Understanding Ford Raptor’s Fox Live Valve Shocks

On: November 28, 2023

Raptor Powered by Fox Shocks: Off-Road Success

Early in 2021, the company Ford presented the fresh Ranger Raptor, with modern Fox 2.5-inch Live Valve Bypass dampers, and now they’ve published a video that really shows off their features, giving us an appreciation of how they help with the impressive off-road performance of the Raptor. It was the same sort of tech which made a mark on Ford’s current Baja 1000 successes.

Ford Motor Company joined hands with Fox Racing to craft an unparalleled driving experience. The Live Valve shocks adjust the shock absorber performance subject to the chosen drive mode, with each of the four semi-active shocks being monitored separately by a different ECU.

Each wheel of the Ranger Raptor is fitted with sensors that scan the road surface constantly and promptly make modifications, contributing to enhanced controllability when moving over various terrains. What’s more, the Ranger further adjusts depending on the steering, speed, and braking of the driver, consequently aligning to their requirements.

The 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor's FOX Live Valve Shocks In Action

Watch this video on YouTube

The internal design of the bypass features multiple damping regulation areas. This is the way it functions: shock oil passes by the piston using holes on both sides in the area of motion, heightening total ride pleasure. While the shock moves beyond the section related to travel – and into the lessening region – liquid no more goes through the holes. This means that the main piston must handle fluid, boosting moderation which is critical while completing a hard-hitting jump.

Once the piston reaches the top of the shock, the same process is repeated to reduce the impact of ‘topping out’. Ford claims that this system combined with Live Valve technology provides the Range Raptor with “race-level performance.”

“As mentioned, the hardcore Ranger adjusts the shocks according to the chosen drive mode,” said an expert. These include “Baja,” “Normal,” “Off-Road,” “Rock Crawl,” “Slippery,” “Sport,” and “Tow/Haul.” Not only does the shock absorber adjust according to the mode, but it also influences the transmission tuning, throttle response, traction control, and the engine.

The suspension is a set-up of coils at the front complemented by piggyback reservoirs at the rear, according to Ford. They also stated this construction minimizes the rise in temperature in the suspension. The Raptor has been reinforced not only with improved shock absorbers but also with superior suspension fastenings and rear shock joining pieces as compared to an ordinary Ranger.

Unlike the prior version, which wasn’t available in the US, the new Ford Raptor has been equipped with a strengthened 405-horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 motor; it even boasts a cutting-edge active valve exhaust system that allows for enhanced engine performance.

It’s not only the Ranger Raptor that is distinguished by its suspension. The Bronco Raptor also has been outfitted with Live Valve FOX 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Shock Absorbers. Does this sound familiar? It should, because similar technology was incorporated into the F-150 Raptor R which was presented last year. It’s really fantastic to witness how this premium feature is being allocated to a more extensive population, thereby allowing more people pleasure from the Raptor experience.