LEAF TO LINKS: THE RISE OF THE GEN 3 RAPTOR
The Ford Raptor is an amazing truck straight from the dealership, and the Gen 2 Raptor was a huge step up from the Gen 1 in nearly every way.
But let’s be real—leaf springs "work", but they’re not the best suspension option.
They were invented in the 17th century and although leaf spring technology has improved slightly, at the end of the day... they’re still leaf springs....
When the Gen 3 Raptor launched in 2021, Ford made major improvements to the rear suspension by introducing a 5-link setup with rear coil springs.
Performance jumped significantly over the Gen 2 design, and with some minor aftermarket help—like improved spring rates, rear links, and a Panhard bar—there was no denying the Gen 3 rear suspension performed far better than the old leaf springs.
So what about the Gen 2 Raptors that are in good shape? .... How can we make them handle like a Gen 3 without spending a fortune?
That’s where Foutz Motorsports comes in with the ultimate solution...
INTRODUCING: THE ALL-NEW GEN 3 CONVERSION KIT
Developed by Greg Foutz and his team, the new conversion kit can be installed on any Gen 2 Raptor frame —or can be used by F150 Raptor swap enthusiasts that want to transform a standard F150 into the ever-loved "F-Raptor".
It is designed to fully replace the rear suspension and includes every mount, bracket, nut, bolt, and washer needed to achieve a complete Gen 3 upgrade.
By removing the leaf springs, spring mounts, rear shock mounts, and axle mounts, you can convert your truck to a 5-link setup in just a few days—without spending a fortune.
INSTALLATION: WHAT TO EXPECT
Think you could tackle this kit in your garage over the weekend ? 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.
Here's why:
Stripping a Gen 2 frame and rear axle typically takes a full day—or more—of cutting, grinding, and prep work. Installing the frame mounts usually takes another day or two to position correctly, weld in place, and paint.
The rear axle setup can take 6–8 hours to align all the mounts, weld them, and repaint the housing in preparation for assembly. Final assembly typically takes another 4–5 hours, and having two people makes it much easier to manage.
The truck bed and fuel tank must be removed, and some older trucks may need exhaust modifications around the new coil spring buckets. Using Gen 3 rear exhaust components can help simplify this step. Because exhaust setups vary between different years of Gen 2 Raptors and F150s, there isn't a one-size-fits-all instruction guide for this kit.
The Foutz Motorsports team suggest that you remove the rear exhaust to clear the way for Panhard bar and spring mount welding installation, then adjust as needed during reassembly. Alternatively, you could install the kit first and take the truck to an exhaust shop to handle the final tweaks.
All kit components in this conversion kit are made from 3/16" steel plate—much thicker than stock Gen 3 mounts—for a significant strength improvement. Once installed, your Gen 2 can actually outperform a stock Gen 3.
F-150 RAPTOR SWAP TO RAPTOR
You’ll need a full-width or wider rear axle to clear the Gen 3 spring location. This kit is ideal for full swap builds using stock Raptor front suspension parts and wider fiberglass fenders. It’s the perfect “F-Raptor” upgrade for a 5.0L supercharged F150 aiming to get close to a Raptor R.
COMPATIBILITY: GEN 3 STOCK COMPONENTS & SPRING OPTIONS
The kit is designed to work with all stock Gen 3 rear suspension components, making it the most affordable conversion upgrade available. You can start with stock take-off Gen 3 links, shocks, and springs, then upgrade later to billet aluminum links or heavy-duty aftermarket parts like fabricated rear suspension arms...(Foutz makes it all in-house 😉 )
Geiser or Eibach springs are also a great choice, delivering even better performance—especially if you’re hauling extra weight in the bed.
OPTIONAL ADD-ON'S: GEN 3 FOUTZ MOTORSPORTS UPGRADES
- Gen 3 rear bump stop kit → adds bottom-out control and smoother landings.
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Rear lower shock skids → protects shock mounts from impacts and roost.
- Shock guards → shields shocks from debris.
- NEW Rear limit strap Kit → prevents over-extension during big hits or jumps.
CONCLUSION:
In Summary, The New Foutz Motorsports Gen 3 conversion kit is the most complete, affordable way to upgrade a Gen 2 Raptor’s rear suspension, bringing handling and performance up to Gen 3 standards. Don’t get left in the dust—get setup with Foutz Motorsports and keep up with the big dogs.
Gen 2 to Gen 3 Raptor Rear Suspension Conversion Kit
This comprehensive kit is your one-stop solution for full geometry conversion:
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What’s Included |
- Rear coil spring mounts with Panhard bar in Gen 3 location- Rear link mounts welded to the frame in Gen 3 location- Stronger rear shock mounts matching Gen 3 stock location- Rear axle mount kit for all Gen 3 pickup points- Hardware kit (nuts, bolts, etc.) |
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What You Need |
- Stock rear coil spring lower mounts (from dealership)- Stock rear coil spring top rubber isolators |
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Custom Options |
- Stock or aftermarket rear springs- Stock or billet aluminum rear links and Panhard bar- Stock or aftermarket shocks compatible with stock mounts |
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Compatibility |
- Works with rear bump stops, 35" & 37" tires- Compatible with diff skid, shock skids, and guards- Can upgrade to coil-over thru-bed shocks with bed cage kit- Only fits stock Raptor width (not standard F-150) |