I thought you already had a Ford kit ready to go, decided to go another direction?
Trouble shooting new brake system
- Thread starter jwsfarrier
- Start date
jwsfarrier
Full Access Member
For better or worse I am happy to report that I have figured out the problem with my Hydro Boost unit. I'm embarrassed to admit that after checking the lines again this morning with a fresh of eyes I realized I had them hooked up incorrectly. They crossed over under my washer fluid reservoir and I couldn't see real good what line went where. I could have sworn I had them hooked up right, but I'm glad it ended up being something simple. For the record I would not hesitate to buy this kit. Moral of the story is check, recheck, then check the next day again. Thank you everybody for the response. I'll check in again after I get things hooked up PROPERLY .
divemaster5734
Full Access Member
Good to hear that, I'm glad you didn't suffer a catastrophic failure in the process and get into a wreck.
I got a response from BBB today, they confirmed the '99-'04 master cylinder does have a larger bore than the OBS disk/drum systems, and are definitely required to push enough volume to operate the brakes.
The OEM proportioning valve will still do the job.
Now I'm just anxiously waiting for the parts to be shipped.
Have '04 F350 D60/Sterling 10.5 3.73 axles with all new brakes going in at the same time.
Gonna hit the brakes and unass the seat..lol
divemaster5734
Full Access Member
Yes, the '03 F250 one were not stored well at all. They were left out in back of the guys place uncovered for at least two years.
Everything was rusted, would have taken full axle rebuild, new bearings, hubs, all brake components, and all new lines.
The parts would have cost over $2k, not counting the time to install, clean, and replace.
I got some mint condition '04 F350 axles complete with all steering, brackets, and hardware for half that off a freshly wrecked truck.
They are now sitting in my shop ready to go.
That said, I know where there's a set of '03 axles you can get for cheap now.
jwsfarrier
Full Access Member
Got everything hooked up in its proper place now. Bled the system and went for a test drive. Now thats what brakes are supposed to feel like! I swear I stared at this thing for an hour hoping to see something and still missed it. This started out being just the hydroboost swap but I ended up installing a Borgeson steering shaft, Lee PS pump, new MC with the larger bore and converting over to an electric VP. While you're in there...... Anyway brakes work great and would not hesitate to buy this again.
Old Goat
Full Access Member
What larger bore MC did you buy?
I swapped in a MC for a 89 for my 86 F-250 to get rid of the old Rusty
MC Ford used. Then after installing it, the Brakes were so much better.
I don`t know the bore size of either MC, or if the bore size of the 89 was
larger. I bought it from O`Really`s.
Rock Auto I think shows bore size in their listings as I remember, will do
some digging in their site.
I have had more problems with the Brakes on this truck the past 11 yrs
I have owned it. One vac pump, 2 MC, (3 with the 89 MC) and 2 or 3
Boosters. That is from 192K to 368K miles.
Good to hear your brake up grade is like they should be.
Edit:
I just order the Battle Born Hydro Boost set up.
Goat
I swapped in a MC for a 89 for my 86 F-250 to get rid of the old Rusty
MC Ford used. Then after installing it, the Brakes were so much better.
I don`t know the bore size of either MC, or if the bore size of the 89 was
larger. I bought it from O`Really`s.
Rock Auto I think shows bore size in their listings as I remember, will do
some digging in their site.
I have had more problems with the Brakes on this truck the past 11 yrs
I have owned it. One vac pump, 2 MC, (3 with the 89 MC) and 2 or 3
Boosters. That is from 192K to 368K miles.
Good to hear your brake up grade is like they should be.
Edit:
I just order the Battle Born Hydro Boost set up.
Goat
Last edited:
IDIBRONCO
IDIBRONCO
I'm glad to hear this. I'm considering hydroboost brakes for a future project.
jwsfarrier
Full Access Member
Hey Goat, unfortunately I dont remember what the bore size is on the larger bore MC , or what years its made for. I went out and mic'd the casing on the larger MC and it came out to 1.5 and some change. I was able to measure the actual bore on the smaller one I took off and it mic'd at 1.175 ID. Also, the reservoir on the bigger bore is noticeably larger than the smaller bore. Maybe someone with more knowledge on this can chime in. One thing worth note,as stated in the other thread by divemaster, is the pedal is definitely a bit stiffer. I didnt find it to be that bad but it is noticeable
Old Goat
Full Access Member
I poked around in Rock Auto.
86 F-250 over 8500 LBS bore size 1.125
86 and earlier have the old rusty MC
87 when they changed to the aluminum MC and
clear plastic reservoir.
Under 7000K LBS bore is 1.060
89 - 91 the same
95 1.125 but w/o cruise 1.060
97 1.250.
OH and my Battle Born Hydro Boost arrived today.
Goat
86 F-250 over 8500 LBS bore size 1.125
86 and earlier have the old rusty MC
87 when they changed to the aluminum MC and
clear plastic reservoir.
Under 7000K LBS bore is 1.060
89 - 91 the same
95 1.125 but w/o cruise 1.060
97 1.250.
OH and my Battle Born Hydro Boost arrived today.
Goat
jwsfarrier
Full Access Member
Cool,interested to see what you think once you get things installed..I think whatever MC you put on will work fine. Both mounted up to the hydroboost unit no problem. Safe travels down to TX.
Old Goat
Full Access Member
I installed the Hyd Booster yesterday (Sat). Exact same thing as installing
A Vacuum Booster. That part didn`t take all that long.
Was studying the Hose routing etc.... and then it started to rain lightening
etc... and called it quits.
Today, Church,
went out to eat lunch with the gang, errands etc... Got home late afternoon etc....
I`ll get back to it tomorrow.
Looking at the hose routing, think I got it.
Remove the factory Hose with metal ends from side of Power Steering Pump
to the Steering Box.
Looking at Booster from front of truck.
Hose from left side, goes to the Power Steering Pump.
Hose from right side, goes to the Steering Box.
Correct?
Wish the instructions paper had the diagram larger, like Readers Digest print...
Goat
A Vacuum Booster. That part didn`t take all that long.
Was studying the Hose routing etc.... and then it started to rain lightening
etc... and called it quits.
Today, Church,
went out to eat lunch with the gang, errands etc... Got home late afternoon etc....
I`ll get back to it tomorrow.
Looking at the hose routing, think I got it.
Remove the factory Hose with metal ends from side of Power Steering Pump
to the Steering Box.
Looking at Booster from front of truck.
Hose from left side, goes to the Power Steering Pump.
Hose from right side, goes to the Steering Box.
Correct?
Wish the instructions paper had the diagram larger, like Readers Digest print...
Goat
jwsfarrier
Full Access Member
Hey Goat, I'm sure you have this figured out already but that is the correct routing. I double checked
