Example of ABLS effectiveness

[M Cribbs]

I drive a 2007 Nismo KC 6M. I was looking for a non-destructive way of finding the capability of my truck's ABLS system. Unfortunately my wife found a fast, messy, and outrageously effective way of testing while I was not at home...

I'll start by saying that it had been raining almost every day for three weeks so you have some idea of the traction available from my yard. She was backing down our very steep driveway and got the driver's side wheel off into the grass. Winding up too close to the fence at the bottom of the hill to straighten it out, or so she thought, she decided to go back up the drive and try it again.

What she did (as best as I can figure):
Release brake, punch gas--revving motor to about four grand, dump clutch.

What happened:
Left tire made multiple revolutions excavating a large amount of grass and soil (which were deposited all over another vehicle). The truck actually slid back 8"-9" before brakes were applied to the Left side. Torque was transferred, Right tire spun on concrete(!) 4-5 revolutions and moved the truck forward. Left tire continued to rotate slightly faster than the truck was moving, but stopped digging a trench for the remainder of the climb. Right tire continued to power truck up the hill leaving an intermittent black patch until Left tire hit concrete again(hard to see in pic, especially since i waited days to take pictures).

Had the truck not had ABLS it would have probably rolled straight into my fence. I'm most impressed by how precisely the Left brake was applied to allow controlled rotation of the tire (as evidenced by the reduced yard damage) yet spin the Right tire on the concrete.

Evidence:
IMG_1637temp.JPG
The grass afforded negligible traction to my Left tire. I've seen the "roller test" that the Eaton locker is demonstrated on and I believe that in that situation this truck would have results similar to the ones that I described above. I'm totally impressed with the performance of this system and the truck in general.

[moregrip]

good info, thanks!

[the007forum]

Haha thats cool. Ive never seen a writeup on our ABLS performance but it was interesting to read. nice job

[M Cribbs]

Thanks, I've read many mixed opinions on how well the system works, but this is solid proof! The eaton locker may have stopped the spinning wheel in fewer revolutions, but look at all the moving parts and potential weak links it has. Mechanically, it doesn't get any simpler than ABLS. Except for a spool, I guess.

[toyniss]

Originally Posted by M Cribbs

Thanks, I've read many mixed opinions on how well the system works, but this is solid proof! The eaton locker may have stopped the spinning wheel in fewer revolutions, but look at all the moving parts and potential weak links it has. Mechanically, it doesn't get any simpler than ABLS. Except for a spool, I guess.

the locker wouldnt have to stop a spinning wheel cause both wheels/axles are locked and neither wheel is going to spin at a diff rate than the other. which is the reason with a locker in that situation you would have never slipped back, you would have been at a constant forward motion.

but the abls itself imo works great..........................ive had it in very bias situations where it activated on both axles at the same time/opposite kitty corner wheels spinning because of lose of traction...................and i just stay in the throttle lightly but consistent and just let the albls works it way through.

[CT_Nismo]

Thanks for the write up on the ABLS system. I have never witnessed it working on my truck, but I'm glad it has a potential to do good.

My truck has a factory locker; but I'm not so sure I would have the forethought to engage it. I too would have reved it to 4K.

You must have good draining soil on your land. Perhaps sand based. If it rained in my area as long as it did in yours, the wheel ruts would have been twice as deep.

[M Cribbs]

In response to toyniss:

"with a locker in that situation you would have never slipped back, you would have been at a constant forward motion. "

True, with my E-lock engaged there would have been zero spin. If I'd been driving that's what would have been done, but you know... I was referring specifically to the the G80 I saw in the video. It requires a high enough difference in rotational speeds (100-150 rpm) to generate sufficient centrifugal force to deploy the arms on the locking mechanism. That difference takes time to develop, hence the initial slip. This particular locker would have still torn up the grass a bit.

Theory:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbMZ9vcYVSg

Demonstration:

Watch the RR tire spin a few times before catching. Something interesting I noticed: Pay close attn to the LR tire and you can see it spin as torque is abruptly slammed over to it. It's hard to see, but check out the sideways movement of the truck when it happens
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-rQTHMVAuw

Neat in it's own right, but I lean toward simplicity--E-lock or air lock

In response to CT Nismo:

The steep grade helps drainage, but in TN we've got this slippery clay everywhere that gets into the treads and sticks like glue. My tires ate through the topsoil and then it was spin-o-rama.

[Sangster]

yes, the ABLS is good. Unfortunatly it makes that god-awful noise! Especially when using 4x4 and it's working the front brakes. I hate the noise!

[toyniss]

yes the one thing i hate is when going downhill and having to get on the brakes too hard or too fast..........................**** the other day i was on a down slope and had to kinda hit the brakes hard-wet cement-and my front end started the abs bullshit-at the same time i was tryin to get on the gas(mind you i have bfg muds)and my truck was just making that god awful noise and not wanting to go anywhere.

i got a bud withX who has a switch to turn off the abs/abls.