2017 Ford F150 Raptor: A Dream Built on Passion

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Introduction: Meet Dylan Sanchez

Dylan Sanchez - 2017 Ford F150 Raptor

IG: @Project_rubyraptor_3.5

Photographer/Author - Donnie Rochin

IG - @r0cean11

FB - r0cean11 Photography

http://www.r0cean11.com

“You had role models that you looked up to; now it’s your turn to be the role model to the kids who want to be like you.” — Dylan

I’m Dylan Sanchez, a 24-year-old from Grand Prairie, Texas, currently working at Discount Tire. I make an honest living while indulging my passion for cars and trucks. Growing up, I was surrounded by vehicles, which fueled my enthusiasm for the automotive world.

Early Influences and Automotive Passion

My older brother and I spent our weekends at the Kennedale Drag Strip, racing 1/2-scale dragsters. We played racing games like Midnight Club, NHRA, Need For Speed, Forza, and Ford vs. Chevy. It seemed that every game we played revolved around cars and racing. As we grew older, I set out to turn the dreams I had in those video games into reality. Sunday mornings were often spent at my grandma’s house, watching Speed Channel and Power Nation TV, where I absorbed information about cars and watched legends like Chip Foose transform hand-drawn renderings into stunning realities.

Movies like The Fast and the Furious and Cars shaped my vision for my future, while Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby inspired me to pursue a fast-paced life.

The Dream: 2017 Ford F150 Raptor

The Ford Raptor has been a dream of mine ever since its release in 2010. When the 2017 model debuted with its restyled F150 design, I fell in love. The combination of a lighter truck and a more powerful yet fuel-efficient engine made it unique and truly stand out. That’s what sold me on it.

I started my truck journey with a stock 2011 F150, making small modifications here and there. I eventually traded it in for a 2018 F150, which I owned for four years until it was unfortunately totaled. What you see now is my replacement.

Owning this truck brings me immense pride, especially knowing it was a childhood dream. I’ve been gradually immersing myself in the automotive industry, doing everything on my own—working hard, earning money, enjoying life, and building my dream vehicle exactly how I envision it. When people approach me to ask questions or give compliments, it fills me with warmth, confirming that I’m on the right path.

Ownership Experience

This truck is a lot of fun to own! Like anything else, it has its ups and downs, but I believe you get out what you put in. I’m meticulous about maintenance—performing oil changes and tire rotations every 5,000 miles, and using a fuel system cleaner every 10,000 miles. I wash it at least once a week, as it can get dirty quickly, but it takes time to clean it properly.

Before purchasing this truck, I ensured that the cam phasers and timing chain were updated to the new design, and that the oil pan gasket was replaced, as these are common issues that can be costly to fix. While the Raptor comes well-equipped from the factory, I believe that starting with small modifications can make a significant difference in appearance and performance.

What Makes My Raptor Stand Out

What truly makes my Raptor unique is not only its striking color but also its body lines, which feature a factory-wide body design. It stands out on the road, easily identifiable as a Raptor and not just another F-150. I’ve chosen to take this truck to shows and make it look good, which is not something many people do.

2017 Ford F150 Raptor Modifications Overview

Engine and Drivetrain Modifications

• Cobb radiator shroud

• K&N air filter

• 3-inch dual exhaust with Flowmaster Flow FX mufflers and 5-inch color-matched rolled tips

Suspension Modifications

• Factory Fox 3.0 shocks

Brakes, Wheels, and Tires Modifications

• 17x9 Enkei Cyclone wheels with +12 offset

• Wrapped in 35x12.50r17 Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires with True Spike lug nuts

Interior Modifications

• Zencarbon fiber interior door handle covers

• Steering wheel trim cover

• Rear console cover

Audio/Video System

• Skar dual 12-inch sealed box

• 2 VD-12 subwoofers

• Kicker CXA800.1 amp

• Sony speakers

• Stock Sync 3 system

Exterior Modifications

• Zencarbon fiber mirror caps

• Door handle covers

• Fender vent covers

• Carbon fiber mesh foglight covers

• Rough Country tri-pod foglight setup with amber DRL

• Morimoto XB headlights with amber DRL

• Morimoto XB LED smoked taillights

• Morimoto X3B LED brake light

• Redrock roof spoiler

• True Spike license plate hardware

I’ve completed a lot of the exterior work myself. For the sound system, I visited a local shop, Expert Car Audio (@expertcaraudio). The exhaust was handled by A&B Mufflers #3 (@abmufflers_3).

Future Plans for Ruby

I have many plans for Ruby, starting with adding rock lights to illuminate the night. I want to install M&R dual 40-inch light bars with amber DRLs, Geiser +3-inch progressive springs, Deaver rear leaf springs, COBB tuning, FMIC, cold air intake, boost tubes, and a coolant tank cover. I plan to get everything color-matched to the truck and do a custom back half wrap, as well as install custom R1 Concepts brake pads and rotors, a Velossa Tech quad, a BIG mouth ram air intake, snorkels, a Sigala carbon fiber tailgate panel, lower grille caps, and an antenna cover. Additionally, I want Katzkin custom leather seats, a starlight headliner, and a Zencarbon fiber steering wheel with a carbon fiber shifter and custom shifter boot.

Acknowledgments

I want to thank all my friends and family who have encouraged me to pursue my passion and not worry about others' opinions. Special shoutouts to:

• Kraken Show Team @kraken_show_team

• RDM Builds @rdmbuilds

• TDK Built @tdkbuilt

• Kraken @krakenmotorsports

• Ultimate Garage Events @ultimategarageevents @ultimategarageeventstx

• @datboi_eric

• @darkstar_s2k and @boostinbeauty

• @static_asx

• @hercwithdag8

Without these groups and individuals, and the knowledge they share, I wouldn't be where I am today on this journey.

The Automotive Community

The automotive scene has introduced me to a diverse array of people at various stages in their journeys. It shows me that everyone has their own pace and unique tastes. I support everyone I know and celebrate their achievements because sometimes people forget that this isn’t just a job; it’s something we all love to do. We’ve all started from the bottom, and it’s essential to show love and support for one another. This isn’t just a hobby for me; it’s my happiness, my escape from reality, and my way of expressing myself and my creativity. I strive to stand out from the crowd.

Dream Car Aspirations

Naming my dream car is a tough decision, as this Raptor is one of my dream vehicles. However, I would also love to own an F350 SRW or a Honda EK hatch in the future.

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