Best Ford Raptor Mods

Even in stock form, the Ford F-150 Raptor is an absolute beast of a truck. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine screams right from the factory, and the Fox racing shocks can conquer the toughest terrain. That being said, there's always room for improvement.

We’ve compiled a list of the best Ford Raptor mods for those who aren’t sure where to start. Regardless of which Raptor generation you have, these top raptor upgrades can give your truck added performance, capability, and personality.

Top Ford Raptor Performance Upgrades

You can never have too much power. But you don’t have to spend a ton of money on a supercharger to get power gains. Here are some other, less expensive ways to boost performance.

Ford Raptor Cold Air Intakes

The factory cold air intake that comes on the Raptor is restrictive. It doesn’t add much to the underhood area in terms of looks, either. Upgrading your Raptor’s cold air intake can make your engine breathe easier, freeing up wasted horsepower.

Aftermarket intakes bring more cool air into the engine, helping the combustion process. More powerful explosions result in more power. You may see horsepower gains of 30 or more, depending on the setup. A new intake will also spruce up your engine bay.

Ford Raptor Exhaust Upgrades

Ford Raptor Exhaust upgrades offer better performance and enhanced sound. A new cat-back exhaust system can make your engine more efficient by increasing airflow and reducing backpressure. The faster your engine can expel exhaust, the faster it can fill back up with air.

Improved engine efficiency leads to gains in both horsepower and torque. Plus a new exhaust will give your Raptor a more distinctive sound note, whether you’re after something raspy or deeper. A new exhaust also pairs well with a cold air intake, since they both help your engine breathe better.

Ford Raptor Oil Separators

The EcoBoost engine is known for creating a lot of blow-by through the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system. This can lead to oil accumulating in the engine, which is never a good thing. Raptor oil separators help prevent this issue by catching the oil before it goes into the engine. This reduces the chance for carbon buildup and potential engine damage. Oil separators are one of the most popular Raptor mods since they’re affordable and easy to install.

Ford Raptor Tuning Devices

Once you’ve installed some mods on your Raptor, you may want to invest in a programmer. A programmer, also known as a tuner, connects to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). It lets you tinker around with certain settings to optimize engine performance.

If you’ve installed a new exhaust or cold air intake, a programmer can adjust things like the air-to-fuel ratio or throttle response. Tuning devices let you get the most performance out of your new Raptor mods.

Best Ford Raptor Lighting Mods

There are lots of ways to upgrade your Raptor’s lighting. You can swap out the headlights and taillights or add some off-road lights.

Ford Raptor Headlight & Taillight Upgrades

Changing out the headlights and taillights on your Raptor can give it a whole new look. Smoked headlights and taillights have a dark tint for a sleeker look. You can also opt for color-shift headlights to change your headlight color whenever you want (as long as you’re not on public roads).

LED lights can give you better visibility on the highway or the trail. Swapping out the headlights and taillights is a fairly simple process. Most have a simple plug-and-play installation. It’s a project that can be easily completed in an afternoon in your garage or driveway.

Ford Raptor Off-Road Lighting Upgrades

Off-road lights add more utility to your Raptor. From light bars to cube lights, there are plenty of options out there. Most off-road lights use LEDs for greater visibility. Rock lights can give you even more vision to help you dodge obstacles at night. There are certain laws pertaining to light bars and off-road lights, so be sure to check what’s allowed in your area before hitting the streets.

Top Ford Raptor Suspension Upgrades

At the end of the day, the F-150 Raptor is both a truck and an off-roader. Even though the factory suspension is plenty capable, there are some suspension upgrades worth considering.

Ford Raptor Lift Kits

Lift kits give you more ground clearance for better off-roading angles. Plus, the added clearance gives you the ability to upgrade to larger wheels and tires. Many lift kits come with heavy-duty shocks and stronger components than stock for better durability.

Ford Raptor Leveling Kits

Leveling kits can also help even out any height differences. If your truck sits lower in the front, a leveling kit can raise the front of the truck a few inches to match the rear. It’s mainly for aesthetic purposes, but you may gain some ground clearance as well.

Best Ford Raptor Accessories

With so many top Raptor upgrades, it can be hard to decide what to go with. We’ve narrowed the list down to some of the most popular accessories.

Ford Raptor Mud Flaps

Mud flaps are useful for just about any truck. Not only will they give your Raptor a more rugged look, but they also protect the undercarriage from dirt, mud, and debris. These mud flaps are made from heavy-duty materials to withstand harsh weather and road conditions. Mud flaps are very inexpensive and easy to install, with no drilling required.

Ford Raptor Interior Upgrades

Just because your Raptor is a performance machine doesn’t mean it has to have a cold, no-nonsense interior. Small and easy-to-install interior upgrades like seat covers or floor mats can help keep your Raptor’s cabin clean. If you didn’t get heated seats from the factory, some seat covers are heated so you can stay cozy in cooler weather.

Ford Raptor Exterior Accessories

The Raptor already has rugged good looks, but customizing the exterior can make it your own. Dress it up with some Raptor decals, or swap out the grille for an entirely new look.

Best Ford Raptor Wheels & Tires

If you’re looking for one upgrade that will improve your truck’s performance and looks, you can’t go wrong with new wheels and tires. While they may be one of the more expensive Raptor upgrades, they can also have the most impact. A beefier set of off-road tires can make a big difference on the trail. They’ll give you extra traction and capability on any terrain.

Bigger tires may require larger wheels. If you’re planning on upsizing, make sure you’ve got the proper clearance so you don’t run into any fitment issues. You may need some suspension upgrades, new fender flares, or wheel spacers to get the perfect fit.

Top Ford Raptor Brake Upgrades

Upgrading your Raptor’s brakes can enhance stopping power and performance in harsh weather. Front and rear brake disc kits make it easy to swap out the old stock brakes. They have all the components you need to complete the install.

Aftermarket brakes help reduce heat buildup and brake fade for more stopping power. Colored calipers can add a nice accent color to your build as well.

Make the Most of Your F-150 Raptor Mods

The F-150 Raptor is an amazing truck right off the lot. But adding your own modifications can give you more power and a custom build. Begin with the mods that are most important to you. If you’re a big off-roader, maybe start with a lift kit and bigger tires. If you want more power, try a cold air intake and new exhaust.

Shopping for used parts on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and other sites can help you save money. For engine mods, you’re better off buying new parts. Sign up for our newsletter for the latest news and deals on Raptor parts.