2022 Raptor — 2 years in: what I kept, what’s still bugging me

[rbroncotx]

Two years and around 28k miles on my 2022 Lightning Blue Raptor. I keep referencing it in other threads so figured it was time to write it up properly.

What I haven't touched and won't: the Fox 3.1 Live Valve shocks. Active suspension that does what it's supposed to. Baja mode on desert and loose terrain feels dialed, Live Valve settles fast on technical stuff. I don't understand why so many Raptor owners swap these out immediately. Stock 315/70R17 BFG K02s still on the truck — they run a little small, closer to 36.5" actual, but traction in real-world use has been solid. Will size up when these wear out.

Baja mode is where this truck wants to be off-road. Not sand mode. Not Rock Crawl unless you're actually crawling. Baja.

What's frustrating me: the hardtop bolt situation. T40 Torx on every side panel, every single time. In Texas summer I'm pulling panels constantly — it works but it's slow enough that I end up leaving the top on longer than I should. There's got to be a better way.

Cargo security when parked topless. Right now I'm throwing a tarp over gear at trailhead lots, which is not a real solution. Haven't found anything that actually works without being a pain.

Passengers grabbing the door frame on rough trail. Had my brother along at the Wichita Mountains last fall. Nothing solid to hold onto in the interior — factory grab handles aren't in the right spots for that situation.

Still working on all three. Will update when I find solutions that don't feel like compromises.

Trail miles so far: Wichita Mountains, Anza-Borrego a couple times, Hill Country. Working toward Big Bend this winter.

Anyone else on a stock 2022 Raptor — curious where people are at after a couple years.

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[stampede1]

Two years and around 28k miles on my 2022 Lightning Blue Raptor. I keep referencing it in other threads so figured it was time to write it up properly.

What I haven't touched and won't: the Fox 3.1 Live Valve shocks. Active suspension that does what it's supposed to. Baja mode on desert and loose terrain feels dialed, Live Valve settles fast on technical stuff. I don't understand why so many Raptor owners swap these out immediately. Stock 315/70R17 BFG K02s still on the truck — they run a little small, closer to 36.5" actual, but traction in real-world use has been solid. Will size up when these wear out.

Baja mode is where this truck wants to be off-road. Not sand mode. Not Rock Crawl unless you're actually crawling. Baja.

What's frustrating me: the hardtop bolt situation. T40 Torx on every side panel, every single time. In Texas summer I'm pulling panels constantly — it works but it's slow enough that I end up leaving the top on longer than I should. There's got to be a better way.

Cargo security when parked topless. Right now I'm throwing a tarp over gear at trailhead lots, which is not a real solution. Haven't found anything that actually works without being a pain.

Passengers grabbing the door frame on rough trail. Had my brother along at the Wichita Mountains last fall. Nothing solid to hold onto in the interior — factory grab handles aren't in the right spots for that situation.

Still working on all three. Will update when I find solutions that don't feel like compromises.

Trail miles so far: Wichita Mountains, Anza-Borrego a couple times, Hill Country. Working toward Big Bend this winter.

Anyone else on a stock 2022 Raptor — curious where people are at after a couple years.

Mine is a '23 with 35k. For various treasons, I have not taken the entire top off yet but plan to do so in the near future. I bought and will be installing shortly the screw type fasteners (ROX) so to avoid having to use tools every time I remove or replace the top.

I have not replaced anything on the Raptor especially the suspension because I believe that Ford engineered it precisely and changing anything substantive is unnecessary and could diminish what is a perfect out of the box machine.
As for tires, I will probably replace mine when that time comes with either KO2 or KO3 tires for the same reason, but am curious what you are looking at for replacements.
I have a cargo security enclosure that prevents people from seeing if there is anything in my rear area and makes it extremely difficult to break into even if someone was to break into the main cabin.
I have taken it to Moab twice and spent some time in Anza Borrego and Ocotillo wells.
It is a great daily driver and has been trouble-free so far.

 

[MJ12]

Could try these.

 

[dangerfoot]

Hard top bolts...I just hit them with a screw gun.

Storage...have had OEM and now EZ4X4. EZ4X4 is awesome, and allows me to drop it to floor level if I need to stick my bike in the back. Not quite as secure as the OEM but it is great and beats a tarp.

 

[23OBX2.7]

Id definately be carrying a screw gun!

 

[Ninjak]

I have a 24. I go out on trails in Florida, and I have been to Tennessee. For some of your issues, I have Rockworkx for my top, even though I have an Armadillo top. I also have grab handles above. They drop down so you can hold on when off-roading and on trails. For the rear, I have a DV8 overhead MOLLE with a grab bar. It's like a roller coaster bar.

Other than that, I agree; tires and suspension setup are spot on. Would not change anything there.

 

[rbroncotx]

The screw gun is already in the trail kit. Ninjak — another Raptor owner, good to hear it. The DV8 overhead MOLLE hadn't crossed my mind, assumed I'd go door-mount. Worth a closer look.

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