You can use both the old and new forms of RAF's bonus XP and heirlooms to level an Allied Race character without losing your chance at the heritage armor unlock. Please do mind yourself when it comes to getting levels granted from RAF however, as this will invalidate you!
For more details check out these sources which cover it well: https://eu.battle.net/support/en/article/137384
https://twitter.com/WarcraftDevs/status/958849351417176064
You might also want to double-check the RAF XP changes announcement if you have any questions about stacking XP bonuses and the like:
https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-gb/news/21342575/changes-to-recruit-a-friend-now-live
Edited by Zaxithorne 04/02/2018 15:00