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Mr Fox



Member Since: 10 Sep 2011
Location: green & pleasant land
Posts: 1014

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Keswick Green
ABS/TC Worth it?
Chaps, I looked at a 2011 90 today that was misdescribed as having ABS; which it turns out it doesn't.

Would appreciate hearing pros and cons of having ABS and TC on a Defender? Is it a real benefit?

My XS had it as standard and obviously I'm used to having it on most modern cars; however, I guess it could also be viewed as a bonus and something that people spent many years driving cars without.
Post #616108 11th Apr 2017 6:38pm
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geobloke



Member Since: 06 Nov 2012
Location: Nottinghamshire
Posts: 4348

United Kingdom 
I tell you I wish my 110 had it... Have often toyed with retro fitting it...
Post #616110 11th Apr 2017 6:42pm
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JAY BOY



Member Since: 04 May 2010
Location: Not here
Posts: 1706

Wales 
I wouldn't be without ABS Its a big old bus to stop and scary when they lock up in an emergency. From experience Shocked
Post #616111 11th Apr 2017 6:48pm
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miket



Member Since: 05 Oct 2012
Location: Peak District
Posts: 143

My old TD5 didn't have ABS and I once had an interesting experience when all four wheels locked going down a hill at 30 mph or so past some parked cars. I controlled it okay, kept it in a straight line, got the brakes working again and didn't hit anything. The chap in the Corsa coming the other way wasn't quite so calm at seeing a green 90 sailing past him and promptly drove into a parked car.

I've got a 110 now and one of the reasons I chose it was the ABS. Both because of the above experience and because I'm now carrying my young son about in it.


Last edited by miket on 11th Apr 2017 7:48pm. Edited 1 time in total
Post #616129 11th Apr 2017 7:33pm
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wyvern



Member Since: 13 Dec 2009
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 2066

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Firenze Red
My current 110 xs has ABS and TC but i’ve only had it for 10 yrs ... prior to that none of my landrovers had ABS and it was no problem, I am here to tell the tale ..

however I am older and not as bold ... my reaction time is not as good as it was... the roads are much busier than they were ... and I wish I had abs years ago! !

I have locked up my wheels on my previous vehicles and skidded to a halt with my heart oil my mouth hoping not to hear the crunch several times .. and got a way with it several times,

but I think that the ABS is a real game changer - that time when you need to stop quickly can save a crunch, an insurance claim and a life.

I drive lots of miles each year in my 110 and class myself only as an ‘ok’ driver, not a good or great driver .. so any thing that can help me prevent being a statistic is good on my books... and I would not buy another vehicle with out ABS Poppy - TDCI (Puma) 110XS 2.2 - Camper conversion - see the build here - https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic56530.html
Elgar -TDCI(Puma) 110XS Dormobile - now sold
Devon & Cornwall 4x4 Response - DC126
Post #616136 11th Apr 2017 7:44pm
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zsd-puma



Member Since: 09 Aug 2016
Location: Kent
Posts: 2720

United Kingdom 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black
There aren't a lot of safety features in a Defender, so i would say ABS is a worthwhile feature. That being said millions of miles are done each year by people in non ABS equipped vehicles and they live to tell the tail.

Traction control is going to help in many off road situations, it's not going to be as good as proper locking diffs but it's better than none at all. Like anything though you can find situations where it doesn't help.

I suppose the benefit of not having them is it's less to go wrong, but they're pretty reliable systems on the whole.
Post #616145 11th Apr 2017 8:11pm
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Mr Fox



Member Since: 10 Sep 2011
Location: green & pleasant land
Posts: 1014

United Kingdom 2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Keswick Green
Cheers chaps.

All that is written is as I expected - from reaction time slowing as we get a little older, to it being a nice safety net to have in place, especially when carrying the next generation of Defender converts.

The hunt continues.

Thanks again for the real-world feedback. Thumbs Up
Post #616157 11th Apr 2017 8:44pm
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 16808

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
Bucking the trend here, but I don't have ABS on my Defender and don't want it. Given the choice of two similar vehicles, one with one without, I'd take the without every time.

I've never locked the wheels in over 200,000 miles on the Defender except in snow, and in snow you'll stop quicker without ABS.
Post #616178 11th Apr 2017 9:45pm
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Kit



Member Since: 12 Feb 2016
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 1110

United Kingdom 1993 Defender 90 200 Tdi SW Scotia Grey
It's on my list of things to do to my 90 once I get around to fitting a bigger intercooler, I'd definately wait for a good one with it fitted. 1993 200 Tdi 90 CSW
1956 Series 1 Hard-top
1958 Series 1 Soft-top
Post #616184 11th Apr 2017 9:55pm
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pannawonica



Member Since: 21 Nov 2010
Location: Clackline Western Australia
Posts: 568

Australia 
ABS in my opinion on gravel roads is a pain! You can stop quicker without!
Post #616256 12th Apr 2017 9:56am
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MartinK



Member Since: 02 Mar 2011
Location: Silverdale (Lancashire/Cumbria Border)
Posts: 2663

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Orkney Grey
I'm another nay-sayer. No ABS/TC and chose it that way (bought a 2011 County rather than XS).

One of these days I will fit at ATB as per http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic13545.html?highlight=lsd

Maybe a better option than TC... Defender "Puma" 2.4 110 County Utility (possibly the last of the 2.4's)
Post #616259 12th Apr 2017 10:17am
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Kit



Member Since: 12 Feb 2016
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 1110

United Kingdom 1993 Defender 90 200 Tdi SW Scotia Grey
The chances of needing to stop at speed on gravel/mud is not the same as tarmac. Unless you only use your defender on the farm...etc it's a fact that ABS saves lives. 1993 200 Tdi 90 CSW
1956 Series 1 Hard-top
1958 Series 1 Soft-top
Post #616266 12th Apr 2017 10:43am
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shaggydog



Member Since: 12 Aug 2012
Location: Kent
Posts: 3346

United Kingdom 1991 Defender 110 200 Tdi USW Arles Blue
If I could fit it I would.

I know I have had a few times were luck has carried me Shocked

Would hate to think how expensive it would be to convert a 200tdi with drum brakes Shocked Running Restoration Thread http://www.defender2.net/forum/post323197.html#323197

Self confessed mileage hunter Very Happy
Post #616285 12th Apr 2017 11:53am
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mse



Member Since: 06 Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 5024

United Kingdom 2016 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Scotia Grey
On gravel and snow ABS doesnt let the material build up in front of the tyre and does increase stopping distance.

I would have ABS and TC every day. When we first got he 90 i was driving down a country lane at 45 in a 60 (car was new) and a tractor pulled out 3/4 in my lane, i had to brake and then manoeuvre - ABS was king that day.

Sliding a 2 or 3t thing to the scene of the accident is not a great experience!! Mike
Post #616287 12th Apr 2017 12:00pm
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roel



Member Since: 08 Aug 2009
Location: Lelystad
Posts: 2039

Netherlands 2003 Defender 90 Td5 PU Caledonian Blue
ABS doesn't help you to stop quicker, it allows you to keep steering and so hopefully avoid an accident.

My 2003 90 is a ex-farm hack so very basic and no ABS etc.
Do I want ABS and TC? I don't know, I have a Detroit locker and I understood that TC and Detroit locker don't work that well together.

OK ABS is for safety and that is good but if safety is a big concern should you be driving a Defender? No airbags, no real side-
protection.

If my 90 would be my daily driver I might want ABS but for a toy that I use almost daily, no not needed. Roel

1984 90 2.5 na Diesel - RR V8 (1994-2001)
1997 Camel Trophy Discovery 300TDI (2001-2009)
2005 G4 Discovery III 4.4 V8 (2008-2018) It's gone but it still hurts.
2003 90 Td5 (2009-now)
Post #616371 12th Apr 2017 5:43pm
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