for snowy, icy or raining conditions. A mud and snow mode, and for off-road driving, a Baja mode for high speed desert runs and a Rock mode for low-speed rock crawling. Tony Greco, Program Manager for the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor, says that the system works automatically to change several aspects of the drivetrain and provides optimum traction in a variety of conditions. “When engaged, Smart Terrain Management automatically controls the transfer case traction split between front and rear wheels,” he says. “The transmission shift points and the anti-lock brake system are also engaged to help adapt driving dynamics to the set terrain conditions.” In addition, to the Smart Terrain Management, the available Torsen front differential provides significantly increased gripping power to the front end of the truck. This helps give the new Raptor the ability to pull itself up steep grades and obstacles even when traction is split between the front tires.
Suspension dampening with FOX Shocks has always been a traditional element to the Raptor since its beginnings. While FOX Racing Shocks are still a standard feature, the front and rear shock canisters have increased from 2.5 inches to three inches in diameter. This provides better performance and allows for more suspension travel than the current Raptor’s 11.2 inches at the front and 12 inches at the rear. The FOX Racing Shocks also feature custom internal bypass technology that works to dampen and stiffen suspension travel over rough terrain and helps to prevent the truck from bottoming out in the jumps, bumps and dips.
