Ultimate 37" Ranger Raptor Build & Baja Shake-Out Report

[Baja_RR]

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

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[ATXian]

Portals: like a body lift, but for your wheel hubs.
Lol, jk. It's wild to me this is even an accessible mod nowadays.

This is one heck of a setup, a lot going on here. I'm curious what the definition of 'not sponsored' is in this case?

Would also be very interested in some interior pics, as that'll be the main chance I get to draw some inspiration from this.

Sick build!

 

[Baja_RR]

Portals: like a body lift, but for your wheel hubs.
Lol, jk. It's wild to me this is even an accessible mod nowadays.

This is one heck of a setup, a lot going on here. I'm curious what the definition of 'not sponsored' is in this case?

Would also be very interested in some interior pics, as that'll be the main chance I get to draw some inspiration from this.

Sick build!

Kind words. Thanks.

FWIW, "not sponsored" means I have a solid day job, no kids and an amazing wife! Trust me, I don't take any of this for granted . . . . Here's the GPS mount and we'll be adding a mic holder for the radio to it this week. AAL posted a YouTube video about their mods highlighting the legroom and ability to still access both glove boxes.

 

[jrodrigues1278]

Absolute great build! Very similar of the path I would like to take.

Before you go change the suspension, I would wait until @Exodus 4x4 and FMI release their "secret build" on the 19th. if they are doing what I hope they are doing (I have my own theory) it will be incredible with your portals. ... Also FOX is releasing an upgraded FOX LIVE per a conversation I had with someone there.

 

[Baja_RR]

Absolute great build! Very similar of the path I would like to take.

Before you go change the suspension, I would wait until @Exodus 4x4 and FMI release their "secret build" on the 19th. if they are doing what I hope they are doing (I have my own theory) it will be incredible with your portals. ... Also FOX is releasing an upgraded FOX LIVE per a conversation I had with someone there.

Great minds think alike - already speaking with them . . . Still a lower priority then larger gas tank and wider fenders with more clearance.

 

[jrodrigues1278]

Great minds think alike - already speaking with them . . . Still a lower priority then larger gas tank and wider fenders with more clearance.

Great! Agreed that should be your first priority.

Curious your wheel offset with the portals. If that could have played a part in fender damage.

 

[Baja_RR]

Great! Agreed that should be your first priority.

Curious your wheel offset with the portals. If that could have played a part in fender damage.

+35 so pretty much doing everything possible. It's just the shape of the hole and "everyone" in the hardcore 37" community has said the same (e.g. Exodus 4x4, 74weld, FMI, etc.).

Ford Australia designed the vehicle and they don't do 37" over there.

 

[jrodrigues1278]

+35 so pretty much doing everything possible. It's just the shape of the hole and "everyone" in the hardcore 37" community has said the same (e.g. Exodus 4x4, 74weld, FMI, etc.).

Ford Australia designed the vehicle and they don't do 37" over there.

that’s the offset I would want to do as well. I think the 74 weld wheels are +44 but unfortunately I am just not a fan of how they look personally.

Excited to see what you come up with…

 

[Baja_RR]

I should have a solution this fall that I know about but can't share yet. So, a little trimming and being done with it for now.

Yes, the 74weld rims are amazing but over $1k each in silver! They bought up all available Dakar rims from Method.

 

[CarTuner]

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

Looks insane brother! Dream build for many!
I have a couple things, with the arches, have you looked at RollingStock Widebody Flares? https://rollingstock.myshopify.com/...tor-flares-widebody-wheel-arch-guard-flares-r
Also, we do run 37' here, but it's illegal without an eng. cert. so you don't see many, unless they have portals or a 3-4' lift... had to lob that in there sorry...
Final thing, how'd the Falken's go for you?

 

[Gowheelwithjonlarson]

Very cool build ! Super rad !

Ive been considering doing portals , 37s , and upgraded steering rack down the road over any sort of suspension lift. But, ive already got a wrangler on 37s and lots and lots of mods, and a XJ on 40s/tons/atlas, and a FSJ Wagoneer on 31s and locker/chromos, so its tough to justify spending any more money on the raptor until I sell the Wagoneer and the XJ and pay off the raptor first and go from there.

Im also waiting to see longevity on the portals , say over 50K miles, 75K miles, etc.

My buddy Mitch did break one of his portals in Johnson valley and 74 weld did bring him a new portal and steering rack which was really cool. I guess they are beefing up the castings around the lower ball joint because of that.

 

[Doc]

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

Nice !

 

[MTN_WZRD]

How do you like the American Adventure Lab rails? I opted for the black powder coating and I called to checkin on my order and was told it’s going to be another 4 weeks. Ordered May 20th. 🫠 I have camping to do and a place to put my RTT.

 

[Antman450]

Looks insane brother! Dream build for many!
I have a couple things, with the arches, have you looked at RollingStock Widebody Flares? https://rollingstock.myshopify.com/...tor-flares-widebody-wheel-arch-guard-flares-r
Also, we do run 37' here, but it's illegal without an eng. cert. so you don't see many, unless they have portals or a 3-4' lift... had to lob that in there sorry...
Final thing, how'd the Falken's go for you?

$3K for fender flares, WTF, they carbon?

Also, it's too bad you have those weird rules down there regarding poke and eng certs needed. Gotta love the government trying to "protect: you.

 

[Baja_RR]

ADV fiberglass run a whole ko

$3K for fender flares, WTF, they carbon?

Also, it's too bad you have those weird rules down there regarding poke and eng certs needed. Gotta love the government trying to "protect: you.

ADV Fiberglass which make the best Bronco Fender Flares are significantly more expensive by the time you get them installed. It's all relative once you start running 37" and portals.

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