If you go with a Raptor are we talking new or used? If used IMHO I'd look for a Supercab model with the 5.4L you get plenty of HP, and normal F150 MPG vs the 6.2L which will never get more than 13MPG ever..... My father in law's 2010 with the 6.2L gets 6MPG off road and 10-11MPG in town. Only on long trips does he ever see 13MPG. Beautiful truck for sure, but you pay for that 411HP.
Raptors are great, but the transmissions are known for leaky pan gaskets (it gets cooked by the exhaust) My father in law has had his leak 4 times now and it is not friendly to check the fluid level on and requires an additional aftermarket 250.00 dipstick setup to check like a normal rig...... Or face burning your hand every time you crawl under it to check it. I love the look of the Supercab model vs the Supercrew. The third taillight is also known to leak and short out your brake lights so make sure you seal it well if you get a Raptor! My father in law was almost rear ended due to that crap...
I think an H3T is more unique than a Raptor these days. At first Raptors were rare, but now you see them almost as much as JK/JKU's. I really think the CV issues have to do with your tbar's. I've been running the Cardone CV's on my leveled H3 Alpha with no issues for nearly 8K. My H3's are the least expensive 4x4's I've ever owned. Sure I've replaced a few parts due to wear, but nothing that's been major at all.
I'd own a 2010 Supercab 5.4L Redish/Orange Raptor in a heartbeat if I needed a truck, but I'd look for an 09-10 H3T Alpha first. The ride and suspension on the Raptor is fantastic, along with the aftermarket support, but I like the ride well enough on my H3 and with the aftermarket stuff we can get for our H3's I'd be perfectly happy with an H3T.
It's up to you, but I'd hold onto the H3 at least until the newer 2016 Raptor comes out giving the older ones a serious price drop.
