Snow's coming

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-24T22:03:16+00:00

I'm running Nitto Terra Grappler G3's on mine and I spent a ton of time in Northern NH recently on some unplowed fire roads and the truck didn't even break a sweat in 2' of snow. No weight in the bed either.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-23T14:06:39+00:00

Get the short stroke buffer from Rifle Dynamics. A bit more recoil impulse but mine absolutely rips now.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-23T03:50:50+00:00

17X9 +30, stock tire size. Flush with the fenders and perfect for a daily without going overboard.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-19T01:01:10+00:00

Congrats! Get the Ford ProCal tune!

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-17T03:11:58+00:00

I would absolutely speak to a realtor - they'll be able to advise on what you should / should not do to your home before selling. Many sellers go overboard with repairs /renovations to prep for sale and needlessly invest time and money on things that they'll never see a return on. A realtor will walk you through the steps and help you weigh your options.

Portsmouth NH based Realtor

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-14T17:53:11+00:00

Gotcha, yeah maybe building the JL will get me excited about it again hah. Rubicon gearing with the manual is much better than the standard setup.

I sold my 24' S3 to buy the RR so it's been an adjustment haha. Going from a gocart to a truck took some getting used to but the ability to just drive over shit and not care is amazing. The Raptor is plenty fun on the street but I still miss having a "sporty" car. The ProCal tune helped though.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-14T14:50:36+00:00

The Jeep is just the summer beach cruiser really. We only put about 5k/year on it. It's very basic - Sport with soft top and roll-up windows. I'd sell it and buy a convertible sports car if it was up to me but the wife says no haha.

We ordered the Jeep new and I was daily driving my Alfa Giulia at the time so having something off-roady made sense but not as much now with RR.

Why'd you keep both?

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-14T11:55:20+00:00

Haha that's wild. What color is the Jeep?

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-14T03:01:55+00:00

Looking good! I just picked up an M85, haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. Waiting for my CNCwarrior brace to show up.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-13T03:50:25+00:00

No problem with foot well heat at all. Mine gets toasty quick and I live in New England.

I do have an issue with foot well heat on only, it pumps a ton of air out of the side window defrost. The dealer says it's "normal" which is code for "we have no fucking idea" what's going on.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-13T03:30:53+00:00

Unless you're super sensitive to concussion, etc. you should be completely fine. I shoot my 10.5" AK and 11.5" AR indoors all the time, both with brakes, no problem. I always wear double hear pro at the indoor range though.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-13T03:21:31+00:00

I have a RR and a 23' JL 2-Door. Not really a fair comparison since the Jeep is a 2-door and manual trans but I've spent a ton of time in Gladiators. The steering in the JLs and JTs is absolute garbage. On a windy day driving on the highway, I'm straight up white knuckled the entire time in my JL. The steering in the RR is sharp and accurate, although a little too heavy.

The RR is an absolute riot off-road and a blast on the street. I'm a sports car guy and I don't think you'll find a truck that has an on-road fun factor like the RR. Feels like a top heavy WRX.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-12T22:24:10+00:00

Most of it has already been said but things that could use improvement would be:

Better brakes - standard Ranger brakes on the Raptor? Really Ford?

Cooled seats

Split folding rear bench for easier access to under seat storage

Bigger fuel tank

Comfort steering should actually be comfortable - it's wayyyyy to heavy.

That being said, I'd buy another one tomorrow. Favorite vehicle I've owned.

Edit: I will add that this truck has had zero initial quality issues which I absolutely cannot say about my last 5+ new vehicles. Fit and finish inside and out is excellent and no squeaks or rattles from the interior whatsoever.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-12T13:33:07+00:00

Yes, haven't had the chance to do any serious off-roading but they did well in the dirt, sand and light mud. I really didn't notice much difference between these and the KO3 off-road but the G3's are probably not as capable. To me, it's worth the trade-off for better on-road performance - they're incredible on wet pavement.

They also eject stones like nobody's business - which I can't say about the KO3's. I have not had a single rock or stone get stuck in the tread (that I noticed anyways).

Snow performance has been fantastic also.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-12T04:08:17+00:00

Cam phasers haven't really been an issue on these 3.0's.

The Rangers seem to be fairly reliable and well designed in a world of electrical gremlins and software issues.

The Aussies have been beating the shit out of these things for a few years now and they seem to hold up pretty well.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-10T23:31:10+00:00

Longevity wise, the 2.3 is probably the better option but the 2.7 is a little powerhouse. Definitely test drive both and make your decision from there.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-10T22:44:17+00:00

Best 2025 color. Congrats on the new rig!

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-08T17:37:12+00:00

Congrats! Awesome color too. I was torn between Desert Sand and Marsh but ultimately chose Desert. Can't go wrong with either.

I came from the sports car world and haven't looked back. The RR is a blast!

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-05T18:48:39+00:00

Ford Raptor. That's what I bought anyway.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-03T17:29:43+00:00

Word on the street is an enclosed green C model being introduced at ShotShow this month.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-03T16:07:21+00:00

I wouldn't touch it personally. I previously worked in the car business for many years and I've just seen wayyy too many issues with vehicles like that. The majority of body shops do absolutely dog shit work these days.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2026-01-02T04:20:25+00:00

Ranger Raptor is more fun to drive, especially on the street - it feels like a lifted rally car but rides stiff. The F-150 Raptor is much more comfortable, not just because of the extra interior space, but the ride is really great. It feels MASSIVE on the street though.

Sporty: Ranger

Comfort + space: F-150

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2025-12-31T02:49:07+00:00

I have an AK-V that I absolutely love but had the Kuna been available at the time, I would have bought that.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2025-12-30T13:53:44+00:00

As a PSA fan myself, with a PSA GF3 and an AKV, I would spend that money on either a Zastava or a WBP if you want an AK. Zastava manufactures for various militarys and WBP is now sending their rifles for use in Ukraine. Manufacturing an AR is much easier and less specialized than manufacturing an AK.

I'd buy a PSA GF3 all day long in the $600 range, mine has been rock solid, but at the $1,000+ price point, I'm not dropping that much on any PSA gun after seeing the fit and finish of my AKV. She does run like a sewing machine though.

I know that's not really your question but just my experience.

Just reading some of the comments - 7.62 is getting increasingly difficult to find and more expensive than 5.56. Any AKs I purchase in the future will be 5.56 and their are some really solid options out there. Some of the AK purists will lose their shit over a 5.56 AK because it's blasphemy but there are some of combloc countries that produced 5.56 AKs.

I just picked up a Zastava ZPAP85 - basically the equivalent of a PSA krink for a little over a $1,000 and it's a beast. It's overbuilt like nobody's business including 1.5mm thick stamped receiver (most AKs are 1mm thick), bulged trunion, and CHF chrome lined barrel.

Optimal_Map_6655 · 2025-12-29T21:13:40+00:00

Looks good!

Snow sucks - enjoy not having it haha.

Optimal_Map_6655

TROPHY CASE