For being so arrogant and haughty, you sure don't know as much as you'd like others to think you do about these trucks. These trucks have front ABS on pre '99 models. The ABS is designed to help keep traction to the steering wheels of the truck. What good would it do to put ABS on the rear, where only 10-20% of the braking is done? Ever stomped on your brake pedal in the snow or ice and felt the pedal pulse against your foot? That's the ABS working on the FRONT steering axle to help you keep control of your vehicle in emergency-stopping situations. Now rage on as we all know you love to do...

 

Superduty, Ford did indeed offer RABS on some models. From what I can gather from JPs posts, he has 4-wheel ABS. Unfortunately, parts between the rear-only applications and 4-wheel applications are not necessarily interchangeable.

 

I too have the 4 wheel ABS as my truck is fully loaded being a Lariat and all. However, I don't recall the XLT having the 4 wheel ABS. I know I had a '99 F250 XLT and it only had the front abs.

 

I was merely pointing out that the "standard" ABS that CW stated as being rear-only is in fact standard as front-only.

 

Does your '98 with 4-wheel ABS have the same braided lines running from the MC to the ABS as JPs?

 

The 2 kinds off ABS available in these trucks which are 4 wheel and rear wheel.
It would of made much more since to make it either 4 wheel or front wheel.. but as we all know there are alot of undesirable features that come with these trucks.

 

Gee super, relax, no need for you to "rage on". However, you're not a betting man are you?

Perhaps I was mislead by my experience w/my other FORD truck which definitely has RABS, just like so many other FORDs.

Perhaps I was mislead by '79-'03 Haynes F150 (as you keep trying to claim) when they published: "Two types of systems are used: rear wheel anti-lock system (RABS) and 4-wheel anti-lock (4WABS). RABS only controls lockup on the rear wheels". You're welcome to take: "What good would it do to put ABS on the rear"? directly to FORD.

Perhaps I was mislead by FORD's '98 sales cat stating: "BRAKES: Std, XL, XLT...Power with rear anti-lock" or the 'original window sticker' that states "REAR WHEEL ANTILOCK BRAKES".

Perhaps I was mislead by some mysterious manufacturing error that left my '98 F150 unique, w/the line at front of the MC going STRAIGHT down to a Y on the frame next to driver front disc brake. The Y sends a steel line across to pass side disc brake & the flex hose to L disc brake. The line at rear of MC is a short Z that goes to the ABS valve body directly underneath it. The outlet of the ABS valve connects to a line headed to rearend. There is no sign of front wheel speed sensors, commonly seen on 4WABS, only the same style differential speed sensor, seen on my old FORD & used for speedometer & RABS.

While I enjoyed reading your ABS traction theory, I DO NOT recall any make or model vehicle with "front-only" ABS. Your repetition of "front-only" ABS claims may turn your hypocritical "For being so arrogant and haughty, you sure don't know as much as you'd like others to think you do about these trucks." back on you. Perhaps you were confused by FORD's nebulous description in the 98 Owner Guide that mentions "noise from the hydraulic pump and pulsation in the pedal" which I've never observed & "front wheels are prevented from locking even when the brakes are firmly applied" w/o any mention of "4-wheel".

Thank you so much for repeating your Off Topic critical evaluation of my contributions here. Decorum prevents me from reciprocating. Let the true facts of FORD's design, for once, be resolved on FTE.

Keep in mind that, I noted optional 4WABS for '97 IS different, while describing my '98. Also, whether its RABS (as I believe) or superduty's novel 'FABS' theory, makes no difference in terms of the spiral wire wrapped solid steel line V "briaded steel" Q.

 

Anyone care to support or defend superduty's repetitions of his "front-only" ABS theory?

IMO superduty's string of posts are not only the definition of his Off Topic "haughty" - according to Webster: "disdainfully proud" - but also clearly "arrogant" as well as being 100% WRONG about both RABS & his unique "front-only" ABS ideas.

Common standard "pre '99" RABS is a relatively simple, single circuit system, preventing rear lock up by reproportioning, to reduce rear line pressure. It senses unexpected drops in rear differential speed & modifies both rear brakes by lowering pressure equally. This works quite well b/c its responsive to the great variety of loads carried. In low traction braking rear tires should act kind of like rudders to keep you going straight, if they lock up, it's likely to cause you to 'spin out'. RABS was designed to prevent that. The 4WABS that replaced it, uses 4 individual wheel speed sensors & modulates each brake independantly.

Anyone else ever encounter superduty's "front-only" ABS on an F150? Any '97-'03 F150? Anyone at all?

I still wonder if McCann's '97 has 4WABS so we can resolve the spiral wire wrapped V "briaded steel" Q?

 

does anyone actually care any more. the project is done.

 

Since I suggested that you make up your own lines using a flaring tool, I'm still interested if you had 4WABS & if your '97 had "briaded steel" lines or spiral wire wrapped solid steel lines? Considering you used my suggestions to complete your "project" I don't think its too much to ask.

Any FTE should "care" if superduty's "front-only" ABS theory is applicable, or if my RABS descriptions are correct. Since there are many lurkers, who read only, the membership should be embarassed when even such basic design differences can't not be successfully resolved. If FTE is to be a good source of information, the information must be good. Without resolution the impression that's given is that FORD truck enthusiasts don't even know the basic specs, can't agree on the specs & prefer to cop out instead of achieve understanding.

 

He is under no obligation. Your advice was offered for him to try or reject.

They only thing you need to worry about it is if your information is correct to the best of your knowledge. The Webmaster and the Administrators will determine the rest.

In my experience, RABS is better than no ABS. I have not seen any trucks that only had FABS.

As stated above the project is done. Thread locked.