Ford Repair: ABS, ford ranger xlt, 1996 ford ranger xlt

Question
I have a 1996 ford ranger xlt, 2wd. I need to get front rotors and want to know if their is a way by the vin number can ford tell me if I have 2 or 4 abs. I have the 2.3 4cyl engine.

Answer
Not sure if Ford can tell you that info, they do have an "as built" system, but I am not sure how many years back it covers. At my shop we have a new system that can give a lot of pertinent information from the VIN. If you have NAPA stores in  your area check with them, they might be able to do that for you.

The simplest way to determine which system you have is to look at the front brakes, if there is a wire harness going behind the rotor then you probably have ABS. If you don't see a wire harness in that area most likely it is rear abs only. On the instrument cluster, rear abs should have a warning light indicating RABS, 4 wheel antilock is usually ABS.