A new convert!

[gonecrazyi]

Thanks to another OB member waytoomanytoys I got a hold of a ford hydroboost setup. I think it took about 30 minutes to install and everything went smoothly. The most time consuming part was filing the master cylinder to fit on the hydro unit.


I primed the system up and went for a drive, all I can say is HOLY CRAP, why didnt ford put these on stock. I can easily lock up my 305's without even pushing on the thing. I cant wait to get a trailer behind her and see how well she stops then!


On a side note, I also swapped the f450 ps pump and Im finding that its a bit week. It constantly makes noise when the brakes are applied and has a hard time with the brakes and the steering at the same time. I was wondering who sells the orings that are needed to put reseal a resevoir to the pump. Ive got a new pump I just need to install the f450 resevoir onto it.

 

[FordGuy100]

I've heard that with hydroboost your steering suffers while using the brakes, though maybe you have more than normal?

 

[gonecrazyi]

The pump whines whenever the wheels are turned and when the brakes are hit. It runs out of oomph when both are used at once. I think a new nonworn pump should solve the problem.

 

[85ford]

Did you use your stock MC or the one that was on the new booster?

 

[LCAM-01XA]

Did you get a chance to see my post on the Mk7 pump upgrade? If you pull the valve and spring out of your current pump and install a spring from a Lincoln Mark 7 pump you will have higher line pressure coming out of the pump, which may help out a bit with your issue. I did this mod a few weeks back, and I've noticed easier braking and steering. The valves are the same by the way, so you can use the Mk7 one or you can put your own one back in, it will make no difference - it's all in the spring.

 

[gonecrazyi]

I used my stock mc, I wanted to get the thing as cheaply as possible at the moment so I really didnt want to have to bleed the system. Also, I want to be sure that my brake lines were in good enough condition to handle the extra pressure first.

Ill probably switch over later when I need to bleed the brakes again, just so I can do it all in one shot.

M.L.S.C, it there a specific year to look for with the mk7? that would be a great little upgrade with a new pump!

 

[zpd307]

i am not sure i like the big f450 mc..... if i had nothing better to do, which i dont, i would change back to the f350 mc. to see if it feels better.

 

[gonecrazyi]

I think the truck stops just fine with the f250 mc, I barely have to touch the pedal and im stopping. If I whale on it I can lock up all fours and send the truck into a slide.

The f450 power steering pump is dieing and has gotten worse over the last few days. I have more than enough pressure for the brakes but the gearbox isnt getting enough pressure to turn easily.

 

[LCAM-01XA]

I used my stock mc, I wanted to get the thing as cheaply as possible at the moment so I really didnt want to have to bleed the system. Also, I want to be sure that my brake lines were in good enough condition to handle the extra pressure first.

Ill probably switch over later when I need to bleed the brakes again, just so I can do it all in one shot.

Do not switch to the F450 master cylinder, while its bigger bore will yield a higher and firmer pedal, you will also lose some mechanical advantage. For most powerful brakes use your factory master cylinder and only switch the vacuum booster out for the hydroboost.

M.L.S.C, it there a specific year to look for with the mk7? that would be a great little upgrade with a new pump!

I think any of them will do, they all have rack-and-pinion steering which does require some higher pressure than steering boxes do. Just find a Mk7 in a junkyard and steal its pressure spring, the one you need is right about 2" long, while your factory springs is 1-3/4" or so long.

 

[Alex S]

Chevy used hydro-boost in all there diesels including 1/2 tons, so maybe adapting a pump from a diesel chevy would help

 

[LCAM-01XA]

E-series vans used the Saginaw pump, which is the GM-issued pump Alex mentioned. Worth looking into maybe?

 

[RustyBolts]

My 1996 Chevy C3500 Dually has the Hydroboost Brakes on it and i personally think they are AWESOME. From a 35MPH roll, it'll lock up all 6 Tires. Go ahead, ask me how I know this.

 

[gonecrazyi]

Im going to be going to the junkyard next week and Ill have to keep an eye out for one of those pumps for the spring.

Im planning on putting the new pump in that I have sitting in the garage, I just have to find new orings for the resevoir first.

Has anyone on here adapted 2 ps pumps, one for the gear box and one for the hydro brakes? Ive got a double pulley pump on a truck I just bought.