Different brake assist systems?

[Porterhausen]

Ok, terrible thread title, but I was looking at converting my non-power brake 71 LWB truck to power brakes. I can get the booster and brackets and everything and run OEM vacuum assisted brakes. I have also found a kit to convert to a setup that uses Power steering pressure, which my truck is equipped with. I know a lot of newer larger trucks use this kind of system, I'm just at a loss at the benefits of the PS assisted setup.

Worth doing?

[LOW DOUGH]

The PS assisted system is called a Hydro Boost system. And I don't know the benefits.

[Porterhausen]

Oh yea, that's what it is.

I figure since I have to do all the brake lines and **** anyway, basically setting up the system, would be good to know if one is really better.

[MickMc]

Hyra boost is the best, BUT

The install is not for the faint or weak of heart.

Do you have power steering now, or do you want power steering?

Can you run all (ALL) of the plumbing lines that need to be run?
(Are you comfortable with misc fittings, hoses, plumbing etc?)
Can you fabricate the linkage and mounting of a Hydra boost?

OR

Do you want to spend the bucks for a hydra boost set-up from one of our parts sellers?



Hydra boost might be the best, but there are many vendors and other parts trucks out there that would be much eaiser to do a swap with a standard vaccum assist brake booster.


Yes, I am doing a hydra boost on my 67, but it has been no Saturday afternoon install. Not that I think it's a hard install, but the effort and time involved would make most people look for something much eaiser.

I'll do a write up after its finished if enough people are interested.

I'm also doing a write up and pictures of a six lug 90's spindle install currently.

Again there are vendors out there who can supply this stuff for a phone call and a credit card, but my truck is a hot rod project, and therefor is full of research (forums and parts digging), trips to the junk yard and trial and error.

The options are limit-less (which is why you haven't seen any two trucks alike yet)




Mick

[norwegianc10]

I`d go for the hydraboost setup (doing this conversion myself) Works better than a regular booster if you got a bigger cam (low on vacuum on low rpms) But there are more hoses and fittings that can start to leak ps-fluid.

[mikeoj]

Mickmc,I'd like to see that write-up on the hydro boost set up.Thanks,Mike

[mbgmike]

Originally Posted by Porterhausen

Ok, terrible thread title, but I was looking at converting my non-power brake 71 LWB truck to power brakes. I can get the booster and brackets and everything and run OEM vacuum assisted brakes. I have also found a kit to convert to a setup that uses Power steering pressure, which my truck is equipped with. I know a lot of newer larger trucks use this kind of system, I'm just at a loss at the benefits of the PS assisted setup.

Worth doing?

Hydro-boost were used in trucks that could not produce enough engine vacuum to operate the bellows type actuator. Like diesels and real heavy trucks. They used the power steering to provide the pressure. Except for them taking up less room their is really no benefit to adding it. We will sell you one if you want however They do work great. I'm just waiting till they get the electric solenoid ones out on the market. They take up hardly any room. I am old fashioned and like the reg boosters and think the h-boost is ugly but thats just me. The h-boost is not hard to install just takes a little more time.

[MickMc]

Mikeoj
drop me a PM and I'll start a list, and if enough people are interested I'll post it up.

mbgmike
I think you are agree-ing with me, 'not a hard install but time consuming'.
And of course I am mostly referring to a cobbled together mass of parts, not a stroke a check, prepackaged kit. A kit would be a breeze, in my mind.


Mick

[Porterhausen]

Ok, Hmmmmmm, I'm in a little quandary then. I am more than capable of plumbing and making the lines. I don't really mind the astetics at all.

I do have a factory equiped PS truck, so I don't have to mess with that at all.

Can you adjust the amount of assist it provides, unlike a vacuum assisted system?

[MickMc]

Porterhusen
It sounds like you're ready to go.

You can order a kit from a vendor.

Or
You can go to the junkyard and pick up a Cobra or a Astro van or a 2000 Silverado truck Hydra boost and start on the fabrication of mounting the unit to the firewall. Once you have the fabrication for the mounting done then you can tackle the plumbing. One line to the PS pump, one line to the steering box and one line as a return. Now move on to the linkage between the Hydra boost and the truck pedal. This should be easy, but you will be upside down under the dash, trying to attatch two very dirrerent linkages together.
Now that everything is mocked up take everything apart everything again and go buy an new Hydra boost and master cylinder, using your mock up as a core.
All done, Very easy.

The Hydra boost in not adjustable, as far as output but you can add an adjustable proportioning valve to decrease the pressure to the rear if you are haveing trouble with the rear brakes locking up to soon.
Most people claim that their Hydra boost install made the brakes incredable, or as I've been told "it will put you thru the windshield".
Techincally, I think, a vaccum assist produces 900lbs of pressure and a Hydra boost produces 1500lbs of pressure, therefor it should take less pedal force to stop your favorite truck.



Mick

[mbgmike]

Originally Posted by MickMc

Mikeoj

mbgmike
I think you are agree-ing with me, 'not a hard install but time consuming'.
And of course I am mostly referring to a cobbled together mass of parts, not a stroke a check, prepackaged kit. A kit would be a breeze, in my mind.


Mick

I am agreeing with you. They can be a pita. one time I could not get them to work . I could not get them to stop the truck and I had to take it to a friends brake shop. He jumped in it and ran it up to about 20 mph and slammed on the brakes hard. It preassurized the system and it worked fine. He said that I was just be to nice to it.

[windmill]

Hydro-boost brakes is the best way to go. I have them on my grand national, and i can hold 20 lbs of boost at the starting line when i'm racing. They are alot of cars and trucks that came with hydro-boost. mustangs some grand national, trucks and the hummer, and the astro vans.

[suville]

look on GM diesel PU and Subs, got an 86 Burb (parts rig) in the back yard and its on it. I also have seen a unit with remote actuator as I'm runnin a BBC (cad) with cast valve covers and I'm not sure I can use a booster (clearance issues) so it a consideration and if not it'll have 4 wheel manual discs well see! Anyway as was previously said get a used unit set it all up use it for the core replace with new or rebuilt unit.

[dwcsr]

take a look at this . It may help in the parts search and a little less trial and error.

http://www.thehollisterroadcompany.com/hydroboost.html

There is also a write up here in the FAQ for a 6772 that doesn't have a rack installed.

[MickMc]

http://www.thehollisterroadcompany.com/hydroboost.html

I read that article a few years (it seems) very good information on fittings and pedal mounting.


Mick

[dwcsr]

here is the one from this forum
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=175714

[LOW DOUGH]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

take a look at this . It may help in the parts search and a little less trial and error.

http://www.thehollisterroadcompany.com/hydroboost.html

There is also a write up here in the FAQ for a 6772 that doesn't have a rack installed.

Originally Posted by dwcsr

here is the one from this forum
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=175714

Good info

[Old Goat]

http://s198.photobucket.com/albums/a...view=slideshow

82 model GM truck booster and hoses. $175.00

All I can say is "DAMN"!
How I wish this car would have stopped like that when it was new AND all the years in between!

Anyone contemplating this mod, rest assured, you will LOVE it!
Now, I'll have to start looking for some three point seat belts!

Charles

[Porterhausen]

I think I'm gonna go for this, I have to replace a lot of the braking system anyway, need a new master, new hard line(s), since I have to re-do all the ****, might as well.

Gonna start looking for setups at the junkyard I guess.

We'll see how this goes.

[6600DURAMAX]

I am in the process of putting hydroboost on, I am buying a rebuilt unit off ebay and using an aluminum M/C for a clean look. I am sure I can get it to bolt up to the firewall but as far as the rod length, how do you know how much to cut off? How far should the rod travel?

This is the part that has me confused?

thanks guys

[MickMc]

I haven't worried about travel, yet...


BUT, make sure the brake rod does not preload the Hydra boost.

There needs to be a little slack between the pedal and the booster (a litle play between the rod and the booster it self)

And you should start shopping for synthetic ps fluid now, it seems hard to find in my town.
I did buy some yesterday at NAPA. I bought four Royal Purple for five bucks each (for 12 oz ea), I think scotch is cheaper.

Mick

[LOW DOUGH]

Are you supposed to run synthetic in these systems?

[68C15]

Originally Posted by LOW DOUGH

Are you supposed to run synthetic in these systems?

no, but GM has a special fluid for cold weather. it's quite popular in my area. it is thinner and doesn't make groaning/moaning sounds.

[MickMc]

Yes the synthetic is touted as better.
Most people use the synthetic when they are having problems.

Also the synthetic is supposed to eliminate the micro bubbles in the system.
Microbubbles seem to be the root cause for many problems.

Mick

[Old Goat]

Are you supposed to run synthetic in these systems?

No. Not necessarily.