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2017-2020 Raptor Billet Top Hat - Stock Height

Description

Billet top hats for the 2017–2020 Gen 2 Ford F-150 Raptor that replace the failure-prone factory upper shock mount at stock ride height. CNC machined in-house in Mesa, Arizona from 6061-T6 billet aluminum, with an FK FKS12T uniball at the shock shaft.

The factory top hat holds the shock shaft in a rubber bushing, and that bushing is the known weak point, especially once aftermarket springs or extra preload go on. When it lets go, the shock can drop out of the spring bucket. This replaces it with billet and a serviceable uniball, and changes nothing else about the truck.

What Is In The Kit

  • Billet aluminum top hats, CNC machined from 6061-T6, with FK FKS12T uniballs pressed in
  • (6) M10-1.5 x 40 studs, sized for the Gen 2 Raptor shock towers
  • (4) pivot spacers, 17-4 stainless steel

This version keeps the factory ride height. It adds no lift.

Why Replace The Factory Top Hat

The stock top hat supports the shock shaft through a rubber bushing. It is the main weak point in the factory front shock mount, and it gets worse with aftermarket springs or added preload, because both put more load through that rubber.

Failed factory top hat with its rubber bushing torn apart, the stock top hat behind it and the main weak point marked

When the bushing fails, the shock can drop all the way out of the spring bucket and take other suspension parts with it. A billet housing with a uniball replaces that rubber with a defined pivot that is built to carry the load, and the uniball can be replaced on its own when it eventually wears.

Standard Or Heavy Duty?

Both are billet aluminum, both bolt to the factory shock towers, and both replace the rubber bushing. The difference is the uniball and how it is held in.

Standard

A 3/4" FK FKS12T uniball, retained in the housing with a ring clip.

Heavy Duty

A 7/8" wide series FK WSSX14T uniball with 17-4 stainless steel races and a 400 series stainless steel ball, which gives nearly double the overall strength of the standard 3/4" uniball. A threaded top retainer screws into the housing and is locked with four stainless Allen screws, so the ring clip cannot work loose. It also supports the side of the race at its thinnest point, where the center ball loads it hardest, which helps the uniball last longer.

You are looking at the standard version. See the Heavy Duty version of this top hat.

Stock Height, Phase 1 Or Phase 2?

The standard top hat comes in three heights for the Gen 2 Raptor. The lift versions add preload to the factory front spring, so you gain ride height without changing the spring and without a lower spring collar.

  • Stock height (this page) — No lift
  • Phase 1 — Adds 1.5"
  • Phase 2 — Adds 2"

Lift figures are with the factory front spring.

Fitment

Fits the Gen 2 Ford F-150 Raptor, model years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Uses 10mm studs to match the Gen 2 Raptor shock towers.

The Uniball Is A Service Item

The uniball is pressed into the billet housing and is designed to be replaced when it wears. How long it lasts depends on how the truck is driven and set up, so service intervals differ from truck to truck. Inspect it periodically and replace it when it shows wear.

This top hat uses the FK FKS12T (3/4"). Foutz Motorsports does not make the uniball; we use FK in all of our suspension parts. Replacement: FK FKS12T uniball.

Finishes

Available in raw billet aluminum, FOX orange anodized and black anodized.

Raw is a finish choice, not a lesser part. Plenty of builds run raw billet deliberately for the machined-aluminum look.

Questions

Does this top hat add lift?

No. This version keeps the factory ride height.

Will it fit my Gen 2 Raptor?

It fits the Gen 2 Ford F-150 Raptor, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, with 10mm studs to match the shock towers.

Is the uniball replaceable?

Yes. It is a wear item by design and presses out for replacement. This top hat uses the FK FKS12T.

Standard or Heavy Duty?

Heavy Duty uses a larger 7/8" wide series WSSX14T uniball with a threaded top retainer. Standard uses a 3/4" FKS12T. Both replace the rubber bushing.

Should I add a front limit strap?

If you run progressive aftermarket coils or add preload to the factory shocks, yes. The limit strap controls top-out travel, and its mounting bracket has a built-in bump pad so a front bump stop can be added later.

Where are they made?

The billet housings are designed and CNC machined in-house at our facility in Mesa, Arizona, USA.

Pair It With

Color:
$ 499.99
ANODIZED CARE & DISCLAIMER:   read before ordering
⚠️ WARNING:
 Improper cleaning can permanently damage the anodic coating on billet aluminum parts, causing fading, staining, or discoloration. 

SOAPS / CLEANERS THAT DAMAGE :
High-pH (alkaline) soaps, degreasers, and acidic wheel cleaners can fade, stain, or strip anodized aluminum, especially when they contain sodium hydroxide (lye) or other strong acids. Heavy-duty fast-acting alkaline cleaners designed for engine bays or wheels should not be used on anodized surfaces.

❌ WHAT TO AVOID :
High-pH (alkaline) cleaners
• Heavy-duty degreasers
• Wheels / engine bay cleaners
• Oven cleaners (e.g., Yellow Cap, Easy-Off)
• Products containing sodium hydroxide (lye)
• Damage the anodic coating 
Hot Surfaces
• Never wash in direct sunlight, as heat accelerates chemical damage
 Acidic cleaners
• Wheel cleaners with strong acids
• Nitric or sulfuric-based cleaners
• Aggressive aluminum cleaners
 Aluminum brighteners or etchers

• Products designed for raw or polished aluminum can strip the anodized coating

✅ HOW TO PROTECT ANODIZED ALUMINUM:

pH-neutral soaps 
• only use cleaners with a pH between 6–8
Wash on cool surfaces
• Avoid direct sunlight or hot parts
Test small areas first
• Always try new products on a small, hidden area
Safe Alternatives:
• Isopropyl alcohol (used carefully and sparingly)
• Mild Automotive Car Wash Soap

⚠️ RESPONSIBILITY NOTICE:
Damage caused by improper cleaning chemicals or detailing products is the sole responsibility of the owner. Keeping your anodized parts clean with the right products will help maintain their finish and extend their lifespan.

Delivery and Shipping

  • All in-stock products typically ship within 48 hours.
  • For items that are not currently in stock, please expect 4–6 weeks for production and delivery.
  • For stock status on products, contact our customer service team, and a representative will assist you with the most up-to-date availability and information: (480) 718-9800 | info@foutzmotorsports.com

PROP 65 WARNING

This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.go

Thank you for your trust in Foutz Motorsports. We appreciate your business. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your experience even better. (480) 718-9800 info@foutzmotorsports.com

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