chris_bryan_89

I would say get which truck you naturally like better. If you like the "baja" look of the raptor go that route, but it's not for everybody. I opted out of the raptor because I thought it was too "sporty" looking for a full time vehicle. I wanted something a little more traditional/classy looking so I went with an FX4. I plan on adding the king 2.5 coilovers and rear shocks to my truck.

Adding upgraded struts to your vehicle will make it ride 10x better than stock! And even with the added cost (coilovers, rears, camburg arm, installation) you will still be way under the price of a raptor. It's easy to negotiate prices on FX4's (I got mine 10k off msrp), but because the raptors are so popular and are in such high demand I can almost guarantee you will pay full price. For me the price difference between the raptor and FX4 was about 15k.

I would say it's really all about if you want the raptor look or not, and if you think you need what the raptor offers. If you don't then I would recommend going with an FX4, add aftermarket suspension and save some coin

ajusa.com

15k can buy you a lot of upgrades!

bucketfresh

Yah 15k would pay for 1/4 of school too....now I have to track down an FX4 or I might be looking at a Tacoma.

SVTF150

Really? From the Raptor & FX4 to the "T" word?? The ugliest truck on the planet.

raptorkiller

For sale...2012 all the parts you need.. 15000kms

Nitefighter

So sad What lights are those above the roof?

01f1502wd

If I could get that truck for a really super duper cheap price I would buy it and use it.

mr_diggs

I think anyone with the initial question in this thread has no need for extensive upgrades. The new FX4 has the 2wd Locker & hill descent modes. You can buy FOX, KING, BILSTEIN....etc shocks for about anything. Until you start heating up your shock oil pulling 50mph whoops sections in the desert, there is no need for an external reservoir shocks.

mr_diggs

$15k would buy a complete Brenthel front end, Deaver rear springs...w/bypasses. Fiberglass bodywork and paint. Oh, and a tuner. so you get.... 50% more bypassed travel than the Raptor, better looking bodywork (I think).....and MORE POWER. Might have to scrounge for tires/wheels.

curtk69

im looking to raptorize my 2006 f150 4x4 as well for the cool looks and more performance than the average lifted f150, that i will definitely have fun making use of during hunting trips, mudding, quadding, fishing and just booze cruzing the backroads shooting gophers with some friends[responsibly of course]

BUT, my biggest reason ? i dont wanna spend $75000, thats right! 75000[plus financing] for a raptor up here in canada and then be scared to use it cuz its so much money and i will surely at least scratch it every time i offroad it, if not dent it, not to mention, heaven for bid actually Break something seriously more expensive, that warranty might be hard to get.
if i can spend 5-10 grand on the truck i already have, i wont care how many trees i scratch it on or the odd dent. no worries there
it will be paid for in cash, no worries there
wont depreciate 5-10 grand a year either.
not as likely to get broken into or stolen either since it wont be the flashy real thing thieves drool over.