Deleting ABS on a 2003 w/2.3L... transplanting in something else

[Frank S]

So, I'm transplanting the 2.3L Duratec and five speed auto from a wrecked 2003 Ranger. Am I going to have a problem with the ECU if I don't use the ABS system? Is that even controlled by the ECU (my guess is it is...)? It's going in a 1961 Rambler convertible, little car, a little smaller than the same year Falcon. Weighs around 3,000 pounds, but the old six is really heavy -- I'll be losing at least 300 pounds easily. Will have discs brakes all the way around, don't really need or want the ABS. I'd like to keep it simple and not use it. I don't care if it means the CEL is on all the time as long as it doesn't affect running and driving. I can ignore the CEL (or not hook one up) and plug in my OBDII scanner if it runs rough/feels like I'm having issues. Anyone deleted or disabled the ABS on a 2000's Ranger? My understanding is the brakes are supposed to revert to old style non-ABS brakes if the ABS controller fails.

 

[Frank S]

Found the answer on another Ranger forum... sort of. Found enough info that I'm confident it can be removed without affecting anything other than the CEL and ABS lights. I might be able to ground a wire and fool the ECU into thinking it's there. If not the CEL will stay on and there will be a code. I'm not too concerned about that. I may not even wire a CEL in. If it starts having an issue I'll just plug my reader in and see what it is. If it's running fine there should be no codes. I will probably check it every now and then anyway. The article refers to a 2007, but there is several mentions of the 2003 and earlier being different.
Delete Anti-Lock Brakes Article -- 2007 Ranger

 

[bobbywalter]

pretty sure the 2003 will be ok. speedometer reporting can be an issue but i would be using all custom gauging anyway and no pats...make the eec system stand alone.