ABS Brakes

Rob,
Not sure how legal it is, but I've pulled out the fuse on my ABS in the GU and made up a component which replaces the fuse, has 2 wires, an in-line fuse of the same value (7.5amps) and a switch on the dash.
I can now switch off the ABS as soon as I hit gravel. The idiot light on the dash reminds me that the ABS is off.
Works 1000% better on gravel roads now.
Cheers
Roachie

could you enlighten us dimbo's on what happens on dirt or gravel

Dont know whether its "legal" or not , but Insurance Co's take a very dim view of bypassing the ABS.

I know plenty of people do it (either pull the fuse , or a switch like Roachie) , but , I haven't had any problems with my ABS on the dirt.

I have had the same problems where the truck will not stop. Some times it is better to have that wedge of dirt build up under the wheels in a pannic stop.
I have a blown fuse that I insert when on dirt. That way the insurance co woiuld never know.

I cannot see why it wouod be illegal as some cars have switches as standard to switch off the ABS when used on dirt or ice. I think early landrovers with ABS have this feature but am not sure.

Blown fuse sounds the go if you are thinking the insurance will think you are not responsible...if they did, they would probably weigh the cruiser and ditch you on that approach....
With the 80 series, you can put a factory dash switch in that turns off the abs.....with the 100, i dont think its that easy.....the switch accross the fuse sounds easiest....
Toyota would be liable for being sued if you could cruise to any speed on dirt with no ABS....but as stated, it sometimes doesnt work in your favour.....
Andrew

Have you guys picked on a problem that really get's my goat!
Why the hell they put ABS on a 4wd (which will be used as a 4wd) is beyond me. Like Roachie, I have had some bad experiences, even at very low speeds. At the very least, you should be able to switch the damn thing off when conditions warrent it.
I'll be talking to Toyota within two weeks about this problem.

Regards

Kim

All,
I intentionally specified ABS for our '98 Prado after doing a couple of defensive driving courses and seeing the difference it made in braking distance, especially in the wet, and the ability to steer (around the obstacle) while braking. Won't buy a car without ABS now.
BUT.... on the sand tracks of Fraser Is, descending a steep sand track, and the ABS results in essentially no brakes. Had a couple of big scares. In low range, the ABS tuning is much less sensitive, and it works pretty well in the rough (ABS still works, but doesn't cause the same drama). In high range, no brakes. For a couple of trips I drove everywhere in low range so I could have brakes. These days, I unplug the power cables from the ABS pump unit. ABS warning light reminds me that is isn't working. I plug it back in when heading back to the bitumen.

Flappa,

I've never had a problem with ABS on the road. Off road is when it can become dangerous

Get out there and try it my friend!

Kim

On the Landcruiser I believe the ABS is automatically dis-engaged when you lock the centre diff.

Peter L

I don't see why you would want to disable the ABS, on the trip to the cape I had no gripes with the stopping ability even for the washouts. The bolt came out of the selector shaft while I was in fourth gear and I drove back from fruitbat falls to atheton in fourth gear - no problem. I certainly had the abs working at times but the vehicle still slowed down.

Graham P

I too have had bad experiences with ABS in muddy conditions coming down a steep hill. Had both feet on the brake pedal with a corner coming up but was unable to stop the patrol due to the ABS fighting me. I did manage to make the corner but that was one of the most scary feelings i've had, a runaway patrol with virtually no brakes knowing fully that if there was no ABS I would have been able to slow the vehicle with no problems. Got caught in a sudden storm on the way down from the Trig station at bendeethra NSW. Scary to say the least.