Upgrade Your Ford Ranger: 10 Mods For Raptor

Add these cool upgrades to your Ford Ranger to increase performance and turn it into a baby Raptor.

There's an undeniable allure to rugged and powerful trucks like the Ford F-150 Raptor that captivates the hearts of enthusiasts and adventurers alike. These formidable machines embody a unique combination of raw power, uncompromising durability, and relentless capability that resonates with those seeking the ultimate automotive experience. After Ford introduced the F-150 Raptor in 2010 as a high-performance off-road variant of the Ford F-150, it marked a significant milestone in the world of pickup trucks while launching the highly competitive super truck segment that now features other high-performance trucks like the Ram TRX 1500.

While the F-150 is the ideal toy for high-speed, off-road shenanigans, few can afford its steep starting price of nearly eighty grand. That leaves the next best thing in Ford's stable, the Ford Ranger, the F-150's smaller sibling, and one of the best trucks in the trendy mid-size pickup market. A new 2024 Ranger Raptor is on its way to the dealership at the end of the summer of 2023 as a downsized version of its undefeated big brother, but it will come with a steep price compared to the standard Ranger. Still, if you want the Raptor experience on a budget, there are several upgrades you can install on the regular Ford Ranger to increase performance and create a baby Raptor.

We used trusted sources ranging from Ford to Road & Track to bring you ten mods that can give your regular Ford Ranger Raptor-level performance.

The extent of benefits drawn from installing a high-flow cold air intake may vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on factors like the existing intake system and other modifications made to the engine. Yet some high-quality intake system upgrades allow a greater volume of cooler, denser air than the restrictive air intake system for better performance.

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A well-designed high-flow cold air intake can potentially increase horsepower by 5 to 15 horsepower. However, this gain is more noticeable at higher RPMs when the engine operates at its peak performance range. And it enhances throttle response, allowing the engine to receive a steady and consistent airflow. You can add a raised air intake to allow the Ranger to wade through deeper waters.

A performance exhaust alone cannot turn a Ranger into a "baby Raptor," but it can contribute to creating a sportier and more engaging driving experience. The exhaust system is just one aspect of the Raptor's overall performance package, and installing a performance exhaust system on the Ford Ranger can enhance its overall performance by allowing for better airflow, reducing backpressure, and improving the engine's efficiency.

Performance exhaust systems produce a more aggressive and sporty note than stock exhaust systems. Also, they feature larger-diameter pipes like the Raptor, which comes with a 3-inch pipe and sounds incredibly fantastic in the V8-powered Raptor R.

Gaining a few extra inches in ground clearance can be the difference between venturing into more challenging terrains and clearing obstacles more effectively. Lift kits give the vehicle a towering, new ride height and extra clearance to mount massive tires. Some aftermarket kit providers offer up to 6 inches of lift. A suspension lift kit can alter the vehicle's approach and departure angles, which are crucial for off-roading.

The 2023 Ford Ranger comes with 9 inches of unladed ground clearance, while a stock 2023 Raptor has 9 inches of ground clearance. Deploying a 3-inch kit on the Ford Ranger would put it on par with its bigger sibling.

Heavy-duty off-road bumpers are robust aftermarket upgrades that offer increased protection for the front of your vehicle against rocks, branches, and other potential off-road hazards and can help prevent damage to vital components such as the radiator, grille, and headlights. Many off-road bumpers feature built-in recovery points or tow hooks, which provide secure attachment points for recovery straps, winches, or other equipment, making it easier to extract your vehicle from challenging situations or assist others.

Also, aftermarket of-road bumpers have a more compact and angled profile than stock bumpers providing better approach and departure angles. The Ford F-150 Raptor has a bluff front end, offering a 33.1-degree approach angle, 3 degrees more than the Ford Ranger Lariat model.

Upgrading a Ford Ranger's tires to off-road spec tires can significantly enhance its capabilities and overall performance. Off-road tires are designed with aggressive tread patterns and durable construction, making them ideal for tackling various off-road terrains. They provide increased traction, allowing the Ranger to easily navigate through mud, sand, rocks, and other challenging surfaces. Also, they offer improved sidewall strength, providing better resistance to punctures and damage from sharp rocks or obstacles.

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Larger diameter tires also add extra inches in ground clearance. Tires are arguably one of the first parts you should upgrade to try and match the Raptor, which comes with the highly-rated 37-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.

Performance tuning or Engine Control Unit tuning involves modifying the software settings of a vehicle's engine control system to optimize performance. It can significantly improve a vehicle's performance and driving experience and should top the list of modifications if you try turning a Ranger into a baby Raptor. All 2023 Ford Ranger trims feature a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four pushing 270 hp and 310 lb-ft. This pales compared to the Raptor's twin-turbo V6, making 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.

There's nothing you can do to squeeze such figures from the smaller engine on the Ranger besides swapping with a bigger engine which can be costly. Still, performance tuning combined with other upgrades like high-flow air intakes and performance exhaust can increase power and unlock higher performance levels considering the Ranger is also lighter than the Raptor.

With greater power comes the need for better stopping power, and performance brake upgrades are non-negotiable when going for a performance upgrade. It is an aftermarket modification that involves replacing the stock braking components of a vehicle with beefier, higher-performance alternatives to improve braking performance, allow more effective heat dissipation, enhance brake modulation and feel and offer better resistance to brake fade. The Ford Raptor provides better-stopping power than the Ranger, with 13.8-inch rotors at the front and 13.7-inch rotors at the rear. The Ranger offers 12.2-inch and 12.1-inch rotors at the front and rear, respectively.

If you are going to mimic the performance of a Raptor, it is crucial to embody its appearance, at the very least. A Raptor-inspired front grille is the easiest upgrade to have your Ranger resembling the high-performance F-150 Raptor. Its unique styling offers an aggressive and rugged look that will transform your vehicle's front end giving it a more menacing and sporty appearance. Also, many Raptor-inspired aftermarket grilles feature large openings and mesh designs that allow for increased airflow to the engine compartment to keep the engine cooler.

Extended vehicle lifespanSkid plate sets are aftermarket accessories that provide additional protection to a vehicle's undercarriage. It typically consists of metal plates or guards installed underneath the vehicle's front, rear, and sometimes sides to shield critical components such as the engine, transmission, fuel tank, and differential from impacts and scrapes. The vehicle to navigate rough terrain you wouldn't risk otherwise. The F-150 Raptor comes standard with skid plates, and they would be a significant addition to a custom Ford Ranger.

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The Ford F-150 delivers an incredibly smooth ride for a pickup truck, no matter the driving conditions. Its long-travel suspension is precisely engineered to absorb bumps and jumps effortlessly during high-speed off-road adventures while maintaining a soft and forgiving ride quality for everyday driving. Its 5-link rear suspension features extra-long trailing arms, a Panhard rod, and 24-inch coil springs, and the front suspension features sport-tuned shock absorbers with live valve technology. You'd need to upgrade your Rangeer's suspension with high-performance parts to enjoy its bigger sibling's high level of handling and stability.

Bryan is an engineer and seasoned writer, deeply engrossed in the world of tech and the Automotive industry. As a staff writer for HotCars.com, he explores topics ranging from the pioneering Motorwagen to the latest Electric vehicles. By day, he crafts compelling articles; by night, he delves into programming. When not writing about cars, catch him tinkering with his old motorcycle.