The updated 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor includes upgraded Fox 3.1 Live Valve suspension, combining semi-active, electronically-controlled compression damping with position-sensitive internal bypass technology to provide a smooth and comfortable feeling on the pavement with aggressive control and stability at high speeds off-road in real time.
According to Fox, the company retuned the mechanical damping of 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor shocks to counteract the new forces generated by Ford’s more aggressive tire sizing, wheel travel and suspension geometry.
“The internal bypass tubes were redesigned with a new progressive damping curves to increase fluid flow for more comfort in the ride zone, while improving the force ramp-up at the end of the stroke to counteract bottom-out in high-speed whoops and hidden rock gardens,” said Fox. “Competitor’s shocks with position-sensitive damping are often only able to control the very end of the shock travel, leading to harsh changes in compression.”
New features on the 3.1 Live Valve suspension include:
- Larger 3.-in. diameter anodized aluminum shock tubes (both 35 -in. and 37 -in. tire). Increased tube wall thickness supports higher internal shock pressures (higher pressures = more compression damping force). This larger body has ~5% more surface area for cooling.
- Larger 1-in. front shaft made of hard chrome-plated, induction-hardened steel (37-in. tire) replaces 7/8 -in. . This forces more oil through the Live Valve system, increasing control authority to over 1,000 lbs. per shock. All new jounce bumpers were developed specifically for the 37-in. tire package.
- New parts driven by high pressure valves: Higher pressure shock seals, new tunes, new base valve design, and new solenoid valve design.
- New parts driven by larger 1 -in. shaft: New quadruple rod seal pack, new custom foam jounce bumper, and unique tuning specific to the 37 -in. tire truck
- New low friction PTFE-infused Fox shock fluid improves on-road ride comfort: Fox’s latest fluid has microscopic PTFE particles infused with the oil to reduce friction and increase ride comfort.
Fox athlete Justin Lofton was victorious racing a Live Valve system adapted for Trophy Truck with the same high-force electronic valve being introduced commercially on the 2021 F-150 Raptor.
“It’s no easy task to improve what we’ve done with Live Valve on the popular Raptor several years running,” said Tony Pauly, Fox Powered Vehicle Group director of marketing. “Dancing the fine line between on-road comfort and off-road performance is something FOX does best, and we feel the new 3.1 Live Valve delivers on our promise to Ford to elevate the 2021 F-150 Raptor."
