1996 4wd VSC disabling?

[a14victory]

Hey guys, Ive spent close to an hour reviewing threads on how to disable ABS,some sort of trac and even got off topic at one point.
Here is my problem, I purchased a rolled 4runner with high miles pretty cheap. Seems to run ok, little rough on idle put the 3.4 liter v6 still has really good compression readings and has plenty of power----until I try to go up a hill. It will hardly make it even in 4 lo once it gets slippery. I hear a whine and start smelling brakes. It finally dawned on me maybe my problem is some sort of stability control. I have a jeep that has the same feature but it turns anti skid off when I put it into 4lo, not so with the 4runner.
This buggy is strictly woods. I took the rear hatch off all the windows in front were already busted out and stripped the carpets. It will stay in 4wd the rest of its life.
I read so many ways to disable, from putting buttons in to cutting wires and unplugging the brake master cyl.
What is the best way to get as much out of my 4wd as possible with no worries of ever having to hit a paved road again?
Sorry for the long write up but thought it necessary so you know my intentions. Basically im not worried about safety features for the road. Thank you in advance for any input.

 

[CallMeAnEngineer]

As according to the buyer's guide on this website:

"TRAC/VSC:

To replace the E-locker that was discontinued after 2000, Toyota equipped ALL 2001 & 2002 4Runners with a few electronic systems in it's place. TRAC (traction control) & VSC (vehicle stability control)."

Yours is a 1996 model. I drive a 1998 model and have never experienced anything like what you're talking about despite having put my stock rig through some pretty decent offroading.

 

[a14victory]

Maybe its just abs? I dont know. Ido know that I was testing out the other day while I was at camp. I didnt have a lot of time but it seemed to have power climbing if Iwas in 4lo with the tranny in low.:noidea:

 

[TheDurk]

Maybe its just abs? I dont know. Ido know that I was testing out the other day while I was at camp. I didnt have a lot of time but it seemed to have power climbing if Iwas in 4lo with the tranny in low.:noidea:

The abs won't bother you if you don't have your foot on the brake. I assume you don't if you are going uphill in 4L and complaining of lack of power. There is no VSC. I'm going with badly adjusted rear drums or other drum brake problem, possibly oil-swelled shoes on rears due to leaky axle seals, or sticking bell cranks or other e-brake issue.

Next time, carefully put your hand on each of the 4 hubs (they can burn) to gauge the temperature. If one or both of the rears is frying hot compared to the front, there's your issue...as in one of the above. Then you need to take apart the hot brake(s) to see which it is.

If a front is the hot one, then sticky caliper. Stop chasing high-tech problems. You have an old-fashioned brake issue.

 

[a14victory]

Im perplexed now. It acts just like my kia and my jeep that is equipped with ESC. The only time I can get the wheels to spin is when I am in 4lo with the auto tranny in lo. Is there a button or something? I would go look but its sitting in the woods 150 miles from home.

 

[TheeMikeB]

Like stated above... the 96 doesn't have the ATRAC or VSC system only ABS. I agree to check a physical brake issue.

However if you really want to completely disable any of the ABS functionality you can remove the ABS fuse from the fuse block under the hood. It's tricky because it's bolted from underneath and the top half of the fuse block needs to be removed to access it. YOu can kind of get the idea here: ABS Removal

But since it's a backwoods rig you could just cut the fuse too.