I assumed a 2015 or newer. Should have read your post better

[@caseycharity]

😖 Me cringing when I hear you say not to do exactly what I did with replacing my stock tie rods with full length ones from RPG. Now what do I do?! 😆 Always love your content and would love to go on a run with your group at some point. I live up by Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita. Take care!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I know man. I did the same on the first truck and part of the reason my 17truck got totaled. Tire took part of the impact and the spindle bent in multiple directions and steering rack was shot because that tie rod was too strong. All you can do is just run it and be careful. And keep on those joints or switch to the extended tie rod ends. Follow us on IG to join a run. We always playing in Cal city area just by you.

[@caseycharity]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad Good to know! Thanks! Will follow you on IG. I’m bone stock except for those beefed up tie rods. Could I even hang with you guys yet?!🤣

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah man. No problem. We get stock guys all the time and I setup my groups so no one gets left behind and everyone runs at what’s ever speed they want with no pressure

[@chipw1001]

When you say your running 28psi, are you measuring that cold or after the tire is warmed up? Thanks

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

28 psi at the start of trails. Tire is usually warm by then. Depending on the days temps that could warm up to 30-32 psi through out the day

[@osodeep6]

I appreciate the info. Great comparison.. I am stuck at doing a Raptor swap on my 15' Plat. or just getting a Gen 2 Raptor... But they are a bit too high still. I am also considering looking at getting the Raptor Ranger when the get here, lol. Seen them while I was in AU and they are impressive.. Would like to hear your thoughts on it... Again thanks for your content, opinion/advice... Looking forward to your next vid...

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I want to check out a Ranger raptor myself. From talking to a few shops it’s been a challenging platform to get suspension travel out of it. Really want to see what ford did to it. If it’s anything like the bronco it should be impressive.

[@osodeep6]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad The 3.0 tt V6 is really impressive for sure. I have seen hub dyno tests that shows it putting 427 ftlbs at the hub. It uses Fox 2.5 internal live valves... Time will tell what improvements will become available.. I am excited about it... Have you seen this yet? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZC2qoSNpMigrdE

[@johnlexus1]

Great video once again. I wasn’t aware that the Gen 3 had more travel, have you notice how the 37 edition behaves baja? I may have to trade in my gen 2 now😢

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah, Gen3 with 35s gets 15 in and the 37in version gets 14 inches up front. They limit up travel on the 37in model to avoid rubbing. So far we’ve seen that the Gen3 is extremely capable stock.

[@rundmc1274]

Do you have any thoughts about the Blitzkrieg Raptor bolt on kit?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Have a whole video on it that dropped last Sunday. That kit is badass

[@josesalinas8516]

Hey Helio! I just bought a gen 1 with +2 adv front fenders and it doesnt have any liners. I noticed you talked about it, but is there any solutions you would recommend besides buying them from adv directly (freight is ridiculous to texas)? Love your truck and your videos. As always super informative.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Their liners are great and it’s what I run. Alternatively you can look at getting large plastic sheets and make your own. I don’t know the specs of the material but I’ve seen plenty order large plastic sheets and make their own.

[@josesalinas8516]

@Keep It Dirty Off-Road didnt think about making my own. I bet any polyethylene or polypropylene would work secured with some self tappers lol. Riv nuts would probably be better though. Thanks for the quick reply man!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yep, I used jack nuts for mine and it worked great. Riv nuts or jack nuts will work great.

[@themachanic6416]

So if I just get the RPG tie rod ends that would be okay? What about the end that goes to the steering rack? When I look for the caster camber I can only find for the lower arms

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

You want to get a kit that only does the tie rod ends with the stock tie rod. As for caster camber locks, they are only Mande for the lower arms. The lower control arm (LCA) mount is slotted to allow for alignment adjustment. Upper arm mounts are NOT slotted and therefore don’t need locks.

[@themachanic6416]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I thought I saw some videos where they where putting them on the upper arms

[@themachanic6416]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad what’s your opinion on the paddle shifter kid for our trucks?

[@themachanic6416]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad there a video where a guy put a Gen 2 steering wheel on a Gen 1 which made me think maybe you could combine the 2

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

If you do a slot delete PLUS adjustable upper control arms you delete the alignment adjustment from the LCA and move it to the UCA. BUT to adjust you now have to take part the suspension. That’s how my mid travel kit is adjusted. As for the steering wheel with paddle shifters, I’m not a fan. Most of the buttons don’t work and the up and down shifting is not the best in manual mode.

[@chuco425]

The Chevy Colorado ZR2 & Silverado ZR2 are literally raced off road. The only mod on them is a cage for safety so I don’t know why you’d think they’re not off road trucks. Also the big thing about the ‘mid travel’ or ‘long travel’ for the industry has do with stock width or not and that many companies also offer ‘Mid travel’ options that extend travel with longer coilovers and different UCAs (you can see this with dirt king for the F150 as an example). It’s also why you see ‘race kits’ that cover most common issue people can have. And then above that is just write a blank check lol

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Have you seen the Silverado zr2 race? I have, it was hilarious how slow they were going. I also said it’s not like a Raptor. Colorado ZR2 is more capable than the Silverado ZR2 Anyways man, this is my opinion. Some will agree, those are not ford guys won’t.s

[@chuco425]

I’ve only seen the Colorado ZR2 race. The Silverado zr2 is more of an entirely new niche market that won’t be as appreciated when Ford and dodge have released truck with more travel. Out west there is a lot of trails for wider trucks, but when the trails get too narrow you can’t get through which is where being narrower (sadly less wheel travel there) is what makes it through, that where the Silverado ZR2 would be better. I’ve been behind a Robby Woods built gen2 raptor and that truck will fly through the desert like it’s a smooth freeway but when it came time to go over a mountain for little bit of ‘crawling’ in 2wd it’s a different story. I disagree with the gen3 raptor handling better than a TRX. I think a lot of that will come down to driver since they’ll both handle the terrain the same.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah a 2wd prerunner can’t do climbs and all that and yes width sucks out east. Totally agree with you there. But as for the TRX, I know for a fact that it’s barely on par with a Gen2. I have a whole video on it with trail footage. gen2 In some way can outperform a TRX offroad already with a leaf rear end. gen3 smokes a Gen2 offroad and therefore I say the TRX can’t keep up. HP don’t mean anything offroad if the suspension can’t handle it. It’s also why I think a v6 Gen 3 will outperform the raptor R offroad too.

[@chuco425]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad it’s 4wd Prerunner, but it was running on 3rd that day since one axle wasn’t the right length. We stayed in 2wd is what I meant by it. And I know HP isn’t much off road if you can’t put power down, it’s why dirt bikes make less than 1/3 of sport bikes do. However the HP helps once you have bigger tires. I got to see that video about the TRX since every time I see them they’re doing crazy stuff. Most recent was in Glamis where the dude was racing sxs on sand highway and he was with them despite most sport sxs having 20+ inches of travel

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Impressive for sure.

[@cj_xj9976]

Now idk if anyone can help me but I’m 19 and I don’t have big big money for a expensive kit I have a 2012 f150 fx4 with the 5.0 power plant I’m planning on getting the baja kits “long travel” and run 2.5 king coil over an going to try my best for bypasses in the front to soak up everything better but the rear is my big question I don’t plan on doing anything crazy with this truck yet i want to build it as my skills increase I wanted to see if anyone could help me out if I just ran triple bypasses in the rear with a stock leaf spring setup. Is that possible? Is it something that would be better or a common think an better than stock? and something I can grow my confidence with and not break the bank? Also when would I need deaver leafs?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

For the money your spending on the Dirt King “long travel” you could get a true mid travel kit with more travel if you spend a little extra to have the shock bucket replaced with the taller Raptor one. camburg and KHC make one. As for running stock springs with triple bypass in the rear. Are you running stock location with triple bypass OR a bed cage with shocks running through the bed? There is a different. If your front end is getting upgraded with dual shocks. Anything stock in the back end will be overwhelmed. Even with stock raptor stroke bypass shocks. There needs to be balance and a stock travel rear end will quickly get overwhelmed. Yes overall the truck will be more capable with that front end and you could increase your skills. BUT the risk for damaging the back end, specially if you don’t have a hydraulic bump stop is very high. We’ve seen guys bend and break stock shock mounts, mushroom and bend the frame. My recommendation for guys on a budget that want capability and still daily drive is to go SDI Eclick. For you that would be a raptor swap suspension, taller front shock bucket, with SDI Eclick system controlling stock raptor live valve shocks. It’s the most bang for you buck solution.

[@JR-yt5dq]

I’m wondering if it’s a long travel kit for a f150 non-raptor.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

If the stock shock bucket is maintained, it can’t be called long travel on any platform. Long travel has been used as a marketing term to confuse those that don’t know. In this application it’s not long travel Regarless if it’s the f150 or raptor suspension.

[@evenflo75]

links to the plating kits you like please.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I’ll post a link to the KHC LCA plating kit but all the others are part of the installation of those kits and not sold on websites because of the welding required

[@evenflo75]

@Keep It Dirty Off-Road darn yea I liked the frame one with the rosets. I had been looking for common weak points but yea I couldn't find too many frame reinforcement kits that explains why

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

You can always work with the shop to get one made and shipped to you. The example we showed was HMs and I’m sure he could make one for you. Other option it to work with local fan shops to replicate.

[@StretchMotorsports]

150k in the build of that evil mfg truck and still has stock hubs up, stock brakes, and has to use a pan hard bar because of the stock fuel tank location. That seems like a lot of money spent for what’s done. I know I could have built that truck for less than that

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

YeH, it’s a different kind of build to keep the stock tank and not have to deal with emmision problems here in SoCal. The build is functional and can do quite a bit. But I do know the owner is not done and has a lot of plans for the build

[@MdMehedy-wp6rz]

Assalamu Alaikum

[@bobleeswagger7854]

these raptor guys lol this long travel kit was never meant to beat raptor travel raptors were built to be a factory long travel truck which it is go look at kibbetech, baja kits, dirtking they all have limits of travel you can get while retaining 4wd this kit was released by dirtking to keep 4wd and gain travel there long travel race kits can hit 18-19 inches of travel with a 4wd delete your raptor idea is dumb a raptor does have long travel its not mid travel your trying to compare a raptor with a f150 in the end thats what it is a f150 NOT a raptor

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Anything that retains the stock shock bucket to increase travel is MID travel. Long travels means using LONGER shocks than stock, which means a new taller shock tower. Some may call long travel a race kit. But anyone considering this kit as long travel has no clue what they are talking about and fallen for a “marketing” term. And F150 and Raptor share a frame. Main difference between the 2 is some reinforcement and the height of the shock bucket. Any kit made for the Raptor can be used on an equivalent year f150 by just updating the shock bucket and plenty of kits out there for that. And there is no kit on the market today for STOCK trucks getting 18-19 inches of travel with 4wd. Max you can get from any kit limited to about 94in (average width of all these kits) wide is around 17in of travel. In 2wd you can push that to 18-19. But that’s also with 8in, 10in or 12in stroke shocks. Not the 6in stroke on this kit. Ok, now you’re going to come back with some BS about they list more travel on their sites. But here’s a little secret. Most kits don’t get the advertised travel. They might in CAD. But in the real world, there are tie rods, springs, components binding, and a ton of other factors that limit travel. There is a reason 99% of shops out there don’t post videos of actual travel numbers with everything connected.

[@Buy_My_Raptor]

Very classy follow up! Great information there and explanation of things you mention pretty regularly in regard to upgrades. I know they don’t give awards for acting like an adult on the internet, but you earned one!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Lol, thanks man.

[@shakenbake11]

Nice comparison and wrap up on this. There is no standard definition of mid/long travel whatsoever so I wouldn’t get hung up on that at all. You are way too concerned about that. Also, the raptor is in no way a benchmark for the industry. Just because your favorite builders call their kits xyz doesn’t mean that’s gospel. Lots of manufacturers are all over the place with how they define their kits. But yeah I totally agree, these entry level kits are perfect for just getting out in the dirt. Not everyone is going on 5 day Baja trips.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Very true. The marketing terms used are definitely getting worse and worse every year. I just hope this video gets people to ask questions and know what they are getting into. This video was mainly made to combat those that take the word of one builder as gospel. I don’t and even though I run an SVC mid travel truck, I was I was running another companies kit. But this truck is what I could afford.

[@nllerenaTrx]

Loads of info in this vid. It’s a pleasure seeing someone that is active and passionate about something and your perspective and delivery is very easy to follow along with. Keep up the awesome content. Always look forward to seeing your videos.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thank you 🙏

[@TheChicagOP]

I'd say mid travel/long travel is designated differently on every other truck but the raptor. In my experience mid travel is stock width with more travel. Long travel is anything wider than stock and race kits are usually the ones with longe shocks and towers

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Before 2010 I would have agreed with you. But the raptor is technically a stock mid travel truck. It went wider for more travel. And completely redefined what mid travel and long travel is. To me, upgrading the shocks is still stock. Your not gaining any additional travel. You just get bigger shocks with more tune-ability and maybe a lift which actually takes away travel. So that’s still stock to me. You can deal with more yeah, but travel is the same or less and that’s still stock travel

[@chrishrezo8133]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad But this kit isn't for a Raptor. It's for an F150. If someone was installing this kit on a Raptor, I would agree with you. But it's for an F150 and makes an F150 wider than stock, hence it is a Long Travel kit.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Raptor is just a trim level for the F150 🤷‍♂️. They share the majority of parts. Any raptor kit can be installed on an F150 and it will bolt right in. You just have to change out the shocks mounts.

[@chrishrezo8133]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad You would be correct, mostly(last time I checked shock mounts don't bolt on). But, although a Raptor is an F150, an XLT F150 is not a Raptor. Longer arms than what came on that truck would be considered "Long Travel". It's the same for every other truck out there.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

KHC shock bucket can be installed as a bolt on after cutting the old one out. Not ideal but I’ve seen it done. I would prefer welded. But again. The LCA and UCA mounts are the same between the 2 trucks. Only difference between a raptor frame and an F150 frame are shock mounts and some extra cross bracing since 2017. Very little difference and better to use raptor kits than F150 kits to really leap over the raptor capability with an F150 and save money on the overall build.

[@degbti]

I truly believe you are a little off base on the whole long travel term. First, it's odd that you, who doesn't even have an F150, would give a crap what they call it let alone be obsessed like a teenage girl. I don't know why it's even a second thought what they call their kit? Second, they run a business and sell a ton of product all over the country. Only the diehards out here in our desert know what a true long travel kit means. They sell to guys who are clueless around the country who want a "long travel kit". Billy bob back east can give a shit if you use the stock shock bucket or not. He wants long travel. It's all marketing. That all it is. Don't get so twisted or offended about a random company who puts long travel in there catalog. Shit, if we held every company in the world to their statements about their products everyone would be a liar. Let it go man. thanks for the vids!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

It’s a bad trend though in the offroad world for exactly the reasons you said. RPG recently changed the name of their mid travel kit. Previously it was called “bolt kit”. Now they use the name “long travel”. Same exact kit. Now that all said. If you wait long enough and read the comments on this video you’ll find plenty defending that this kit is long travel. From people that don’t know any better. That’s who I’m hoping to educate. If they listen great, if they don’t, aw well.

[@Chan-hy2sv]

Currently deciding between a raptor swap, dirt king kit, or a baja kit. I don't offroad as harsh nor experienced any strenuous terrian , but between those, what would you recommend?

[@Rommer2258]

Personally, I would say away from Baja kit. They're kind of like the BDS of the off-road community. I haven't heard good things from people that have actually used their parts. Dirt king is a reputable company if you do use their kit, get a different shock tower and run at 8 in stroke shock or the race kit. But at the end of the day, the raptor swap seems like the best bang for the buck, especially with the replacement towers.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Really depends on your budget. Most cost effective is a raptor swap and I would recommend upgrading the shock bucket to run Gen2 shocks. But they take time to put together and to get a deal you rely on other guys upgrading. But you can also run SDI E click setup and really wake up a stock truck without sacrificing for offroad performance. Next up are these stock raptor width kits like DK, camburg, Baja kits and Krazy House customs. This is the first DK kit I’ve seen hit the trails with us so not much experience with those guys. Camburg would be my pick for raptor width type kits. For full mid travel / long travel I would recommend looking at Blitzkrieg or HM.

[@carminered]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad are gen 2 and gen 3 shock buckets welded onto the frame of the truck?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

So if you have a standard f150 and want the upgraded taller shock bucket that Camburg or KHC makes you have the option to bolt it on or weld. I would recommend welding as it’s much stronger.

[@joeydiesel227]

That isn't even mid travel thats just slightly more than stock lmao but it looks cool and thats all that matters right

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

🤣🤣🤣 I’m mean. Your not wrong

[@JoeyPichette]

You keep saying that the kit only gets 12-13" of travel. Is that because he didn't pair the DK kit with appropriate sized shocks? Or is that the max the kit can provide?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

That’s the max the kit can do because it keeps the stock shock bucket so the stroke of the shock is limited. Yet another reason why it should not be called “long travel”. A stock gen2 raptor gets more travel and a stock gen3 raptor is at 14in up front. So at best this should only be classified as Mid travel for an F150. Typically mid travel on a Raptor bumps up travel to 16in up front minimum

[@JoeyPichette]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I'm pretty new to off-roading and suspension upgrades so I guess I just don't understand why the coil bucket is so important in regards to travel. When I look at the SVC mid travel kit it says that it retains the factory coil bucket and achieves 16" of travel. Are you saying that the DK long travel kit paired with the 4WD long travel fox spec coilovers and the long travel fox spec triple bypass (2.5 or 3.0) shocks would max out at 13" ?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

No. So the f150 has a shorter shock bucked compared to a Gen2 Raptor. You need the taller shock bucket to fit a longer shock to get close to 16in of travel. I for example have a gen1 Raptor. Gen1 raptors have a shock bucket shorter than the gen2 raptors. Even though SVC claims 16in of travel on my truck, I know from folks that have cycled gen1 SVC Raptor kits that it maxes out at 12-14inches of travel with 4wd. I’ve learned quickly that just because a company claims something, does not mean it’s true. They are going to use marketing terms and theoretical travel numbers only possible on a computer without everything connected to sell kits.

[@zachary756]

I really wish someone woulda made this video before I spent thousands on my f150 build

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Sorry man. Lots of bad info out there and this is all of our lessons learned we’ve collected over the years. And since so many people just believe everything from the small shops building these trucks, this is actually controversial info.

[@designerken]

You can’t upgrade the tie rods with this kit because it is wider than the Raptor. DK includes an extension that goes on the OEM tie rods.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

If the extension is included a better tie rod end can be used. Including the raptor end that’s a far stronger design.

[@Suomyice]

Hello sir, Thanks for this video and all other as well👍 Now I became a bit curious, When you mention, that you planned for a getting your shocks re-valved and professionally set up. If first you seem to have pretty good realtionship with SDI. Why not go ahead and upgrade your shock remote reservoir to their universal ones and gain the benefit of running their Gyro sensor solution?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Oh I wanted to have the SDI solution control all my shocks. And while it is possible for the front coilovers, it’s not possible for any of the bypass shocks. The race bypass shocks I have, specially the rear, would require custom made fitting and a new larger solenoid and valve for them to work. The smaller stock valve and solenoids won’t work and the cost to design and make those parts is very high. SDI is focusing on production trucks and UTVs. They do have plans to eventually add racing. and when they do, we will be first in line to try and do something. But that’s a ways out.

[@Khaled-tx5xj]

Thought you won’t upload this after that vid

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Why?

[@mikemcd6093]

Great videos , id like to see one on jd fab tacoma long travel

[@jl.520]

Very cool video. I feel the dirt king truck will do so much better with tuning. Maybe a video of a post tune? Or tune process?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

The owner already spent some time tuning the truck after this video and it tracked better on some smaller closer together whoops but the back end was still bucking a little.

[@amcx9950]

If you look on dirt kings site their “mid travel” kits are just a coil over and upper control arm. Like huh?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah, everyone has a different definition. Many companies do it just to try and push more kits. In doing our research for this video we saw RPG change the name of their mid travel kit from “bolt kit” to “long travel”. Same kit, still mid travel, still keeps the stock raptor bucket. 🤦‍♂️ so frustrating.

[@sterlingbingham7975]

Great discussion. In a world of "measuring" you tackled the hard topics. Awesome vid!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man. Just hate all these “marketing” terms companies are using to trick buyers

[@jasonmurray9380]

I'd love to join one of these runs. Do you post upcoming runs anywhere besides Instagram?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Nope. Just IG. It’s the easiest way to send out the announcements and get everyone on the same chat

[@gordoncates9110]

Thank you Helio for the comprehensive breaking down! Very classy follow up. I need a mid travel on my 2018 Gen2

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man. 🙏.

[@1rcracer]

Think you totally nailed this one. 100% on everything you have said.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man. Much appreciated

[@rogershepherd7934]

Another great video and very informative. Thanks Helio and keep em' coming.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man 🙏

[@KamronLsx]

All I see from this video is don't buy a ford

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

🤣🤣 why because there are too many suspension options for it? Or is it because there is more than lift kits for them?

[@MdMehedy-wp6rz]

❤❤❤❤

[@kalvinkalen3871]

What is HM's website? Cant seem to find it.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

He does not have one yet. Small company and other now he’s focusing on getting builds out. Hoping soon his site will be up to really show off that work because it’s impressive. Check out our HM elite prerunner video if you want details to get a hold of him.

[@kalvinkalen3871]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad yeah man, I just want to look at the kit and maybe get one lol I am sure you will let us know when the site is up and running lol

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Sure thing man. You can also call them too to get more info.

[@SEEYOUNEXTTUESDAY-45]

lets say all things are equal (price of a raptor swap and the dirt king kit are the same is the biggie really) AND you are a 09-14 f150 owner. Are you raptor suspension swapping or going dirt king?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

If the cost was the same, I would take the solution with the additional bypass shocks. The extra shock goes a long way to improve performance and tuneability. So DK kit.

[@SEEYOUNEXTTUESDAY-45]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I appreciate the insight and response man. thanks 🤙🏼

[@craigfrazee902]

Awesome video! Love the analysis, recommendation, and guidance on weak points of raptor platform in general. So much helpful info in one video! Not sure if on purpose but the title says Dirk King instead of Dirt King - just wanted to call that out so the KZbin search bar sends traffic to this video 🤘

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Good catch, thank you. Definitely not on purpose. I’m a crappy speller. Just corrected it and thanks for the feedback man. I’m expecting some heat because we did get honest on the video so we will see.

[@BlueNose49]

Dirt King take note’s!!!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

🤣🤣 I hope they do. The only reason for this video is to get rid some confusion around the label of “long travel”. Too many companies using it to play up their kits and confuse and trick those that don’t know any better

[@anthonymontoya6950]

You do hate the kit !!!! I can see it your eyes ….😂

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Cuz you know me so well. 🤣🤣 Kit does what it’s designed to do. What I hate is the name. Calling this kit specifically long travel is deceptive. Someone that does not know better will be fooled into thinking it’s long travel when it’s not. That’s it.

[@r.eed25]

Love the Videos. Thanks

[@connorellisx]

OEM upgrade- 9-12" of travel upper arms and coilovers Mid travel kit- 13-16" of travel stock shock buckets and arm mounting locations. Long travel kit- 17-19" of travel. fabricated shock towers and upright, does not bolt into factory locations. Race kit- 20+ inches of travel, requires swing set steering and custom fabricated lower crossmembers.

[@connorellisx]

I feel like there's a lot to unpack here as I do agree with you on the marketing aspect... I do believe that this kit is not intended to be compared to a raptor mid travel kit, mostly intended for an f150 trying to upgrade. It's ability to use a bypass over the stock raptor suspension being limited to just a coilover is a massive upgrade in handling, tuning and not getting shock fade over long periods on the trails. It also allows you to run a limit strap which lowers its 13" of metal to metal travel to 12" of usable travel in turn protecting your 4 thousand dollar set of shocks from destroying themselves on the trail. In addition the fabricated arms with delrin bushings are going to hold up much better than the casted aluminum that you would get out of doing just a raptor conversion. In conclusion, I do believe it has its place in the market to be a great option for f150 people to use, picking out all of its weak points can go with almost any kit until you've gone to a full race kit or hell center mounting. Even these mid travel kits running stock shock buckets, stock steering racks, stock hubs, and half the time stock uprights. in my opinion these are all sketchy when trying to bomb down trails at 70mph.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I get where your coming from on the sketchy comment. But a full properly built rig with everything done right and a cage is an expensive thing. $150k-250k just to get it built. That’s an exclusive 1% club that can do that kind of rig. And even less builders actually know how to them them right. A lot of crap builds out there. I’m a big advocate of wheel how ever you can. Stock mobbing, lifted, mid travel, long travel, caged. Do it how ever you can. But drive within your capabilities and the capabilities of the truck. In my experience I’ve seen far better drivers with far better vehicle control from those on a budget. And the guys with the big bucks doing these crazy builds having the least amount of experience and doing some very dangerous things on the trails. So to me the build don’t matter as much as the drivers ability to control it and not over drive it. I’m not a fast driver, not by any means. But I will say I have a ton of experience to be up front of a group and keep my truck and them safe. I don’t take any stupid risks and I’m very cautious because of the other idiots on the trail that are not.

[@connorellisx]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I see what you’re saying, I’m just not sure how much it relates to my previous comment as I didn’t mention cab cages or anyone’s driving abilities. I was just trying to say this kit has its place in the aftermarket as a viable option for someone trying to upgrade their f150.

[@piltg8568]

What about kibbetech new raptor kit ?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Have not seen it yet man. Kibbitech makes some good kits for sure. But I feel like recently we only seen CAD designs without any actual kits built and tested. Want to see them on the trail before making up my mind on them.

[@piltg8568]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad . I’m in the market for some new shocks for my 14 raptor. What is your opinion on the DSC adjusters ? Do you think I should get them with or without them. I do a lot of sand and trails.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I don’t know of any raptor shock upgrade packages that don’t have adjuster on them from any manufacturer. 🤷‍♂️ so I would say make sure they have them. BUT, if your sticking with stock travel, your not going to get much extra performance from a stock stroke. Tuning will really be the difference and the stock tunes are usually street bias