Traction control, vehicle stability control, and ABS sound like selling points to some, but to off-road enthusiasts they're often a burden. If you've ever tried to come to a quick stop in the dirt only to have the ABS kick on and reduce your stopping power, you know what I mean.
I discovered another way that electronic controls inhibit off-road performance. I tried to accelerate from a dead stop in deep sand. The traction control sensed wheel slippage and began pulsing the brakes and cutting the throttle. It took a long time to get going.
I had some fun cutting hard turns in the sand, but I had zero confidence in the 4Runner's ability to negotiate a run up the side of a steep sand dune and back down. The chassis is plenty capable and the engine has sufficient power, but the 'Big Brother' electronics are more of a hinderance than a help.
Matt Vaughan of Total Chaos Fabrication showed me this little trick. It may or may not work on your vehicle. It worked great on my 2004 4Runner SR5 V-6 4WD. To disable the traction control, vehicle stability control, and ABS, simply unplug the brake fluid level sensor. Presto! You now have a 4Runner that responds to throttle input, stops as it's supposed to and generally behaves in a dirt-worthy way.
It's also noteworthy that disabling these systems means that the traction control isn't available to help you get through wheel-lifting spots without wheelspin. You now have two completely open differentials.
The ideal solution might be an ARB Air Locker or two in conjunction with a switch to disconnect the brake fluid level sensor at the dashboard. This way, the locked differentials would solve off-road traction problems in the dirt while the OEM electronic systems are disabled. Unlocked ARB Air Lockers would not inhibit the stock traction control, vehicle stability control, or ABS.
When you want your OEM systems back, plug the sensor back in and cycle the computer by shutting off the engine and re-starting. Upon re-start, you will see the warning lights disappear.
Disclaimer: this mod for off-road use only, and it is to be done only if you can take responsibility for yourself and your vehicle. If you think that traction control, vehicle stability control, and ABS are fine and dandy, don't do this mod. I haven't seen a Check Engine Light from this mod, but your mileage may vary.