OUR ROOTS RUN DEEP WITH FIRST GEN SUSPENSION
When the Gen 1 Raptor hit the scene in 2010, it didn’t just join Ford’s Blue Oval legacy — it carved out its own chapter. And Foutz Motorsports has been there since the very beginning.
No joke: the earliest prototype was literally “Born in Baja,” when Foutz Motorsports, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT), and Ford Racing teamed up to develop a heavily disguised test mule — then sent it straight into the Baja 1000.
Dubbed the Raptor “R,” Greg Foutz and the entire Ford selected team piloted the first SVT across some of the harshest terrain, pushing the stock suspension to its limits in the Class 8 category for full-size, moderately modified pickup trucks — and finishing third.
That run proved early on that the Gen 1 Raptor’s suspension wasn’t just marketing hype; it could take serious desert abuse.
At Foutz Motorsports, Greg’s racing experience shows up in every product we design and build. With decades spent perfecting suspension components and geometry for Ford Raptors, we know how to take the stock Gen 1 and transform it's suspension into a high-performance 5-link setup.
LEAF THE OLD SUSPENSION BEHIND: UPGRADE TO 5-LINKS
Your Gen 1 Raptor’s leaf springs have served you well…mostly. Sure, they “get the job done,” taking you from point A to point B, but they’re basically the automotive equivalent of wearing socks with sandals —functional, but not exactly ideal.
Tired of leaf springs that feel more “jiggle” than “bounce”? Want smoother, stronger, more capable performance—the kind your Gen 1 always dreamed of?
We made it a reality with this new Gen 3 Conversion Kit.
There's no need to buy a new truck when you can give your Gen 1 with the same 5-link setup found on the Gen 3- And that’s exactly what this upgrade delivers.
THE NEW GEN 1 TO GEN 3 SUSPENSION CONVERSION KIT
This isn’t just another aftermarket part. This kit is the culmination of Foutz Motorsports hands-on experience with first-generation Raptors.
Designed to completely replace the rear leaf spring suspension setup with a true Gen 3 5-link coil spring system, it brings modern suspension performance to a classic V8 powered truck.
The kit includes everything you need—mounts, brackets, nuts, bolts, washers—so you can remove the old leaf springs, shock mounts, and axle mounts and install a full Gen 3 rear suspension. Here's an in-depth look of what it features:
- 5-LINK REAR ARM LINK MOUNTS: These weld to the frame in the stock Gen 3 location.
They are substantially stronger than the factory stock rear link mounts and have built in front skid protection from the angled design. (view more)
- REAR COIL SPRING MOUNTS: Features a integrated Panhard bar mounts in the stock Gen 3 location. It's compatible with Foutz 5-link Suspension kits or stock Gen 3 components.
Designed to maintain factory geometry for proper travel, handling, and ride quality. Built for durability,& versatility for future upgrades, this is the foundation for a complete Gen 3 rear suspension conversion. (view more)
- HEAVY-DUTY REAR SHOCK MOUNTS: These replicate the exact stock location of Gen 3 shock on a Gen 1 frames. They are stronger and more durable, ensuring your suspension performs reliably under demanding conditions.
- REAR AXLE MOUNT KIT with all brackets and mounts to add Gen 3 pick-up points
- Complete hardware kit is all included (nuts, bolts, brackets) for assembly and axle/link mounting
- REQUIRED - ALUMINUM SPACER BLOCK FOR STOCK BUMP STOP
- OPTIONAL - FOUTZ REAR BUMP STOP KIT (Designed exclusively for this Conversion Kit) It is sold separately but a highly recommended option to add-on to this kit.
It is engineered to align with the suspension cycle of the 5-link system and is built specifically for Gen 1 Raptors and 2009–2014 F-150 frames.
In just a few days, your Gen 1 Raptor can handle like a modern machine—without breaking the bank.
INSTALLATION: WHAT TO EXPECT
Think you could tackle this kit in your garage in a few days? Maybe—if you have a skilled team (aka: couple of good buddies) and a good welder to help out...
But Realistically, it's important to know that the prep & install process for this conversion kit will take a bit longer than just a weekend to complete. It isn't super difficult to get done - but it will take some time if you want it done right. Here's why:
You’ll be cutting, grinding, and welding your way through the installation on the rear frame and axle, making friends with a lot of sparks along the way.
Frame mounts need perfect placement, and the rear axle has opinions of its own— correct location of the parts is a careful process of measuring, adjusting, and maybe some cursing. You will find exiting holes and locators in the factory frame to help position many of the components along the way.
Don’t forget the truck bed will need to come off and fuel tank will need to come out. Exhaust will get in the way and will have to come out. Every truck is a little different, so be ready to improvise with exhaust re-installation and any unknowns that come with any other aftermarket parts you may have on your truck.
The payoff? All of the key components of this kit are 3/16" steel plate, built to handle far more abuse than stock. Once it’s done, your Gen 1 will ride like a modern Raptor, tackle jumps like it’s showing off, and can handle as well as a new Gen 3. Making all the sweat and effort? Totally worth it.
FULL F-150 RAPTOR SWAP READY
Planning a full F-150 Raptor Swap build? This kit works perfectly with wider raptor width rear axle and stock Raptor front suspension.
Combine with wider fenders, and you’ve got the ultimate “F-Raptor” setup—a near-Raptor R-level truck built from your standard F-150. (2009-2014)
COMPATIBILITY: STOCK GEN 3 COMPONENTS & UPGRADES
The kit is compatible with all stock Gen 3 rear suspension components, making it the most flexible and affordable upgrade available. Kit starting at just $2,229 for the base kit you can upgrade to a 5-link rear suspension for only a little more than new aftermarket leaf springs and shackles.
Start with stock Gen 3 take off links, shocks, and springs, then upgrade later to billet aluminum links or heavy-duty fabricated arms, all made in-house by Foutz Motorsports.
With Foutz Motorsports decades of Gen 1 experience behind it, this conversion kit doesn’t just upgrade your suspension—it transforms your truck.
Your classic leaf-spring Raptor becomes a modern 5-link performance machine, ready to hit the trails harder than ever. Making this the best rear suspension for your Gen 1 Raptor truck.