Ride Height Calibration after Lift

[JohnGalt]

A while back I installed Hypercoil 1”/2” springs, Foutz top hats and 38s. The ride was noticeably stiffer, but I marked it down to new springs, sturdier sidewalls etc. I got used to it. Then I drive a friends stock Raptor and I realized the difference. It couldn’t be right.

My truck reacted harshly to small bumps and potholes in otherwise smooth rides. Seemed okay off-road, but very noticeable on road.

About that time I saw a post somewhere on whether ride height needed to be recalibrated after a lift or not. Learned separately how to check the ride height and recalibrate the VDM module in Forscan.

Sadly I forgot to check the ride height measurements before recalibrating, but the recalibration went smooth. My truck is riding much more like stock again.

In any event, if you’ve done a lift and not done the recalibration you might want to look into it. If you’re Forscan capable it’s a very quick service procedure.

 

[Greybeard]

I'm not sure about the calibration, but I have an almost identical setup, except I have Hypercoil springs and 38 x 13.5 R17 tires. I felt the same way when I finished the install. I adjusted the air pressure, and it had a massive impact on ride quality.

 

[JohnGalt]

I'm not sure about the calibration, but I have an almost identical setup, except I have Hypercoil springs and 38 x 13.5 R17 tires. I felt the same way when I finished the install. I adjusted the air pressure, and it had a massive impact on ride quality.

I think I remember your install, you had E rated tires, correct? I’ve got Ds, but running 38x13.5x 17 at 36 psi on road.

You still might want to check your ride height and run the calibration, if you or your shop didn’t. A super simple procedure (if you’ve got Forscan) and it rides noticeably better than it did.

I’ve come to learn having your ride height out of tolerance has adverse aspects beyond stiff on road handling.

 

[TurboS]

I think I remember your install, you had E rated tires, correct? I’ve got Ds, but running 38x13.5x 17 at 36 psi on road.

You still might want to check your ride height and run the calibration, if you or your shop didn’t. A super simple procedure (if you’ve got Forscan) and it rides noticeably better than it did.

I’ve come to learn having your ride height out of tolerance has adverse aspects beyond stiff on road handling.

I also advise running the ride height calibration if different springs or shock collars are installed. The calibration should establish the "new" ride height as the baseline for the Fox active shocks which effects everything shock related. If the lift was installed at a Ford dealer, the technician should have known to run this calibration post install.

My local Ford dealer service department has Ford Mobile service, and this seems like a reprogramming candidate for that service.

 

[Greybeard]

Interesting. I was unaware of this. I have seen a few mentions of Forscan. I'm blissfully ignorant, but it appears to be worthwhile. Seems I need to dive into this a bit more.

 

[JohnGalt]

Interesting. I was unaware of this. I have seen a few mentions of Forscan. I'm blissfully ignorant, but it appears to be worthwhile. Seems I need to dive into this a bit more.

It’s really hard to find definitive info on the topic. This AI summary response is probably the most useful info I’ve gotten…..

Ride height is critical on a Ford Raptor with Live Valve shocks because the system relies on sensors to know the exact position of the suspension to function properly. If the ride height is changed—by a leveling kit, heavier bumper, or worn springs—without recalibration, the Vehicle Dynamics Module (VDM) receives incorrect data, causing the shocks to operate in the wrong, often overly stiff, zone.

Here is why maintaining and calibrating ride height is essential:
1. The VDM and "Zero Point" Calibration
• The System's "Brain": The Live Valve system uses height sensors to determine if the truck is cruising, turning, or jumping 500 times a second.
• Consequence of Improper Height: If you lift the truck without recalibrating (using tools like FORScan), the sensors tell the VDM that the truck is constantly in a "jump" or "extended" position. The system then prematurely ramps up compression damping, resulting in a stiff, jittery, and uncomfortable ride.
• The Fix: Ride height calibration resets the "zero point" of the sensors, allowing the computer to correctly identify the new static ride height and manage dampening properly.
2. Internal Bypass Functionality
• The "Ride Zone": FOX Live Valve shocks are position-sensitive, meaning they have a specific "ride zone" where the shock is designed to be soft for daily comfort.
• Effect of Lifting: Installing a lift or perch collar changes the resting position of the piston inside the shock body.
• Reduced Comfort: This pushes the piston out of the optimal ride zone, resulting in less "bleed" through the bypass ports, leading to a firmer ride at low speeds.
3. Maintaining "Rake"
• Factory Setup: Raptors come from the factory with "rake," meaning the rear is higher than the front (usually by about 50mm). This is essential for handling acceleration, braking, and load distribution.
• Handling Compromise: Leveling the truck removes this rake, which can cause the front to sit too high in its travel, making the steering feel light or wandering, and reducing rear-end traction.
4. Component Protection and Clearance
• Bottom-Out Zones: The Live Valve system manages the "bottom-out" zone to prevent harsh impacts. Incorrect ride height can cause the system to engage this zone too early or not enough.
• Tire Scrubbing: If the ride height is altered, larger tires (like 35s or 37s) might not have the clearance intended by the suspension’s engineered arc, leading to rubbing on the inner fenders, even with a lift.

Summary for Modifications: If you install a leveling kit, lift, or heavy-duty bumper/winch on a Gen 3 (or Gen 2) Raptor, FORScan calibration is mandatory to ensure the Live Valve shocks do not make the truck ride poorly.

 

[KRB]

I had the Ford Performance Pro Cal 4 tune installed at my Ford Dealer (2024 Bronco Raptor). I then had Eibach springs installed on the front. It leveled it (brought it up 1"). The recalibration of the shocks didn't work. I'm assuming it has to do with the Pro Cal. Any advise??

 

[JohnGalt]

I’m no expert on any of this, but….

You could have the dealer do it, I’ve read that they typically charge an hour of labor (it takes less than 10 minutes with Forscan if it goes smoothly).

Forscan is the other option if you’re comfortable downloading the software, navigating to the VDM calibration and following prompts from there. There are videos on YouTube on F150 Raptors walking through this.

Hardest part for me was getting my ECU number (Whipple tune) to set up the initial profile. My friend with a Ford Performance tune uninstalled his tune with ProCal, then we ran Forscan, then reinstalled ProCal tune after. That got around that issue for him.

Forscan is kind of a pain the first time through (download, license key, etc), if all you want to do is recalibrate suspension, paying the dealer may be the simplest choice.

Also I’m learning that Ford has been making less things available for update via Forscan on newer models, so that could

Finally a video that shows someone who couldn’t “see” the VDM module on his Raptor so he disconnected a shock. I did NOT have to do that. The second half of the video shows how to see your current ride height and running the calibration.

 

[KRB]

Thank You! I appreciate your help/advice.