In the "history" of this forum, people seemed to gravitate toward the rebuild option....though several DID opt for used replacements. IIRC, some Durango's used the same controller. As far as "risk", installing and testing a used part doesn't really increase "risk" IMHO. Our cars are USED anyway. Installing a new part doesn't make it any less "used". Other components (related to braking) are just as likely to fail...so I wouldn't shy away from it. Manufacturers had the right idea in making the F/R "circuits" of the brake system somewhat independent. This lowers the odds you'll be completely w/o brakes in the rare event of failure. At 61 yrs old and having "lived" on a couple of car forums over 15yrs, I've yet to hear of catastrophic brake failure. The odds are very high you'll get a "warning" symptom.
My ABS worked the first couple of years of my ownership. Considering it's my "go to" winter vehicle, I feel lax because I never repaired the "brain". Mostly that's because (self) diagnosis is challenging enough that I was never sure it wasn't a wheel sensor (which are stupid expensive). I came from Jeep ownership before owning a VX and have found 99% of 4x4 owners rarely leave pavement. I can't say I remember reading a good explanation why it's better to "live" without ABS vs. having it. For me, cost would be the biggest reason to abandon it. For those who stay mostly on the streets, it seemed better to have it working.....however "primitive" people think it is. For comparison, my 89 Corvette has ABS that was designed/built 12 years earlier. I don't consider either worthless.
Most importantly, if/when you go to sell, having full functionality will appeal to the average seller. ABS not working may just send the highest "bidder" on their way. So....I would debate there is one right answer for addressing VX malfunctioning ABS systems.
2001 Ebony VX and 1989 Custom 383 Corvette
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