TK'S 2025 Ranger Raptor Build Thread

[midnight270]

About time I make a journal to keep track of everything.

A little background about my Ford journey, I've owned a 2022 Maverick XLT and a 2025 Maverick Lariat. The Maverick's were great for what they are. I did a bunch of mods to them and they treated me well. Between the two I put on about 60K miles in my ownership. The goal was to eventually move up to a Ranger. I actually ordered a 2024 Ranger Raptor but did not take delivery when it came in. They wanted 10K over sticker at the time...

A few weeks ago I really got the kick for a Ranger Raptor and I started looking. I was disappointed with the color options. I had a Hot Pepper Red and Eruption Green Maverick. I really wanted Velocity Blue so I ordered a 2026 in that color from a local dealer. Turns out they did not have an allocation and they don't know when they will get one. That bothered me so one weekend I was checking the stock at local dealers and found a Carbonized Grey Metallic at one. This is my second color choice. I drove over to the dealer and was told it was not there... We walked the lot and what do you know it's parked in the back corner.

The sales guy was very helpful and let me take it on a solo test drive. I drove two the week prior haha so I kind of knew what it was. After I got back we talked and they gave me the trade in number I wanted for my 25 Maverick so I did the deal. That was November 1st. I went back on November 3rd and took delivery.

The first few days were pretty surreal to have a Ranger Raptor in my garage.

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[midnight270]

The day after I picked the truck up I dropped it off to get the front windows and windshield tinted. I went with Xpel XR Plus tint. 50% for the windshield and 20% for the front windows. The look is great. The tint helps with glare at night and keep the cabin cooler in the sun.

On Friday I dropped the truck off to get a paint correction and a ceramic coat.

Friday Before

Sunday After

 

[midnight270]

Some future plans include the ProCal tune from Ford. I was able to get the dealer to throw in the tuner for half price with the truck. Once it arrives at the dealer I'll go get it installed.

I ordered a BAK Revolver X4TS tonneau cover and a bed rug. They should be arriving in the next few weeks. I might get the Kuat Ibex bed rack. I'm an avid mountain biker and would like to have the bed rack to mount a bike rack and some little storage boxes for my gear.

I had an ARB air compressor installed in my Maverick and it came in handy a few times. I will be mounting that in the Ranger eventually. I need to find a good spot.

I might add the Adventure Lab Bed Molle panels. I really like having solid mounting spots in the bed.

I ordered the Signature Lux amber DRL modules for the truck. I'm a fan of the amber so once those arrive I will be installing them. I think that's all for now but I am sure there will be more haha!

 

[pasali]

Welcome to the group!
I have read that AAL is developing a mount for the new ARB brushless compressor. Maybe we can pressure them to speed up the process!

 

[midnight270]

I just received a quote from Main Line Overland in PA for the LRA 35 gallon fuel tank. The price isn't bad for the tank and install. I'm really debating if I should do it.

 

[midnight270]

I installed the Tackform Slim mount above the radio. Install was super easy and it's a solid piece. I'm super happy to have my mounts up there.

I also I added WeatherTech HP mats. I like the coverage of these better than the stock ones.

 

[midnight270]

Yesterday's adventure went smoothly. Towed my buddies Honda Fit and K24 to the shop doing the swap. It was about 120 miles each way. The U-Haul trailer was good and the Ranger towed it like nothing.

Funny story, this Honda Fit is my old car. I sold it to my friend in 2022 when I got my first Maverick. He recently blew up the stock engine...

The RR averaged around 15.3 MPG towing which I was stoked about. That's what I have been getting without towing haha. The truck now has 921 miles on it. I just dropped it off this morning for the ProCal tune and my first free oil change.

 

[midnight270]

I was able to install my @BuiltRight bed molle panels during lunch today. Install was simple and love the result.

Tools: 3/8 Long Ratchet, 3/8 Milwaukee Stubby, T30, T40, pick, razor, torch, vacuum, and I think a 4MM allen. I sprayed the bolt threads with the fluid film. Heat is your friend for removing the OEM tie down bolts.

 

[midnight270]

Last week I bought some parts from @HyperM3. Wagner Intercooler, Diode Dynamics Fogs, and S&B Intake. He was awesome and installed everything for me. I can definitely feel a difference in throttle response with the intake and intercooler.

Beauty shot haha

I also installed the AAL trailer plug relocation. Install is a breeze and now I just need to remove the stock bracket and paint it.

I need to install my dashcam one day soon. I also have the amber DRL modules being delivered soon. I purchased the single line UPR catch can and drain plug.

 

[midnight270]

The single line AOS from UPR was the easiest AOS I have ever installed haha. Maybe a couple minutes to get it done.

 

[midnight270]

Salt and gas station pictures haha. Really wanting a bigger fuel tank in this thing.

 

[midnight270]

Yesterday I did an oil change and installed the Baxter oil filter adapter. I needed to make some clearance for the filter but the adapter installed onto the engine with no problem.

I had the trim one bracket and bend the AC bracket/lines just a little to get the filter to fit. It was very simple.

After the oil filter adapter I did the oil change. First time ever using a fluid extractor. I used the smallest tube and had it too far down in the oil pan at first haha. After some trial and error I pulled out around 7.5 quarts of oil. We had to run to the parts store and grab a quart because I only brought 7 quarts. Between pulling out more oil than I thought and the larger oil filter it takes around 8.5 quarts for an oil change now. I am now using a FL500S filter.

The fluid extractor was nice. A little slow but beats going under the truck and you get more of the old used oil out. I have the single line UPR AOS and there was maybe 1/8 of a quart after like 3k miles of driving.

 

[midnight270]

Update on the adapter. The two plugs on the side are leaking pretty good. I installed them as the directions said but guess I should have used some thread tape.

I'll be taking the adapter off today and resealing them with some Permatex 59214 and PTFE tape.

 

[midnight270]

Today I did a tire rotation. I did the X pattern rotate. I had to get some 6T jack stands from HF because the 3T ones don’t lift the truck high enough. Pretty simple but man these wheels and tires are heavy compared to my old Maverick. 100 ft pounds for the lug nuts and it’s good for another 5500 miles.

 

[midnight270]

Today I brought a junk Subaru wagon to the scrap yard and picked up some free shelving from my friend since I already had the trailer.

The truck, trailer, and Subaru weighed 9580 pounds. I did not expect it to be that much. I got 107 bucks for the Subaru haha.

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