Description
Our Foutz Motorsports Billet Top Hat is designed to provide a stronger upper shock mount for the stock Gen 3 Raptor suspension.
CNC machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and built with high quality FK uniballs and 17-4 stainless steel spacers, it replaces the factory rubber-bushed top hat with a stronger, serviceable design.
Features & Benefits
- Strengthens the stock upper shock mount
- CNC machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum
- Uses high quality FK uniballs for strength and durability
- 17-4 stainless steel pivot spacers
- 12mm studs designed to match the Gen 3 Raptor shock towers
- Standard version retains stock ride height with no lift
- Serviceable and replaceable uniball design
- Helps address the factory top hat's rubber bushing, which can become a weak point under increased suspension loads
Why Use a Billet Top Hat?
The factory top hat uses a rubber bushing at the main mount supporting the shock shaft. This can become a weak point, especially when aftermarket springs or increased spring preload are used.
If the factory top hat fails, the shock can drop out of the spring bucket and potentially damage other suspension components. Upgrading to a billet top hat provides a stronger upper mount designed to handle increased suspension loads.
For serious off-road use with progressive aftermarket coils or increased preload on the factory shocks, we recommend pairing the billet top hats with our front limit strap kit. The limit strap kit includes a mounting bracket with a built-in bump pad, allowing a front bump stop to be added when needed.
Stock Height vs. Lift Version
This standard billet top hat is designed to retain the stock ride height and does not add lift when installed.
We also offer a lift version that adds preload to the spring to increase front ride height without changing the factory front spring. The lift version can also eliminate the need for a lower spring collar when additional spring preload is desired.
Materials & Durability
The top hat housing is CNC machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum for strength and precision.
The kit uses FK uniballs along with 17-4 stainless steel pivot spacers to provide a durable connection designed for long term suspension use.
Serviceable Uniball Design
The uniball is pressed into the billet aluminum housing and is designed to be replaced when it eventually wears.
Uniball life will vary depending on driving conditions, suspension setup and use. The uniballs are a wear item and should be replaced when they begin to show signs of wear.
The uniballs used in our suspension components are industry leading FK rod ends products. Foutz Motorsports does not manufacture the uniballs.
For the standard billet top hat, the replacement uniball is an FK FKS12T.
Fitment & Compatibility
- Ford F-150 Raptor Gen 3
- Designed for Gen 3 Raptor shock towers
- 12mm studs match the Gen 3 shock tower mounting configuration
- Standard version retains stock ride height
Installation
The billet top hat replaces the factory upper shock mount and uses the supplied mounting hardware.
Proper installation is important when working with suspension components. Follow the applicable installation instructions and verify all hardware is properly installed and torqued before operating the vehicle.
Kit Includes
- (6) M12-1.5 x 40 studs
- (4) Pivot spacers
- Billet aluminum top hat components
- FK uniball assemblies
Important Information
The billet top hat uses a serviceable and replaceable uniball. The uniball will wear over time and will need to be replaced as part of normal service.
Uniball service life varies from customer to customer depending on use and conditions. Replacement uniballs are available separately.
The standard billet top hat uses FK FKS12T uniballs.
FAQ
What does the billet top hat do?
It replaces the factory upper shock mount with a CNC machined billet aluminum housing and FK uniball designed to provide a stronger connection at the top of the shock.
Does the standard billet top hat add lift?
No. The standard version is designed to retain the stock ride height with no lift.
Do you offer a lift version?
Yes. A separate lift version adds spring preload to increase ride height without changing the front spring.
What is the benefit of the billet aluminum design?
The billet aluminum housing replaces the factory rubber-bushed mount with a stronger suspension mounting point designed for increased loads.
What uniball does the standard billet top hat use?
The standard billet top hat uses an FK FKS12T uniball.
Is the uniball replaceable?
Yes. The uniball is pressed into the billet housing and can be replaced when it wears out.
How long will the uniball last?
Service life varies depending on driving conditions, suspension setup and how the vehicle is used. The uniball is considered a wear item and should be replaced when it begins to wear.
What are the pivot spacers made from?
The pivot spacers are made from 17-4 stainless steel.
Should I use a front limit strap with the billet top hats?
For serious off-road use with progressive aftermarket coils or increased spring preload, we recommend pairing the billet top hats with a front limit strap kit to help control top-out travel.