Deleting ABS on a first gen?

Has anyone done it to theirs? After driving around on slick roads off and on for about 3 weeks since I got the truck, I've come to the conclusion that the ABS sucks just as bad on this truck as it did on my 2011. How hard would it be to disable it? I couldn't find any write-ups on this topic so bear with me here.

Maybe I'm just not used to it, I learned to drive without ABS and the first handful of vehicles I had were all pre-ABS equipped, but to me it seems like that having ABS makes stopping even harder on slick surfaces.

 

Some posted they just removed the fuse. I know the bigger fuse, the one that bolts in, causes the light to turn on, so I assume they are talking about the smaller plug in fuse.

 

I pulled the the abs fuse on other vehicles before to kill the abs. Just make sure it doesn't turn off other important things also.

 

I can corroborate that the ABS in the first-gen tacomas sucks. I had the same conclusion when I bought my 2004 a few years back and about a week and a half after purchasing I pulled the second, smaller ABS fuse. No ill-effects to the braking system other than disabling the ABS completely. It will turn the warning light on, so I pulled the gauge cluster and removed the bulb.

I'd ultimately like to get rid of the ABS pump completely but that will require quite a bit of re-plumbing of the brake lines. Not sure what to do with the brake proportioner on the rear either once the pump is gone, since it comes from the pump I believe.

Anyways, TL;DR = Pull the smaller ABS fuse and you're good to go!

 

yeah i have owned some early 90s bmws, and their ABS was lightyears ahead of these tacomas... every car i have ever driven with ABS does a much better job, this tacoma ABS is downright dangerous..

 

Thank you! Am yanking that bastard out first thing tomorrow morning when I can see!

 

I agree 100%, surprised they haven't had recalls over it. The ABS in my wife's 1998 Ford Explorer works great and she can stop it on a dime on ice while I go sliding right on by.

 

It does suck, here on the iceroads of MN the abs system couldn't be more irritating. It feels like the whole God damn truck is having a seizure when it activates.

 

Totally, my wife thinks there is something bad going wrong with the truck whenever it kicks in. I just tell her it's the ABS and not to worry, it's always like that.

 

reviving this thread

Anyone completely remove the entire ABS system out of their truck? Not just pulling the fuse and light bulb, but the entire unit along with all the hoses.

 

Yes, I believe that @jberry813 did, details are in his build if I remember correctly.

 

Everyone will have an opinion on ABS, mine is pretty much same as yours....ABS sux ballz & around here have caused more accidents than they've ever prevented.... I found it odd that whenever it glitched & the ABS light came on is the only time my brakes felt & behaved like they should.....

 

If you do the grey wire mod then you can turn off/on the ABS by simply hitting the diff lock button.

 

Yeah but don't want to be locked on pavement....

 

i agree for the most part. I think on wet or icy pavement conditions it is not a big deal tho.

Edit: The rear is lightly loaded. If you leave it in 2WD and drive carefully it can only improve traction. Actually I usually stay in 4WD when there is snow/ice on the pavement.

 

No diff lock on mine.

 

You run that locker on snow/ice pavement (no 4wd)the first corner you take you'll be loosing all traction...Even in 4wd the rear will always feel like its on marbles. You might manage it if you're a good driver but it'll eventually bite you in the ass.

 

Lockers are only good for getting out of a sticky situation. My old Jeep had one and I only ever had to use it 2 times off road to get out of something. Wouldn't dare use it on the streets and definitely not on ice. Disaster waiting to happen! I tried it in my backyard once for shits and giggles during the winter and it spun all over the place.

 

Lockers are also great for getting you INTO a sticky situation.