Adapting Ford ABS to a 57 F100

Question

Adapting Ford ABS to a 57 F100

Darkman270 (Automotive)

(OP)

20 Jul 02 00:21

OK this is what I want. I have a 57 Ford F100 that I am installing a Fatman Mus II IFS kit in. I learned that it is possible to use Crown Vic spindles on the Mus II A frames if you raise the spring hat about a inch and modify the lower control arm end. Getting a taller spring isn't a problem and the arm modification seem straightforward enough. Using the Crown Vic spindles gives me the complete front brake package. Adapting the rear Crown Vic brakes can be done. I would assume that by using the front spindles I would have the front covered on sensors and the same for the rear. What is in the middle? I realize that a computer is used. Is it the same one that controls the engine? Does it require engine signals to work the brake system. It seems to me that this is a doable project but I really haven't got a clue.
What do you think?

Charles in Pensacola

GregLocock (Automotive) · Answer 1 · 2002-07-21 19:31:58

The ABS is controlled by the BEM (Body Electronic Module) in the Fords I've seen. This is usually a separate computer to the EEC, although they are integrated in some cars. The two modules do talk to each other as the ABS needs to know that the engine is running, and modern EECs take their speed signal from the BEM, sometimes. Also the trans is run from the BEM and it needs to know a lot about the engine.

What you are proposing is possible, and interesting. It is also potentially very dangerous. We spend a year and a half tuning the ABS for each new model - which is basically the same weight and brake system as the previous model. The settings for a Mustang would probably be completely different from those on a truck and you have no way of knowing what is going on inside the BEM.

If you've got a suitable testing ground it would certainly be interesting to try it out, but if you were to lose it on a public road then the insurance company will make you wish you hadn't survived the wreck.

Can you get an aftermarket system perhaps? I don't know if they are available, if not it's probably because of the above reasoning.

Cheers

Greg Locock

Darkman270 (Automotive) · Answer 2 · 2002-07-21 20:56:52

Hi Greg,

Pretty sobering thought. From the research that I've done so far the mid 90's Crown Vics use a stand alone system. I would be able to bolt on the Crown system pretty much intact. Now it is possible that I could use a system off of a F150 and that would be close to the same weights. If the system works off of wheel speed or deceleration of speed why would the weight matter. I understand that some systems now are very intergrated but it seems that the Ford Crown Vic is pretty basic. I appreciate any help you can offer. I have been brain storming this with a bunch of street rodders and we are used to adapting and fabricating to accomplish what we need.

Of course the whole reason we are looking at this is that ABS is safer.

Thanks
Charles in Pensacola

GregLocock (Automotive) · Answer 3 · 2002-07-22 01:40:16

Everything you say is reasonable, and for an off road vehicle I'd be keen to give it a go. But for a vehicle to be used on public roads I'd be very wary. It's one of these things where most of the time it'll be fine, but there will be some circumstance where it won't.

Cheers

Greg Locock

waynor57 (Automotive) · Answer 4 · 2002-11-14 16:15:58

Charles,
I just joined eng-tips and was intrigued by your MII project. I have a Heidt's crossmember in a 46 Chevy truck and have been pondering a spindle swap to get bigger brakes instead of a rotor/caliper adapter. A second reason for a spindle swap is to get improved camber gain from a taller spindle. The ball joint adaptation shouldn't been much of a problem but what about the steering arm and tie rod location? Is the Crown Vic location close enough to avoid bump steer and is the length close enough to get full lock-to-lock?
Just wondering,
Wayne

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Adapting Ford ABS to a 57 F100