Exodus 4x4's 2024 Ranger Raptor Build - Bulletproof Steering (Ford Performance & 74Weld)

[Exodus 4x4]

Hey everyone, for those that don’t know my name is Bubba Bryan and I am the owner of Exodus 4x4 in New Braunfels TX. We’ve been working with companies like 74Weld on the current Bronco platform and have recently moved over to the Ranger Raptor. While they aren’t exactly the same chassis all the way through, they share a lot of similarities and components that were available for the Bronco can often be used on the RR.

We recently completed the first phase of our build and made video documenting everything we did. This phase will remain until later in August where we will be moving to portals and 37” tires. Watch the video when you have a chance and any questions you have, please post up here.

Thank you!


Off-Road Ford Ranger Raptor Build

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[Rousseb90]

If not beating the truck offroad is the 0 offset do able?

 

[Exodus 4x4]

If not beating the truck offroad is the 0 offset do able?

I tried it first with a Raceline wheel that had zero offset and the rub at turns was bad enough I decided to move to the +35

 

[J.Dub]

It's kind of disappointing to just go with 37" tires when you are installing 74weld portals. In the Tacoma world you can install bigger tires than that with the portals. Right now currently you were able to install a perch collar to fit 35" tires, correct? I would think you would be able to get away with the Hoss 3.0 steering rack from the Bronco Raptor for this tire size no problem. So, you are looking at under $2000 in parts to upgrade to 35". How much is the 74weld portals, $20,000? Just to go up 2" in tire size... There is a guy in Australia that was able to achieve to put on 37" tires without portals.

 

[SubaruRaptor]

Interesting video, especially the race part at the end. I hope you are getting paid each time you say badass though.

 

[Exodus 4x4]

It's kind of disappointing to just go with 37" tires when you are installing 74weld portals. In the Tacoma world you can install bigger tires than that with the portals. Right now currently you were able to install a perch collar to fit 35" tires, correct? I would think you would be able to get away with the Hoss 3.0 steering rack from the Bronco Raptor for this tire size no problem. So, you are looking at under $2000 in parts to upgrade to 35". How much is the 74weld portals, $20,000? Just to go up 2" in tire size... There is a guy in Australia that was able to achieve to put on 37" tires without portals.

“There’s a guy doin”…. Look man, we all here stories of people doing stuff that sounds unbelievable but unless someone comments on how his rig is specifically set up in order to do that, I call bullshit. Could you run 37’s on a perch collar lift?
Maybe a small 37” tire with a narrow width of 11.5”, but you’re not going to run a Nitto or Toyo 37x12.5x17 tire without destroying the body on this thing. That’s a fact. The 35’s on it now were rubbing the inner fenders at full compression even with a +35 offset wheel. Short of bolting on fiberglass fenders (that don’t exist yet) that are wide enough to allow it, I don’t see how. If they are, I for sure want to know the specs so others can do the same.

Sorry for the disappointment of 37’s, but what size tire would be big enough? Portals offer more than lift height.

You’re actually increasing the ground clearance by nearly 4” below the differential.

You retain factory ride performance because you aren’t changing it.

You achieve a gear reduction through the portals to 5.21, gaining power back that was lost due to the increased tire size.

The rear axle is converted from semi-float to full float, so the threat of a bent flange is eliminated.

Once our portals arrive and we install them, we will do another video breakdown and cover all the different advantages portals offer. Are they for everyone? No. Are they expensive? Yes, but I’ve personally run these in Baja Mexico on my Bronco and they performed flawlessly, and in fact I was able to outperform most F150 And Bronco Raptors on the same trip.

Please ask more questions if you have any, I love talking to guys about this!

 

[J.Dub]

“There’s a guy doin”…. Look man, we all here stories of people doing stuff that sounds unbelievable but unless someone comments on how his rig is specifically set up in order to do that, I call bullshit. Could you run 37’s on a perch collar lift?
Maybe a small 37” tire with a narrow width of 11.5”, but you’re not going to run a Nitto or Toyo 37x12.5x17 tire without destroying the body on this thing. That’s a fact. The 35’s on it now were rubbing the inner fenders at full compression even with a +35 offset wheel. Short of bolting on fiberglass fenders (that don’t exist yet) that are wide enough to allow it, I don’t see how. If they are, I for sure want to know the specs so others can do the same.

Sorry for the disappointment of 37’s, but what size tire would be big enough? Portals offer more than lift height.

You’re actually increasing the ground clearance by nearly 4” below the differential.

You retain factory ride performance because you aren’t changing it.

You achieve a gear reduction through the portals to 5.21, gaining power back that was lost due to the increased tire size.

The rear axle is converted from semi-float to full float, so the threat of a bent flange is eliminated.

Once our portals arrive and we install them, we will do another video breakdown and cover all the different advantages portals offer. Are they for everyone? No. Are they expensive? Yes, but I’ve personally run these in Baja Mexico on my Bronco and they performed flawlessly, and in fact I was able to outperform most F150 And Bronco Raptors on the same trip.

Please ask more questions if you have any, I love talking to guys about this!

Oh yeah, totally agree with the benefits of the portals thats why I was looking into them but the price.... It's not for the majority hobbyist that likes fixing trucks and going off road.
Here is a video of the guy I was talking about before that he was able to fit 37's with spacers.
@2.12 minutes


He was probably just talking about he doesn't rub while driving around the streets.

None the less I do like your build, I would be doing the same if I can fit in my budget. I can't wait to see what else you do to the RR. We all need more content of the RR, so more companies will make aftermarket parts for it. That's what I am struggling right now compared to the Tacoma I had. So far I am only able to convince a handful of companies to make stuff for my RR.

 

[telenerd]

What’s your plan for skid plates and the gas tank skid?

 

[Exodus 4x4]

Oh yeah, totally agree with the benefits of the portals thats why I was looking into them but the price.... It's not for the majority hobbyist that likes fixing trucks and going off road.
Here is a video of the guy I was talking about before that he was able to fit 37's with spacers.
@2.12 minutes


He was probably just talking about he doesn't rub while driving around the streets.

None the less I do like your build, I would be doing the same if I can fit in my budget. I can't wait to see what else you do to the RR. We all need more content of the RR, so more companies will make aftermarket parts for it. That's what I am struggling right now compared to the Tacoma I had. So far I am only able to convince a handful of companies to make stuff for my RR.

Yes it’s going to take some time for companies to catch up and have quality products available. Nature of the beast.

I think I came across something you may have been referring to and he may have done a body lift in addition to perch collars.

So far I haven’t seen anyone do anything to tacky to one,

Oh yeah, totally agree with the benefits of the portals thats why I was looking into them but the price.... It's not for the majority hobbyist that likes fixing trucks and going off road.
Here is a video of the guy I was talking about before that he was able to fit 37's with spacers.
@2.12 minutes


He was probably just talking about he doesn't rub while driving around the streets.

None the less I do like your build, I would be doing the same if I can fit in my budget. I can't wait to see what else you do to the RR. We all need more content of the RR, so more companies will make aftermarket parts for it. That's what I am struggling right now compared to the Tacoma I had. So far I am only able to convince a handful of companies to make stuff for my RR.

Oh for sure he can run a 37” BFG because they traditionally run quite a bit smaller than other 37” tires.

I agree we need to make more content and talk about what the vehicle needs, especially if that need doesn’t have a fix available.

Thanks for the input, and I’m looking forward to everyone’s builds!

 

[Exodus 4x4]

What’s your plan for skid plates and the gas tank skid?

If I add any skid plates they’ll be Foutz, but I’m not really looking to rock crawl with this. The gas tank is an issue, especially since it is gas and not diesel because manufacturers have a harder time getting a gas version approved, vs a diesel. There’s currently enough room to build a tank with more capacity in the front of it, and probably increase capacity by at least 7 gallons if not more.

 

[J.Dub]

If I add any skid plates they’ll be Foutz, but I’m not really looking to rock crawl with this. The gas tank is an issue, especially since it is gas and not diesel because manufacturers have a harder time getting a gas version approved, vs a diesel. There’s currently enough room to build a tank with more capacity in the front of it, and probably increase capacity by at least 7 gallons if not more.

Yep, some companies already make long range gas tanks for the RR.
https://www.browndavis.com.au/ford-...0lt replacement long,still as capable as ever.

 

[telenerd]

If I add any skid plates they’ll be Foutz, but I’m not really looking to rock crawl with this. The gas tank is an issue, especially since it is gas and not diesel because manufacturers have a harder time getting a gas version approved, vs a diesel. There’s currently enough room to build a tank with more capacity in the front of it, and probably increase capacity by at least 7 gallons if not more.

Foutz skids are light, one thing I don’t like about them they aren’t 1/4 inch aluminum and the bolts are exposed with no recess. So I guess since you’re not gonna be doing any rock crawling they will be okay steel would be a better choice for rocks. The bigger question why go with bigger tires, portals, and beefy steering rack then if your not rock crawling or hitting the harder trails in Moab or Texas? If it’s just to show what the Ranger is capable of and for looks I get it.

 

[Exodus 4x4]

Foutz skids are light, one thing I don’t like about them they aren’t 1/4 inch aluminum and the bolts are exposed with no recess. So I guess since you’re not gonna be doing any rock crawling they will be okay steel would be a better choice for rocks. The bigger question why go with bigger tires, portals, and beefy steering rack then if your not rock crawling or hitting the harder trails in Moab or Texas? If it’s just to show what the Ranger is capable of and for looks I get it.

Clearance. I ran the portals on the Bronco with 38’s and landing jumps I would’ve been scraping the ground. I’ve already bashed in the front skid plate on this one. Even with +35 and trimming, running a nearly true 35” I’m still rubbing the back and top of the wheel well at full compression. Adding nearly 4” of ground clearance and wheel well clearance will be welcomed, and 37’s will just look proportionate.

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