Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) Experiences

[windowsmedia10]

I have a new MY23 on order and have opted this time to go with the Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) option that is available on 502As and up. My current FX4 truck rides great and wonder what CCD does to the feel of the truck.

Real world experiences and technical details are hard to come across. I've looked through F150Gen14, other forums, and YouTube and there is barely any discussion about it.

Could people with the CCD suspension comment in here about whether or not they like the ride it provides? Would you get it again? Do you regret it? Did you drive regular vs FX4 vs CCD trucks to make your decision?

It would also be nice if someone could post a video of the actual shocks and sensors that you get under the vehicle.

So far I've been able to learn that:

• The system is similar to that on the Expedition and it is pretty well liked on that vehicle
• The actual damping values are controlled by the driving mode selector and are not able to be manually changed
• You can tweak some damping values using FORScan
• It works in conjunction with the onboard scale function

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[dolsen]

It seems to me you’re asking some VERY subjective questions, and you already understand all of the objective stuff. It’s great to get others opinions, but I doubt you’ll get a strong feeling of yea you should get it or now you shouldn’t.

I don’t have it in my F150 but I had it in my 2017 FuSpo. It was great in sport mode because the damping would stiffen up a decent bit, and I loved the road preview functionality (and it would adjust the rears even more than the fronts after the front hit whatever bump was in the road). But, based on that experience, I could take it or leave it. However, if I wanted a more luxurious ride, I’d buy it or install it myself for sure

 

[NVSTG8R]

I have it and the ride quality is excellent. Extremely smooth. With that said. When I ordered mine it wasn’t an option, but because it took 9 months to come in, I ended up getting this option unknowingly. I purchased a 4” coil over BDS lift, and once I took it in to get it installed, realized it won’t work. So if you’re wanting to lift it, with coil overs, don’t get CCD. BDS did come out with a 6” kit for CCD, which will utilized 90% of my kit, minus the shocks & coil overs. I have no idea how it will ride, as the kit doesn’t get installed until the 8th-9th of Feb. However, for off road purposes, I would have preferred non CCD and have the coil overs. Also, I only purchased a 4” kit, but all they make for CCD is a 6”. Again, I might love the ride and if it m not off roaring much, it might be great. You will not have any coil over options though and only a 6” option, if you ever want to lift it. Hope this helps.

 

[FLPB]

I have CCD and really like the ride. I don't have much to compare it to, but I have zero complaints. It seems to smooth out dips and bumps very quickly. There is a noticeable difference in Sport Mode, which is pretty cool. I haven't noticed much change to the ride in other modes, but I also haven't towed a real heavy load. Not sure if other modes change the dampening. Like you, I haven't been able to find much info on it. I have the Powerboost so the FX4 package was somewhat redundant, which is why I opted for the CCD and would again.

 

[Snakebitten]

Here's one thread of a few where CCD is discussed.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/2022-ccd-shocks-ride-like-crap.12529/

 

[capiche87]

I have a 2023 PB Platinum 4x4 with CCD. I was disappointed with the ride when I first got it. It was too floaty to the point your butt would lift off the seat. I do 50/50 mix of city/highway. Louisiana is loaded with potholes to test your suspension on.

BUT I have 4000 miles currently and the ride is much improved. I’m not sure if the system had a learning period to adjust or the shocks settled in. It rides better than my 2018 FX4. I would definitely recommend it, but heads up on “break-in” period.

 

[oneinch]

I ordered my truck with CCD and in my opinion it rides no better no worse than my 2013 truck. Now, it probably does ride better (besides being new), but my butt can't feel it. The option isn't all that expensive. I say if you think it might give you a better ride then go for it.

Ahh, but there is a flip side to consider. Think about how you'll use your truck. Do you off-road; hills, rocks, and ruts? If you do you may want to pass on CCD. You don't get Rock Crawl mode or Hill Descent Control with CCD. You can add these features easily and inexpensively after the fact though. I did just this though I don't off-road. I just wanted the features because they're so easy to add. A second thing, many people like to level their trucks. I chose to reduce the rake by lowering the rear with shackles. I have no interest in a taller truck. Lowering the rear with Ford's shackles was easy enough. I like the new look, but here's the rub. My rear ride height is lower. Besides lowering shackles what else could lower ride height? Weight in the bed. With my lower ride height my onboard scales now think the truck is overloaded. I need my ride height adjusted to a new zero and I don't know how to do this with CCD suspension. I've searched and searched and so far have not found specific instructions how to do so or if it even can be done. The ride height sensors are built into the CCD shocks somehow someway. Trucks without CCD have a link and lever sensor.

Anyhow, just a couple of things to think about. If you are okay with your truck as it comes from the factory and don't off-road, then I say spend the few additional dollars and get CCD. It probably in fact gives a better ride. $6-7 hundred dollars won't break the bank. CCD won't be a worse ride.

 

[J17GT]

I have CCD on my Lariat and I honestly can't stand the ride in Normal mode. 100% regret putting that option on the order form. I call it 'CCuD' for continuously controlled under dampened. Just way too soft and floaty. Sure it takes harsh bumps really well, but dips in the road the front of the truck feels like an 80s Cadillac with bad shocks. Just so much float to it. When I first got the truck I took a few buddies for a ride. The first comment "man this things floats down the road."

Even my kids notice it. They are tearing up the road outside of our neighborhood and it's rough pulling out, the truck rocks and rolls like a mushy marshmallow over the bumps. I put it in Sport mode and it feels soooo much better. My oldest daughter explained it felt like we just put air in the tires. LOL

My previous truck was a 2011 FX4 with some Bilstein shocks and struts. The ride was firm, but didn't bother me at all. I did not expect CCD to be as firm as the old truck, but never expected it to be this soft. My wife's 2020 Explorer has a firmer ride than this truck does.

The thread that @Snakebitten references has some Forscan info in it. I think it's my time to dig in on Forscan as I need to figure out how to stiffen this thing up in Normal mode.

 

[J17GT]

I have a 2023 PB Platinum 4x4 with CCD. I was disappointed with the ride when I first got it. It was too floaty to the point your butt would lift off the seat. I do 50/50 mix of city/highway. Louisiana is loaded with potholes to test your suspension on.

BUT I have 4000 miles currently and the ride is much improved. I’m not sure if the system had a learning period to adjust or the shocks settled in. It rides better than my 2018 FX4. I would definitely recommend it, but heads up on “break-in” period.

My hunch is you're just getting used to the ride. I have 6500 miles on mine and nothing has changed. I was hoping I would have gotten used to it by now, but it drives me nuts how soft it is.

 

[mdomicolo]

I have CCD on my Lariat and I honestly can't stand the ride in Normal mode. 100% regret putting that option on the order form. I call it 'CCuD' for continuously controlled under dampened. Just way too soft and floaty. Sure it takes harsh bumps really well, but dips in the road the front of the truck feels like an 80s Cadillac with bad shocks. Just so much float to it. When I first got the truck I took a few buddies for a ride. The first comment "man this things floats down the road."

Even my kids notice it. They are tearing up the road outside of our neighborhood and it's rough pulling out, the truck rocks and rolls like a mushy marshmallow over the bumps. I put it in Sport mode and it feels soooo much better. My oldest daughter explained it felt like we just put air in the tires. LOL

My previous truck was a 2011 FX4 with some Bilstein shocks and struts. The ride was firm, but didn't bother me at all. I did not expect CCD to be as firm as the old truck, but never expected it to be this soft. My wife's 2020 Explorer has a firmer ride than this truck does.

The thread that @Snakebitten references has some Forscan info in it. I think it's my time to dig in on Forscan as I need to figure out how to stiffen this thing up in Normal mode.

Ugh! I have the same exact issue with mine! I hate it!

 

[Snakebitten]

Just unplug one of them and enjoy the truck far more while you decide what you might do to address it.

 

[air2mag]

I like the CCD. Yes it’s a little soft at times, but a quick knob turn to sport mode firms it up. I like having the option to change the ride feel that easily. The scale option, I regret ordering it. Maybe mines just whacked, but it’s never right.

 

[Polo08816]

I wouldn't get the CCD. There are too many good aftermarket options for this truck now.

 

[Snakebitten]

For the shortcomings of the factory CCD damping calibration, the price for entry of the technology is le$$than the price of one quality aftermarket damper. An amazing value, if in fact you can get results that satisfy.

Few things are more subjective than "ride" though. So what ended up pleasing me enough to be happy with CCD might not do the same for the next fella.

 

[Polo08816]

Is there a reputable CCD delete kit? Asking with the 2024 Platinum in mind.

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