SCORE JOURNAL
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SCORE JOURNAL
springs, and prevents bending
the frame in that area.
With the addition of a wide-
body kit that includes new front
and rear fenders, the Baja XT,
and XTR looks aggressive, and
can easily tuck a set of optional
35x12.5-inch diameter General
Grabber tires mounted to 17-
inch KMC XD128 Machete
wheels. "The changes to the
suspension increase the track
width of the F-150 by seven
inches front and rear," says
Foutz. "This gives the trucks
better traction and wheel travel
while maintaining a low center
of gravity to keep the truck
stable at higher speeds."
While these modifications
allow for the Baja XT to have
excellent wheel travel, the XTR
version has a slightly different
rear suspension that gives it 17
to 18 inches of travel. This allows
the XTR to handle rough terrain
at even higher speeds. The XTR
rear leaf springs are also heavier-
duty than those used on the XT,
but the main difference between
the two models is the use of a
bed-cage with integral shock
mounts on the XTR, that allow
for the additional wheel travel.
Both the Baja XT and XTR
are based on the 2015 F-150
equipped with the 5.0 liter V8
HYDRAULIC BUMP STOPS ARE USED
TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE SPRINGS
AND AXLE OR BENDING THE FRAME.
ADD HAS SEEN MANY FORD RAPTORS BEND
FRAMES BY LANDING HARD. SO ON THE XT
AND XTR, THEY ADDED CROSS MEMBERS AND
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO TAKE THE PUNISHMENT.
THE TRUCKS ALSO USE A CURRIE FULL-
FLOATING REAR END WITH HEAVIER DUTY
DEAVER REAR LEAF SPRINGS TO PROVIDE
14-INCHES OF REAR WHEEL TRAVEL.