IS A 94 EXPLORER 4WABS AN UPGRADE TO A 87BII?

[gaz]

Hello,

BII: 94 Explorer's D35+8.8", 4" suspension lift, 31.5" rubber


94 Explorer for parts I thought why not use it's complete ABS system in the BII. The Bronco will be dual purpose part time DD and the primary tow rig for a modest camper/trailer.

Like I suggested, without thinking I expected it would be a positive upgrade but after sifting through the tech pages and first 10 pages of our Brake Forum posts, I would really like some objective opinions. While I am accustomed to driving vehicles with ant-lock brakes, I have had few complaints with the RABS systems of the Ranger/BII.

Off-road driving I have never wished for front ABS but on 1 or 2 occasions, I thought it may have helped on the street.

All ideas, thoughts and opinions are welcome.

 

[Blmpkn]

I hate abs.

Everything I've driven with (functioning) abs has been extremely touchy in the snow and has caused butt pucker moments.

I hated driving my 2010 in the snow, even with snow tires, because the thing didn't want to stop. Pulled the abs fuse and it was all wavy gravy after that.

 

[Curious Hound]

I wouldn't do it. BUT... I am 57 yrs old and learned to drive way before ABS became a thing. I also would not want to add more complications to the brake system.

Just my opinion.
K.I.S.S.

 

[gaz]

@Blmpkn and @ericbphoto ,

Thank you for your thoughts. As of now I am taking the "HARD PASS" on the full 4WABS addition to the 87 BII RABS.

 

[Shran]

Yeah absolutely not. I can think of one time where ABS saved my ass but several others where it definitely made things worse - although that was GM ABS and I have never been real pleased with how that works in general. In addition... I do not even like the rear ABS... the RABS valve on my Explorer started leaking and I'd lose brake pressure on hills.

I am gonna remove all of the ABS junk from my '94 if ya REALLY want it

 

[bobbywalter]

I love abs. With the ability to use it to manipulate traction.... And the ability to turn it off..


It is a complication, but also potentially a useful tool to the initiated.

I used it in place of a full-time locker for many years. The old system is basically stand alone and easily adapted.

It's also old.

 

[ford4wd08]

I remember on a Wrangler JK that I had for a short time, that the ABS was programed to where if a wheel slipped, it would apply the brake at that wheel to push power in the open diffs to the other wheel. It wasn't a locker, but definitely was all the average person needed.