• Billet aluminum top hats, CNC machined from 6061-T6, with FK WSSX14T uniballs pressed in
• (6) M10-1.5 x 40 studs, sized for the Gen 1 Raptor shock towers
• (4) pivot spacers, 17-4 stainless steel
• Threaded top retainers, each locked with 4 stainless steel Allen screws

This version keeps the factory ride height. It adds no lift.

The stock top hat supports the shock shaft through a rubber bushing. It is the main weak point in the factory front shock mount, and it gets worse with aftermarket springs or added preload, because both put more load through that rubber.

When the bushing fails, the shock can drop all the way out of the spring bucket and take other suspension parts with it. A billet housing with a uniball replaces that rubber with a defined pivot that is built to carry the load, and the uniball can be replaced on its own when it eventually wears.

Both are billet aluminum, both bolt to the factory shock towers, and both replace the rubber bushing. The difference is the uniball and how it is held in.

Standard

A 3/4" FK FKS12T uniball, retained in the housing with a ring clip.

Heavy Duty

A 7/8" wide series FK WSSX14T uniball with 17-4 stainless steel races and a 400 series stainless steel ball, which gives nearly double the overall strength of the standard 3/4" uniball. A threaded top retainer screws into the housing and is locked with four stainless Allen screws, so the ring clip cannot work loose. It also supports the side of the race at its thinnest point, where the center ball loads it hardest, which helps the uniball last longer.

You are looking at the Heavy Duty version. See the standard version of this top hat.

The Heavy Duty top hat comes in two heights for the Gen 1 Raptor. The lift versions add preload to the factory front spring, so you gain ride height without changing the spring and without a lower spring collar.

• Stock height (this page) — No lift
• Phase 1 — Adds 1.5"

Lift figures are with the factory front spring.

Fits the Gen 1 Ford F-150 Raptor, model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Uses 10mm studs to match the Gen 1 Raptor shock towers.

The uniball is pressed into the billet housing and is designed to be replaced when it wears. How long it lasts depends on how the truck is driven and set up, so service intervals differ from truck to truck. Inspect it periodically and replace it when it shows wear.

This top hat uses the FK WSSX14T (7/8" wide series). Foutz Motorsports does not make the uniball; we use FK in all of our suspension parts. Replacement: FK WSSX14T uniball.

Available in raw billet aluminum, FOX orange anodized and black anodized.

Raw is a finish choice, not a lesser part. Plenty of builds run raw billet deliberately for the machined-aluminum look.

Does this top hat add lift?

No. This version keeps the factory ride height.

Will it fit my Gen 1 Raptor?

It fits the Gen 1 Ford F-150 Raptor, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, with 10mm studs to match the shock towers.

Is the uniball replaceable?

Yes. It is a wear item by design and presses out for replacement. This top hat uses the FK WSSX14T.

Standard or Heavy Duty?

Heavy Duty uses a larger 7/8" wide series WSSX14T uniball with a threaded top retainer. Standard uses a 3/4" FKS12T. Both replace the rubber bushing.

Should I add a front limit strap?

If you run progressive aftermarket coils or add preload to the factory shocks, yes. The limit strap controls top-out travel, and its mounting bracket has a built-in bump pad so a front bump stop can be added later.

Where are they made?

The billet housings are designed and CNC machined in-house at our facility in Mesa, Arizona, USA.

• Gen 1 Raptor front limit strap and bump stop kit — controls top-out travel and adds a mount for a front bump stop
• FK WSSX14T replacement uniball — keep one on the shelf