Rumor has it that Ford is working on a factory long-travel 4x4 and we have been busy digging up some of the details....

We have been hearing chatter and rumors from various sources and we have confirmed that Ford is working on a long travel version of the all-new 2009 F-150, codenamed “Raptor”. The on again, off again program appears to be on again and is far along in its development.

From what we have gathered, the truck is probably a year and a half or two years away from production if the program isn’t cancelled before then. Sources tell us that the truck is lower and wider than a standard F-150 and uses reservoir shocks that are being co-developed with Fox Racing. Tires are said to be in the 33-35-inch range and a selectable locker, first unveiled on the new F-150, is thought to be part of the package.

We also hear from sources that the truck (which probably won’t be called Raptor when it goes in to production) will feature unique styling with bulged fenders to accommodate the increased tire size and suspension travel.

Engine output is said to be “high”, and will probably will use the upcoming Boss V-8, possibly an EcoBoost turbocharged varient. In fact, the Raptor has been mistaken for the next Lightning in F-150 enthusiast circles, based on the rumored engine.

Excited? So are we. As we learn more information, we will be sure to keep you in the loop. Special thanks goes to www.pickuptruck.com and Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Company for the photo.

--Sean P. Holman
Tech Editor – Four Wheeler Magazine