Baja_RR
Member
- First Name
- Ian
- Joined
- May 12, 2025
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 11
- Reaction score
- 36
- Location
- Manhattan Beach, CA
- Vehicle(s)
- @bajarangerraptor / @kermitbronco
- Occupation
- President, Consulting Firm
- Thread starter
- #1
You may have seen posts from some of the teams on this build and here's my own report after a week of hard driving in Baja with @expeditionxoffroad.
Overall, the rig exceeded expectations. The 18.25" of clearance is a game-changer and it was ear-to-ear grins tossing it through the Baja twisties and then waiting for the full-size Raptors to show-up. 'Nuff said. If you have any doubts about the RR, contemplate how properly kitted, it can outdrive a full-size Raptor at a fraction of the price.
Despite the pucker factor while driving, we didn't rough it by any means and folded the back seat down and strapped in a lightweight IceCo aluminum fridge/freezer powered by a Bluetti AC180P so we had cold drinks as well as some tasty air fryer lunches.
Stand-Outs:
- Portals w/ Foutz Bump-stops: a match made in heaven. I seriously urge caution running 37" without these.
- AAL rack w/ 128l Roam cases. Not only did everything stay intact, but the AAL rack adds lateral support. Expect tailgate gaps if off-roading hard, however, the AAL rack helps mitigate. I'm indebted to Brit at AAL for making this happen.
- AAL "Sidekick" GPS mount: insane. The Garmin Tread XL never flexed while we were going airborne, etc.
- ProCal tune: a "must-have".
Work in Progress:
- Range is a serious issue when off-roading with the small RR gas tank. #1 priority is to add additional capacity.
- Despite front bump-stops, some rubbing upfront under extreme loads. We did some minor trimming and removed one fender but really need to enlarge the wheel wells.
- Slightly dented the front bumper and really scratched front tow-hook having a little too much fun. Looking at after-market front bumpers with more clearance.
- The Fox suspension needs further tuning for 37" tires. Next stop is @accutuneoffroad and probable upgrade to 3" Live Valve.
Build Details:
- 2025 Ranger Raptor
- @Americanadventurelab "RAIL" bed rack, "SIDEKICK" GPS mount and truck bed MOLLE panels.
- @74weld Portals and billet steering rack
- @Falkentire R/T01 37x12.50R17
- @Methodracewheel 703 17" x 8.5" +35mm rims
- @foutzmotorsports billet UCA, front bump stops, rear bumps, light bar, skid plates, rear diff cover, rear pivot reinforcement, shock guards
- @BajaHQ 3rd Brake Light Kit
- @bajadesigns 5 x LP6 lights + 6 x Squadron 2 lights in combination of clear and factory amber lenses.
- @diodedynamics amber fog lights and 12 white rock lights.
- @switch.pros.official in an @sdhq overhead mount.
- @Pro_eagle 2 ton "The Beast" jack and mount.
- @Eibach_world 2.3" front springs (heavy duty rear springs coming in Q3).
- @roamadventures 2 x 128l cases w/ Roam mounts.
- @Alpine_offroad "Black Essentials" Y-strap.
- @championautosalon ceramic tint.
- @EmblemCity Ford emblem.
- @PrismaticPowerders custom powder coated brake calipers and tow hooks.
- @Fordperformance Pro Cal tune.
@bajarangerraptor
Overall, the rig exceeded expectations. The 18.25" of clearance is a game-changer and it was ear-to-ear grins tossing it through the Baja twisties and then waiting for the full-size Raptors to show-up. 'Nuff said. If you have any doubts about the RR, contemplate how properly kitted, it can outdrive a full-size Raptor at a fraction of the price.
Despite the pucker factor while driving, we didn't rough it by any means and folded the back seat down and strapped in a lightweight IceCo aluminum fridge/freezer powered by a Bluetti AC180P so we had cold drinks as well as some tasty air fryer lunches.
Stand-Outs:
- Portals w/ Foutz Bump-stops: a match made in heaven. I seriously urge caution running 37" without these.
- AAL rack w/ 128l Roam cases. Not only did everything stay intact, but the AAL rack adds lateral support. Expect tailgate gaps if off-roading hard, however, the AAL rack helps mitigate. I'm indebted to Brit at AAL for making this happen.
- AAL "Sidekick" GPS mount: insane. The Garmin Tread XL never flexed while we were going airborne, etc.
- ProCal tune: a "must-have".
Work in Progress:
- Range is a serious issue when off-roading with the small RR gas tank. #1 priority is to add additional capacity.
- Despite front bump-stops, some rubbing upfront under extreme loads. We did some minor trimming and removed one fender but really need to enlarge the wheel wells.
- Slightly dented the front bumper and really scratched front tow-hook having a little too much fun. Looking at after-market front bumpers with more clearance.
- The Fox suspension needs further tuning for 37" tires. Next stop is @accutuneoffroad and probable upgrade to 3" Live Valve.
Build Details:
- 2025 Ranger Raptor
- @Americanadventurelab "RAIL" bed rack, "SIDEKICK" GPS mount and truck bed MOLLE panels.
- @74weld Portals and billet steering rack
- @Falkentire R/T01 37x12.50R17
- @Methodracewheel 703 17" x 8.5" +35mm rims
- @foutzmotorsports billet UCA, front bump stops, rear bumps, light bar, skid plates, rear diff cover, rear pivot reinforcement, shock guards
- @BajaHQ 3rd Brake Light Kit
- @bajadesigns 5 x LP6 lights + 6 x Squadron 2 lights in combination of clear and factory amber lenses.
- @diodedynamics amber fog lights and 12 white rock lights.
- @switch.pros.official in an @sdhq overhead mount.
- @Pro_eagle 2 ton "The Beast" jack and mount.
- @Eibach_world 2.3" front springs (heavy duty rear springs coming in Q3).
- @roamadventures 2 x 128l cases w/ Roam mounts.
- @Alpine_offroad "Black Essentials" Y-strap.
- @championautosalon ceramic tint.
- @EmblemCity Ford emblem.
- @PrismaticPowerders custom powder coated brake calipers and tow hooks.
- @Fordperformance Pro Cal tune.
@bajarangerraptor
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