Two quick questions

[walnuts75]

A few weeks ago I took off the left rear drum because of the popping noises coming from that brake. When I looked at it I noticed that the actuating cable that connects to the self adjuster was disconnected and just dangling there. So I reconnected it and the brakes seemed fine after that. I thought that would solve the problem of the ABS light that is constatntly on all the time, but it didn't. I have visually checked all my brakes and they all appear to be good. The brakes work fine and the pedal feels good too, not spongy or anything. I don't know what's wrong. I do know that my brakes wont kick into anti-lock mode when I'm sliding.

Another question is that I have been looking into 33x12.5 tires and was wondering what the width is on the stock wheels. I know that 12.5 tires need a rim width of at least 8.5 and was wondering if the stock wheel was wide enough for it or do I need new rims?

 

[Broncobill78]

Can't really say too much about the anti-lock. Might be that the encoder ring-thingie is dirty, I know that screws up a lot of systems but other than that I really don't know jack about ABS yet, maybe someone else can help you troubleshoot it otherwise have an ABS tech take a look at it. I'm not above paying a professional to diagnose something for me.

Now as for the tires, you should be able to run 33's on the stock rims. They'll be kinda fat but theu should fit on stockers. At a very minimum the tire shop will be able to tell you if they can mount them on your rims or not. To be honest I usually prefer a thinner rim since it forces the sidewall out farther and offers greater protection for the bead when off-road. Like everything else too much of a good thing isn't good, there's a line you don't want to cross but if you're running stock 31's then the rims will usually fit a 33" ok.

 

[Roadkill]

I believe the stock rims are either 7.5 or 8 inches wide. Probably just a bit skinnier than the tire maker suggests, but like Broncobill said, your 33's should be OK.

As for the brakes, when your ABS malfunctions, the system reverts to regular braking. You push the pedal, pressure goes to the wheels. You can drive that way forever if you want, you just won't have anti lock brakes and will have to drive accordingly. I've never had any problems with mine, so I have no advice to offer as far as troubleshooting, but I have read on this and other forums that some parts of the ABS system are quite expensive. Some guys even take the bulb out of the warning lamp and forget about it. I personaly don't recomend that, but it has been done.

 

[BroncoJeff]

I believe the stock rims are either 7.5 or 8 inches wide. Probably just a bit skinnier than the tire maker suggests, but like Broncobill said, your 33's should be OK.
As for the brakes, when your ABS malfunctions, the system reverts to regular braking. You push the pedal, pressure goes to the wheels. You can drive that way forever if you want, you just won't have anti lock brakes and will have to drive accordingly. I've never had any problems with mine, so I have no advice to offer as far as troubleshooting, but I have read on this and other forums that some parts of the ABS system are quite expensive. Some guys even take the bulb out of the warning lamp and forget about it. I personaly don't recomend that, but it has been done.

Get at least 10 inch rims. They look real good wide.

 

[Broncobill78]

Get at least 10 inch rims. They look real good wide.

and they'll ONLY run you another $600 <grin>

 

[wileec]

If the VSS (variable speed sensor) in the diff is messed up that would cause your ABS light to be on but it would also mess with how the EOD transmission worked it would shift like siht. You can pull codes for the ABS and find out what is wrong but I am drawing a blank as to where the instructions are at the moment. (something like fordfuelinjection.com) but I am not sure it give instructions and a list of what the results mean.

BTW the stock wheels are 7.5 they would work with 12.5 tires but you will have to customize the tire pressure to match.

 

[Jersey]

A few weeks ago I took off the left rear drum because of the popping noises coming from that brake. When I looked at it I noticed that the actuating cable that connects to the self adjuster was disconnected and just dangling there. So I reconnected it and the brakes seemed fine after that. I thought that would solve the problem of the ABS light that is constatntly on all the time, but it didn't. I have visually checked all my brakes and they all appear to be good. The brakes work fine and the pedal feels good too, not spongy or anything. I don't know what's wrong. I do know that my brakes wont kick into anti-lock mode when I'm sliding.
Another question is that I have been looking into 33x12.5 tires and was wondering what the width is on the stock wheels. I know that 12.5 tires need a rim width of at least 8.5 and was wondering if the stock wheel was wide enough for it or do I need new rims?

There is a ABS sensor located in the top of the rear pumpkin. They are a common ford truck problem and nine times out of ten that triggers the light and shuts off the ABS. Last one I got was only $19 from ford and its held in by one small bolt. The o-rings stick so you may have to twist it out, but its cheap and easy if you don't have an ABS code reader.

 

[walnuts75]

Thanks for the advice! I'll have to admit, I don't really know where the rear pumpkin is or mabey I do know where it is, but never learned its name. I'll have to check it out.

 

[crazyhorse85]

THE REAR PUMPKIN IS THE REAR AXLE HOUSING,AND THE VSS SENSOR SETS ON TOP ABOVE THE PINION...THERE REAL CHEAP AND A SNAP TO CHANGE....WE CHANGE A BUNCH HERE AT THE DEALERSHIP...

 

[walnuts75]

THE REAR PUMPKIN IS THE REAR AXLE HOUSING,AND THE VSS SENSOR SETS ON TOP ABOVE THE PINION...THERE REAL CHEAP AND A SNAP TO CHANGE....WE CHANGE A BUNCH HERE AT THE DEALERSHIP...

Oh, thats what the pumpkin is. I guess I just never learned its name. Sounds pretty simple. I'll check it out when I get some free time. Thanks for the info.

 

[BB33's]

A 33 inch tire will fit fine on your stock rims. And I 100% agree with bronco bill, forcing the sidewall out protects the bead and In my opinion looks better.

As far as the ABS light get under the truck and on the driver side framerail in front of the rear tire is where your ABS sensor plugs into another length of wire, Make sure it is on good! My truck had the ABS light on and that was the problem sonce then I zip tie all plugs and connectors on the underside of my rigs. It might be obsessive but I've never had a repeat problem.