4 Wheel ABS in an OBS? - Diesel Forum

AZStang · 02-28-2007, 02:24 PM

I'm still a full time lurker here since I don't have a PSD yet, but I have a question about ABS that I haven't seen come up yet.

One of the things I like about the 99 and up PSD is that they have real ABS on all four corners. Anybody ever added this system to an OBS?

Big K · 02-28-2007, 02:36 PM

AZStang · 02-28-2007, 07:13 PM

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Why?

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I assume you are asking because of where I live and not about the benefits of having ABS on slippery roads.

We have plans to relocate to a much more northerly climate in the not to distant future. I'm sure I'll get some grief for this especially this week, but we miss the snow.

Big K · 02-28-2007, 07:18 PM

I doubt anyone has done this because most will remove ABS before putting it on Voluntarily.

I am sure you would probably have to replace ALOT of parts and wouldn't be worth the cost.

bosefes · 02-28-2007, 07:45 PM

I live in North central Colorado and good tires are your best friend over having ABS. Just about the best all around winter driving tire seems to be a BFG all terrain, they are awesome on ice

94strokerace · 02-28-2007, 08:50 PM

Maybe he is actually wanting a 4 wheel disk brake truck, not necessarily concerned about ABS? I'd love for my OBS to be 4 wheel disk, mainly because I HATE drum brake maintenance/repair.

johndeerebones · 02-28-2007, 11:30 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I'm still a full time lurker here since I don't have a PSD yet, but I have a question about ABS that I haven't seen come up yet.

One of the things I like about the 99 and up PSD is that they have real ABS on all four corners. Anybody ever added this system to an OBS?

[/ QUOTE ]

You would have to have a computer and wheel speed sensors and stuff and a whole lot of fabbing, if ya need it bad just get a different truck, if you use threshold braking you can stop just about, not quite but close to as good as the same truck with it. Like said tires help more than anything.

AZStang · 03-01-2007, 10:58 AM

I understand that to add a modern 4 Wheel Antilock Brake System to an older truck would require, at a minimum, installation of exciter rings and sensors at each wheel, the ABS controller and all the electronics/computer to make it work. Most likely would require a conversion to rear disks as well.

I agree that having proper tires, braking technique, and driving skills are crucial in winter driving conditions. However, braking technique and skill don't equal the safety benefits of having ABS in an emergency braking situation on slippery roads. Again though I'm talking about a modern 4 wheel system and not the 2 wheel.

I was just wondering if anyone has tried it. I guess the answer is no.

Racer_X · 03-01-2007, 03:02 PM

No, haven't added it.
The mid nineties Bronos have 4 wheel abs. You could look for swap parts from them. The rear sensor is in the axle speed sensor. A single sensor like the speed sensors on our trucks. You would need the hyd control unit, the control module, front sensors, the pump motor, relay and accel sensor. Than wiring and plumbing. A major project.

iwantaturbo · 03-01-2007, 04:17 PM

why? thats the first thing i do to a car or truck when i get it si unplug the abs and take the light out of the dash!!!! i can stop the car better with out it.

Racer_X · 03-01-2007, 07:01 PM

My preference would be to take the $ and add the rear disc brakes instead.
But, thats not what Azstang asked for. He's asking for any info on 4 wheel ABS. Too bad the 99 up F-series rears aren't a bolt in deal.

JoshR · 03-01-2007, 08:01 PM

Re iwantaturbo: No, you can't.

I had a 2000 F350 SRW PSD 4x4 with 4-wheel ABS discs, and its braking in snow, etc was amazing for an 8000# vehicle. I had BFG A/T 285s on it, then 255/85/16 Firestone A/T, and both were great in snow.

My current truck has no ABS at all, but it does have new brakes all around. It stops very well most all the time, but I believe the lack of ABS adds to stopping distance in seriously sloppy conditions. On the other hand, the Toyo A/T tires may just be the best tires I've ever driven. I think they stick better in rain and snow than the BFGs, are quieter, and cost less to boot.

As mentioned by others, tires are the most important thing, rivaled only by paying attention. Remember, 4x4 doesn't mean you can stop as well as you can go...

Josh

BlueMule · 03-01-2007, 08:42 PM

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Too bad the 99 up F-series rears aren't a bolt in deal.

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They are, except for the bolt pattern. No big deal, just get an adapter.

Racer_X · 03-02-2007, 11:30 AM

Hadn't thought of wheel adapters. Rodney are you adapting OBS rims to a SD axle? Hmm, Is the Van axle a bolt in?

Sorry AZstang this is a hijacking [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]

LMK Rodney.

RonKZ650 · 03-02-2007, 08:21 PM

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Re iwantaturbo: No, you can't.

My current truck has no ABS at all, but it does have new brakes all around. It stops very well most all the time,

Josh

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How did you get rid of the ABS? I thought unplugging them would disable the speedometer or cruise control from what I understand. I'd love to disable mine. I've had many a close call from that rear wheel ABS that would not have been had they been regular old brakes.