well, ive been to the dunes 2 times on the new raptor. i cant say that i am pleased with the gearing performance . 1st revs out very quickly, then second luggs quite hard till the revs are picked up, and it is very hard to get out of second through the dunes as third will really lugg. i think 95% of riding was 2nd gear- top to bottom.
i could only hill shoot in second.
what will help the raptor. do i have to invest in a pipe or can i change sprockets and get a more favorable gear range? if so can you recomend witch to get?
thanks in advance,
mster

 

I have just bought an '02 Raptor and with only an hour on it so far I think the gearing is perfect. You have to remember that the Raptor red lines at 9000 rpm's, so make sure your up in the rpm's before shifting.

 

For a stock Raptor in Glamis use 13/42 Dumont 13/43 Sand Mountain 13/43 but I suggest you invest in a jet kit and exhaust tip with a cut air box.

686 Raptor Glamis 13/41 Dumont 13/42 Sand Mountain 13/42 or 43

700+ Raptor Glamis 13/40 or 41 Dumont 13/41 Sand Mountain 13/41

 

mster,
I noticed the same thing after a long weekend at Silver Lake (the local dune spot). I'll be going with a 13/42 setup next year to get out of second gear and into third a little more. I did have a Pro/Design/K&N setup with a Dynojet kit, and it revs faster and pulls harder even with a stock pipe.

 

what are the stock sizes - front and back????

 

first off stock is 13/40, I noticed nobody the mentioned the "cheap" option which is a 12T front sprocket (equivalent to 13/43). advantage: relatively cheap and easy to do, can use stock chain, disadvantage strain/stress on the countershaft, gears things so you rev fairly high at all times, and a lack of top end. the best way is to get a series of sprockets 41,42,43 and a new chain (necessary for the 42,43), this only addresses the gearing. If you want to "do it right" in addition to the gearing get a new silencer, open up your airbox, use aftermarket air filter, and after that a jet kit. then you're set