5/14/2026 Update - Bronco Raptor APG ProRunner Suspension Installation

[swamp2]

You can fuck right off.

Look, I didn't mean any offense or to imply that you can't ask questions. I can see I could have worded my reply better.

I just meant that no matter what you mod, the Raptor is a better starting point unless you massively modify the entire non-Raptor rig starting with the frame.

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[22broncoraptor]

Cool, but the suspension doesn't really determine the rubbing, it's about additional clearancing. Sounds like you're not too concerned about it. Just would be super cool if you could get factory (37) like clearance.

Regardless absolutely sick build, everything. What a massive project.

Sorry I'm lumping more than just shocks into "suspension" in my comments above. APG is doing cycle testing with each corner as shock towers, shocks, control arms, brake lines, sway bar, etc assembly progresses. There is more opportunity to address clearances now than my previous setup which is why I'm not worried about it.

I usually had far less concern with my 40's and APG's fender system than guys do running 38's and OEM flares!

 

[SierraBronco]

This installation is far along so I wanted to provide an initial post and to keep this updated for those interested in upgrading the suspension of their Bronco Raptor to the APG ProRunner Syspension System. This is being installed on my heavily modified Bronco Raptor with a Godzilla V8 Conversion documented here which already has the APG Carbon Fiber fender system running 40" Nitto Trail Grapplers.

Here is an in-progress update of the suspension partially installed on the frontend of my Braptor:

The APG ProRunner System details are as follows for the Bronco Raptor:

APG ProRunner Front Suspension:

• APG ProRunner +3.5" Long Travel Suspension System
• Raised 3.0 Shock Towers
• Chromoly Steel Lower Control Arms (replaces OEM Bronco Raptor Lower Control Arms)
• King 3.0 Race Series Internal Bypass Coilovers with Long Finned Reservoirs and Compression Adjusters (replaces OEM Bronco Raptor Fox Live Valve suspension and OEM coils, or in my case, replaces the Hyperco HD front coils I was running)
• Proprietary shock valving and spring rates
• King 2.5 Secondary Bypass Shocks with Long Finned Reservoirs
• King 2.0 Threaded Adjustable Hydraulic Bump Stops
• Billet Aluminum Upper Control Arms (replaces OEM Bronco Raptor Upper Control Arms)
• Double-Sheer Billet Aluminum HD Tie Rod Kit (pair) (replaces OEM Bronco Raptor tie rods or, in my case, the Foutz aftermarket tie rods I was running)
• Raised Shock Tower System with Bypass Mounts

APG ProRunner Rear Suspension:

• APG ProRunner Long Travel Rear Suspension System
• Raised 3.0 Shock Towers
• King 3.0 Race Series Internal Bypass Coilovers with Long Finned Reservoirs and Compression Adjusters (replaces OEM Bronco Raptor Fox Live Valve suspension and OEM coils, or in my case, replaces the Hyperco HD rear coils I was running)
• Proprietary shock valving and spring rates
• King 2.5 Secondary Bypass Shocks with Long Finned Reservoirs
• King 2.0 Threaded Adjustable Hydraulic Bump Stops
• Adjustable Long Arm Kit with Johnny Joints (replaces OEM Bronco Raptor rear control arms or, in my case, the Foutz aftermarket control arms I was running)
• Adjustable Track Bar Kit with Johnny Joints (replaces OEM Bronco Raptor track bar or, in my case, the Foutz aftermarket track bar I was running)
• Weld-on axle brackets
• Weld-on track bar brackets
• Weld-on link brackets

APG ProRunner Drivetrain:

• Ultimate Dana 60 Rear Axle Assembly 76” WMS (replaces OEM Dana 50 Bronco Raptor rearend)
• Rear Electronic Locking Differential
• Dana 44 AdvanTEK Front Drive Unit
• Front Electronic Locking Differential
• 5.38 Gears (replaces 4.70 OEM gearing)
• Retains Bronco Raptor wheel bolt pattern
• Dana 1350 HD rear Drive Shaft

Q: Will you lose the G.O.A.T. mode suspension control? If so, won't it throw error codes?
A: Yes, it's an acceptable sacrifice that I won't have live valve adjustments with the Fox shocks anymore. It won't throw error codes because the live valves can be bypassed with either Off Road Research's Damper Interface Device or custom code. In my case, since I have a Godzilla V8 conversion, I already have a customized program and Juicy Motorsports removed provisions for the Live Valves in the code, so it will not throw any error messages or make the computer upset.

Q: Why replace the Fox Live Valves, they are great shocks?
A: I agree, they are great shocks. The problem I'm solving is that I want more wheel travel for my setup and there are no aftermarket options from Fox that allow for this. So you have to go with something else. The APG ProRunner system increases wheel travel (amongst other things). My Bronco Raptor weighs 7,000 lbs with the gear I carry, the 40" tires, 40" spare, full drawer system in rear, and the Godzilla V8. So I'm wanting both increased travel and a capable suspension setup as it's very far from a stock setup at this point. I do baja runs, rock crawling, overlanding, and street driving so it needs to be well-rounded.

Q: Fox Live Valves can be tuned and there are mid-travel setups available, why not go with those options?
A: I very seriously considered this route but 40" tires are heavy and the vehicle all around is heavier than stock. The mid-travel setups I've seen are built and tuned for 37" tires. I really want as much wheel travel as possible and the APG setup is the best I could find on the market at this time that is compatible with the tire size, fenders, and V8 Godzilla installation I have.

Look, I didn't mean any offense or to imply that you can't ask questions. I can see I could have worded my reply better.

I just meant that no matter what you mod, the Raptor is a better starting point unless you massively modify the entire non-Raptor rig starting with the frame.

Where are the weak points on the frame? I’ve actually been wanting to reinforce mine for this very reason but don’t want to senselessly start adding metal and weight if it isn’t going to actually be necessary

 

[vrtical]

The reason regearing is not an option for Bronco Raptors is not due to software, it's actually because the products physically are not available. There are no aftermarket gears (as of this posting) for the Dana 50 rearend which keeps all Braptor owners stuck with the 4.70 OEM gears.

Dana 60 solves this issue.

 

[vrtical]

Where are the weak points on the frame? I’ve actually been wanting to reinforce mine for this very reason but don’t want to senselessly start adding metal and weight if it isn’t going to actually be necessary

I think a better term to use would be Rigidity. They are both still box frame so its pretty easy to add cross braces, but I have yet to hear someone tweak a frame off road. Also if you really want you can add the braptor top braces which obviously reduces flex at COG.

 

[SierraBronco]

I think a better term to use would be Rigidity. They are both still box frame so its pretty easy to add cross braces, but I have yet to hear someone tweak a frame off road. Also if you really want you can add the braptor top braces which obviously reduces flex at COG.

I do have the C channel brace already and will be adding an additional crossmember when we do the suspension, but I know on the Raptor F-150 Ford specifically strengthen sections of the frame prone to issues that they found when beating on them. The rappy F-150 frames were advertised as being much stronger than the normie frames. Curious if bronco is the same or if it’s more on suspension mounts, like how the braptor has dual shear UCA bolt mounts compared to normie bronco’s being single shear

 

[Bronc69]

This is an epic build! Love it. Can't wait to see the end results

 

[swamp2]

Where are the weak points on the frame? I’ve actually been wanting to reinforce mine for this very reason but don’t want to senselessly start adding metal and weight if it isn’t going to actually be necessary

The front and rear shock towers, as you certainly are aware of. Also the (bolt on) B and C pillar stiffeners. I think the jounce bumper contact plates are different or simply present.

The only "sneaky" one I am aware of is internal in the frame to stiffen across the shock towers:

 

[GreyZ]

Where are the weak points on the frame? I’ve actually been wanting to reinforce mine for this very reason but don’t want to senselessly start adding metal and weight if it isn’t going to actually be necessary

There were some youtube videos when the rapter released that were dissections of the color coded demo frames to show every spot that Ford added metal. I will try to find it, but I bet that would be a very good place to start.

It really just looks like the suspension towers, bump stop area, and rear coilover mounts. May have also done stiffer body mounts in addition to the B and C roof brace.

 

[swamp2]

There were some youtube videos when the rapter released that were dissections of the color coded demo frames to show every spot that Ford added metal. I will try to find it, but I bet that would be a very good place to start.

The Autopian article I mentioned above has all (likely) of those blue painted highlighted differences in the frame as photos. I've seen some videos of that same demonstration frame but I don't think there are any differences to the actual ladder frame other than the one I posted. Definitely curious to see if you can uncover any more.

 

[AZ4x4Adventure]

This is the kind of "build" threads I like to see. Not just what color wheels or I added a tow hook. This is bada$$, as if the Godzilla swap wasn't already enough badassery.

I would also question the starting point, not because it is a rare beast like SB stated as well. Essentially the only thing left that is Raptor specific is going to be the seats and Dashboard. And you get to say you did this to a Braptor, a little extra street cred.

I would expect that if you did the same exact kit to a standard bronco, APG would be stiffening the frame rails if they felt it was needed. Watching the videos of them running full out with standard broncos with their APG Pro Runner kit, if the frame is a problem, they would have addressed it.

So again, nothing about a Raptor that is a benefit "stock" is maintained and providing any benefit to starting with a Base Bronco except some seats and a dashboard.


My question is, if you started all over, would you think about getting a Bronco DR instead?

 

[NORCALGXP]

The front and rear shock towers, as you certainly are aware of. Also the (bolt on) B and C pillar stiffeners. I think the jounce bumper contact plates are different or simply present.

The only "sneaky" one I am aware of is internal in the frame to stiffen across the shock towers:

Excellent article you referenced so much information. I had no idea so much went into the engineering of the Bronco Raptor. The link if any one wants to check it out.

https://www.theautopian.com/how-for...usly-hardcore-purpose-built-off-road-monster/

 

[swamp2]

...
I would also question the starting point, not because it is a rare beast like SB stated as well. Essentially the only thing left that is Raptor specific is going to be the seats and Dashboard. And you get to say you did this to a Braptor, a little extra street cred.

I would expect that if you did the same exact kit to a standard bronco, APG would be stiffening the frame rails if they felt it was needed. Watching the videos of them running full out with standard broncos with their APG Pro Runner kit, if the frame is a problem, they would have addressed it.

So again, nothing about a Raptor that is a benefit "stock" is maintained and providing any benefit to starting with a Base Bronco except some seats and a dashboard.

False (bold part). Seems fairly obvious you are not reading everything written here.

I think you give APG too much credit if you think they test the improvements of chassis stiffening on overall suspension dynamics. Or frankly, their ability to know what and where to stiffen or strengthen a Bronco frame.

Beating one into the ground to the point of frame failure might tell you where to strengthen, but it would tell you little to nothing about where to stiffen. You would most likely have a crap ton of other failures first as well...

 

[SierraBronco]

False (bold part). Seems fairly obvious you are not reading everything written here.

I think you give APG too much credit if you think they test the improvements of chassis stiffening on overall suspension dynamics. Or frankly, their ability to know what and where to stiffen or strengthen a Bronco frame.

Beating one into the ground to the point of frame failure might tell you where to strengthen, but it would tell you little to nothing about where to stiffen. You would most likely have a crap ton of other failures first as well...

They ran out of ADV money before getting to the point of testing for failures

 

[22broncoraptor]

This is the kind of "build" threads I like to see. Not just what color wheels or I added a tow hook. This is bada$$, as if the Godzilla swap wasn't already enough badassery.

My question is, if you started all over, would you think about getting a Bronco DR instead?

Nah, I wouldn't consider a Bronco DR. It has a body lift, which seems odd (presumably to either fit the Coyote which seems unnecessary now given the other V8 conversions that are happening, or to fit some other suspension components).

More importantly, I still desire a street legal vehicle with a windshield, air conditioning, etc. The one area of the Bronco DR that still has me beat is the fuel capacity -- this is a remaining frontier to solve for, although I'm keeping my eye on this other thread where there are now aftermarket fuel tanks available for Bronco Raptors.

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