Just got back from a road trip to Moab and Lake Powell.

 

 

 

My wife in my Roush Raptor.

 

I put over 2,000 miles on the G over the past week. The difference in ride quality between the G55 and G63 is amazing. The G55 would wear me out over long distances. I can honestly say that the G63 ride is damn near perfect.

The Kleemann mods handled the 105F+ desert heat without any issues. I really put this thing through its paces.

This is possibly the first G63 to do Hell's Revenge??? I did just about every trail at least twice with the exception of Hell's Gate and the bath tubs. I also did Fins and Things at night. Not the brightest idea but, the moon was full, it was much cooler out, and we had an absolute blast. The "pucker factor" was a bit higher than normal but the G was a champ.

It's amazing how well these perform off road even when they're stock. It surprises me every time. I've been trying to find some good wheels and tires but the brakes are a problem. They're just too big. I hate swapping them out for something smaller but I might have to. Has anyone had any luck?

What a great truck!

 

Awesome!!!

 

X2.

Would love to do this trip.

looks like the exhaust was mighty close to taking a pinch on those rocks.

 

Great photos G55K, thanks for sharing. The G-class is a king off-road. How did the Raptor do?

Almost had the tips on mine cut off twice. In the end, I think I am going to. They can be a real hassle on rocky off-roads.

 

Great photos!

 

The Raptor did great. But, it's not ideal for rock crawling due to the long wheel base.

I've been trying to figure what to do with the exhaust. The twin tips look cool but they take up too much ground clearance. I'd really like to find some wheels and tires that are better suited for off-road. Has anyone had any luck? The size of the front brakes makes this a real challenge.

 

No surprise, the G wagon is one of the best factory off roaders in the world. Most just never leave the road to find out.

 

wonderful pictures and trip! Great to see people enjoying their Gs to the fullest! I do a lot of trail riding at night myself - totally love it! Sometimes I feel it helps seeing the best lines better with artificial light over bight daylight. For sure I do a lot more "crazier" stuff a night when I don't fully see how nutty an unknown trails is

I would def. cut off those exhaust pipes - you will not miss them once you are able to have some more rocker clearance! But good thing the exhaust can handle quiet a bit of flex if you decide to keep it.



I am currently contemplating between a 2011 G55, G63 and a Roush Raptor myself. I prefer the ride and handling of the Raptor, over the G ( I do a lot of fast desert cruising - Raptor is so nimble...), but the sheer size of the Raptor is what my main concern is for everyday use and especially tight and very technical 4x4 trails. Seeing you have both I would love to pick you brain on how well the raptor can keep up in terms traction is challenging terrain. Traction-wise my old G55 with 34" tires was unstoppable with all lockers - only worries were flipping it and ground clearance - even with a bit lift and exhaust cut off you can never get enough of that...

I assume the Raptor is almost equally capable in terms of traction with the electronic front lockers? The couple of times I drove the Raptor was only on a desert race track with some fun jumps; unfortunately I was not able to test the F150 in more of a rock crawling type of situation.

How would you rate the built quality comparing between the Raptor and the G? I often take off for multi-day remote exploration type trips - my old G never once let me down in easily 50k worth of off roading.

Seeing that the G63 might have bigger brakes actually makes me want to go the 2011 G55 route - as 35" M/T tires with small lift will be a must for me. Have you been able to confirm whether 18" rims fit for the G63 or not? I saw your post in the M/T thread and didn't realize this change.

Love the G63's interior and engine, however I am wondering about how well the 7speed will do long term ( I am planning on keeping my next G for at least 100k miles like my last one). I haven't really come across any complaints for the 7speed - but from what I understand is that the 5 speed is able to handle more torque which makes me wonder about this subject, especially when tuning the engine a bit.

But the Raptor is so much fun!!!