New Video drop: A focused, step-by-step guide for the Ford Ranger Raptor (T6.2, 2024–2025) showing the fuel tank skid, fuel-tank straps, and rear crossmember install for our 7000-Series aluminum belly skid system. Everything else follows our Bronco / Bronco Raptor belly-skid install—so if you’ve watched that one, this is the short, Raptor-only add-on you need.

What’s different on the Ranger Raptor?

🛢️ Fuel tank section: Remove the OE plastic shield, support the tank with ratchet straps, and swap in our strap + skid assembly.
🧱 Rear crossmember: Position and loosely secure the crossmember before final alignment.
🔩 Nut sticks & keys: The Raptor frame geometry needs multiple tabbed nut sticks and a rear carriage-bolt key—covered in detail in the video.

Watch the Install

Sit back with Tyler & Jacob for a practical walk-through: removing the factory shield, supporting the tank safely, placing the crossmember, aligning the aluminum + UHMW skid, and tightening in the right order for a rattle-free, trail-ready result.

Chapters
00:00 — What’s Raptor-specific vs. Bronco/Bronco Raptor
00:22 — Remove OE plastic fuel-tank skid (🔩 10 mm)
01:05 — Loosen four strap bolts (🔧 15 mm) + support tank with ratchet straps
02:06 — Pro tip: use MIG wire to fish straps through
03:10 — Drop OE skid; confirm tank support
03:38 — Install front tank strap (factory locations) — leave loose
04:20 — Install rear tank strap (long leg near driveshaft) — leave loose
05:12 — Position crossmember (M14×2.0) — leave loose
06:10 — Place nut sticks (FRR740P/R passenger; O/Q driver)
07:12 — Hang tank skid; start the three UHMW/aluminum → crossmember bolts
08:05 — Carriage bolt + key at rear bracket; align before tightening
08:55 — Don’t miss the hidden 3/8" bolt into the strap’s riv-nut
09:40 — Corner-cap + button heads + two-hole spacer
10:35 — Final tightening sequence (straps → 3/8" → crossmember row)
11:30 — Wrap-up & what’s identical to Bronco/Bronco Raptor

Fitment & System Notes

🧭 Vehicle: Ford Ranger Raptor (T6.2, MY 2024–2025; North America)
🛡️ System: 7000-Series aluminum belly skids with UHMW wear layer and steel interface hardware
🔁 Shared Steps: Follow our Bronco / Bronco Raptor belly-skid video for all non-Raptor-specific procedures

Tools, Hardware & Callouts

🧰 Common sizes: 10 mm (OE plastic cover), 15 mm head (strap bolts), M14×2.0 (crossmember)
🧷 Nut sticks (tabbed): FRR740P/R (passenger), FRR740O/Q (driver)
🧿 Carriage bolt + key: Rear bracket tie-in
🔹 Hidden 3/8" hex: Into the strap’s riv-nut—easy to overlook
🧩 Corner-cap detail: Button heads + small two-hole spacer

Pro Tips from the Shop

⛽ Go light: A mostly empty tank makes everything easier.
🧲 Leave it loose: Start all hardware, align every hole, then tighten.
🧵 Wire trick: Use MIG wire (or any stiff wire) to fish ratchet straps between tank and skid.
🔁 Torque & re-check: Tighten to factory specs where applicable; re-torque after the first heat cycles or trail day.

Why 7000-Series Aluminum + UHMW?

You get high strength-to-weight, excellent impact distribution, and a low-drag sliding surface for rock gardens—plus easier serviceability when paired with our strap/crossmember interfaces.

FAQ

Do I need to drop the fuel tank?
No—our ratchet-strap method supports the tank so you can remove the OE skid and install the new components without a full drop.

Why so many nut sticks?
Ranger Raptor frame geometry benefits from multiple mounting points. The tabbed nut sticks make those interfaces strong, repeatable, and serviceable.

Tightening order?
Fuel-tank straps → 3/8" hardware into the strap plates (including the hidden bolt) → crossmember row → remaining skid bolts.

Want the Full System?

Pair this Raptor-specific guide with our Bronco / Bronco Raptor 7000-Series Belly Skids install video for the rest of the process. When you’re ready, hit us up with questions—our team builds and wheels this gear every week. Made in Colorado. Built for the Rocks. #ChooseYourNextVenture