With proper modifications, such as smaller performance tires, the Raptor R can go sideways on pavement, too.
Performance pickup trucks, such as the Ford F-150 Raptor and the beastly V8-powered Raptor R, aren't exactly the go-to for drifting on the pavement. With a tall ride height and beefy body, they are meant for high-speed off-roading. But that didn't stop racer and YouTuber Cleetus McFarland from turning his Ford Raptor R into a drift car.
McFarland's Raptor R comes stock under the hood – a 700-horsepower 5.2-liter supercharged engine similar to the one from the Mustang Shelby GT500. For a more drift-ready setup, the 37-inch off-road tires were replaced by smaller Nitto performance tires pulled out from his Ford Crown Victoria race cars.
During the initial test, the Ford pickup was drifting effortlessly using only a quarter of the throttle. But when McFarland got into the track, its safety features put the brakes on the smaller rear wheels in 4WD mode. He immediately solved the problem by switching to RWD, perfect for drifting.
McFarland made drifting on a course look easy. However, the truck seemed unimpressed by the shenanigans going on. The system displayed warning lights on the dash, such as the check engine light, check 4WD light, check brake light, and jokingly included “check your drifting light.”
Cleetus McFarland/YouTube Cleetus McFarland/YouTube Cleetus McFarland/YouTube
To make things more challenging, obstacles in the form of two barrels were set up so the F-150 Raptor R could go for figure eights. The truck wasn't the smoothest in shifting from left to right. But on the bright side, it didn't hit a single barrel, which would instantly take the fun out of the peculiar drifting session.
After the runs, the right rear wheel was done for, as it took most of the beating while the differential was activated. At least McFarland proved that even off-road-oriented full-size trucks can go drifting. But you should think twice before trying it, as the video showed it won't be cheap.
Cleetus McFarland/YouTube Cleetus McFarland/YouTube Cleetus McFarland/YouTube
Keyword: Watch A Ford F-150 Raptor R Become A Drift Car In The Hands Of Cleetus McFarland