I am in the process on swapping all good parts over from my rotten '93 to a mint '91 I just pickup up last summer. After removing the box off the '93 I noticed there is wire that runs to a plug at the top of the rear differential which isn't on the '91. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what this wire is for. The only thing I can think of is an electric locker but I have never heard of these trucks coming stock with a rear locker.

 

Sound like the rear ABS sensor? I could be wrong, though.

 

agree it would be the abs.

 

ABS sensor. Goes where the red rag is below.

 

I read that rear abs was standard on these trucks in '89. Why doesn't my '91 have the same wire?

 

ABS sensor.
It's useless to say the least.
I had mine disconnected for a year when I swapped to a 4.56 diff with no abs.
It never made any changes to the ABS system.
I re-installed it when I went to 4.88's, still no change.

 

I kinda figured it was useless. I drove the truck for 2 years and didn't even know it had rear ABS until I started getting really interested in the Toyota trucks and started reading up on them.

 

It is rear ABS And when towing a trailer it helps keep the rear end from steping out. Its helped me several times towing on gravel. I believe it came on the SR5 package equiped trucks.

 

I always thought it was just a speed sensor for the electronic speedometer when they changed it from a mechanical one. I have it on my dlx. I guess you learn something new everyday!

 

I'm reviving this thread, muahaha

I'm swapping out 3rds, and both of them have the sensor and wire. I tracked the wire until it wrapped around the frame and shot up the front. How do I go about getting the sensor out of there? I don't have it in front of me but I remember there being two small tabs, do I pry those up? Or would I be good to cut the wire and go without ABS? I'd of course rather do it the right way and put everything back together but I am stumped on how to remove the sensor... Any help would be appreciated.

 

Remove the sensor from which, the third or the frame? I'm gonna assume frame, since I'm pretty sure you know how to remove 2 bolts and pull the sensor out of the diff...

Your best bet is to get a girlfriend or good buddy with small hands, and give them a small flat blade screwdriver, then they just have to reach up in past a crapload of brake lines and links and disconnect it at the connector that's almost at the frame rail, using the screwdriver to release the keeper on the connector. I haven't put a whole lot of effort into removing mine, so it's zip tied up out of the way still.

 

Nope, the diff... I remember it not just pulling out after removing the bolt and I didn't want to pry it up with a flat head not knowing if that was the way to remove it. I searched the FSM and it reads to "remove the bolt and remove the sensor" so I guess i'll just very gently pry it out. Thanks, Jonny!

 

Ah, ok. Mine came right out by just grabbing and pulling, but using a couple screwdrivers should do the trick. If I remember correctly, the part that fits somewhat tight in the hole is only about 3/8" deep. Maybe some pb blaster could help if it's corrosion holding it in place.

 

Be gentle pulling it out if you want to save it. The sensor housing is plastic and breaks easily if it's stuck and you apply too much force.

 

Yep, piece of cake. Remove the bolt and wiggle it out.

 

Just an update. I experimented with the spare diff and gave it a little wiggle and it broke so I stuck a screw driver underneath and pushed the rest out. I then did the same thing to the wire/sensor attached to the vehicle and it came out nicely. Everything is put back together now. Thanks for the info guys!

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