Description
Convert a 2017–2020 Gen 2 Ford Raptor, or a 2015-up F-150, to a long travel 5-link rear suspension — the Gen 3 architecture, with considerably more wheel travel than Ford ever put under either truck.
The Gen 2 rear is leaf sprung. This kit replaces that entirely with a coil-sprung five link, then goes further: it relocates the panhard bar and runs the shocks up through the bed, so the rear can cycle well past what the Gen 3 factory setup manages.
Everything structural is in the box. You choose the links and the shocks. Requires substantial cutting and welding — qualified fabricator only.
What Is In The Kit
- Rear link frame mounts — weld to the frame in the stock Gen 3 location
- Rear axle mount kit — every bracket and mount needed to give your axle the full long travel 5-link pick-up points
- Bed cage — built for a through-the-bed coil over shock mount
- Long travel panhard bar frame mount plus the extended adjustable fabricated panhard bar matched to the new geometry
- Hardware kit — the nuts and bolts to assemble the kit and mount the axle and links
Two Choices You Make
The kit gives you the structure. Two components are yours to pick, because the right answer depends on your budget and what the truck does.
1. The rear links
Three ways to go, all of which work with this kit:
- Stock Gen 3 links — take-offs are out there, and they work. The cheapest way to finish the build.
- FMI stock-length fabricated links — heavy duty, chromoly, a real step up from stock.
- Billet aluminum rear links — machined one-piece arms, the best of the three and the ones we would put on our own truck.
2. The rear shocks
Designed around an extended shock and spring package, which is where the extra travel comes from. Pick from any of several 16" travel coil over shocks — you place the rear lower shock mount to match the Fox, ADS or King length you choose.
Not sure which combination suits you? Call us before ordering. This is the decision worth getting right.
Fitment — Read This Before Ordering
Fits the 2017–2020 Gen 2 Ford Raptor and 2015-up Ford F-150.
The width limit that catches people out
This kit only works at stock Raptor width or wider. A standard F-150 is narrower, and the kit will not clear — on a regular F-150 you also need a Raptor-width rear axle and a wider rear body before this applies. If you are starting from a standard F-150, talk to us first.
Tires
Works with both 35" and 37" tires with no clearance problems. We recommend 37s. Larger is possible with some additional modification.
Wider axles
The kit can be used for a +3 wider rear axle build, and we make the axle mounting brackets to suit larger diameter axle tubes on request.
Installation
This kit requires substantial cutting and welding and should be done by a qualified fabricator. You are removing a leaf-sprung rear end and building a five link in its place — frame mounts, axle brackets, a bed cage and a relocated panhard mount all get welded in, and the positions are what set the geometry.
We build these in-house in Mesa, Arizona. If you want the truck done rather than the parts shipped, that is the straightforward route. Install guides are at Install Instructions.
Questions
Will this fit a standard F-150?
Only at Raptor width or wider. A narrower standard F-150 needs a Raptor-width rear axle and a wider rear body first — the kit will not clear otherwise.
What is the difference between this and the standard Gen 2 to Gen 3 conversion?
This is the long travel version. The standard conversion kit gives you the Gen 3 five link architecture at stock-style travel. This one relocates the panhard bar and runs the shocks through the bed to get considerably more.
Do I need to buy links separately?
Yes — the kit supplies the mounts and structure, and you choose the links. Stock Gen 3 take-offs, our fabricated links, or our billet aluminum links all work.
Can I use the rear bump stop kit with this?
Yes, and you will want to. The rear bump stop kit is what controls the last few inches of a long travel rear — the more travel you add, the more it matters.
Will it work with a rear axle diff skid?
Yes.
Do I lose my bed?
The shocks come up through the bed floor on this kit — that is how it gets the travel. If keeping the bed floor intact matters more to you, the Gen 3 cantilever kit is the design that does that, though it is for Gen 3 trucks rather than Gen 2.
Where is it made?
Designed, fabricated and finished in-house at our facility in Mesa, Arizona, USA.
What Else You Will Want
- Billet or fabricated rear links — the links this kit is built around
- Rear bump stop kit — not optional once the rear cycles this far
- Standard Gen 2 to Gen 3 rear conversion — the stock-travel version of this job
The full catalog is on Gen 3 Raptor Rear Suspension.