hydroboost question

[donthekawguy]

While at the wrecking yard today, I found a 82 1/2 diesel with all of the brake parts I need (rotors, calipers). I noticed the truck has a powerboost system on it. Since I have a pretty big cam in my truck, I thought I might as well grab the hydro system while I'm at it. Well of course I didnt have a big enough allen wrench to get the calipers off and it was all muddy under the truck anyway, so I will go back next week for the parts. My question is what should I grab off the truck for the hydroboost? I know I will get the MC and booster that bolts to the firewall. Should I get the pump and lines and brackets, or is that overkill? First I will check my vacuum to see if I even need all of this gear. I'm leaning towards getting the stuff because I can get the whole system cheaper than I can get the vacuum booster and MC. I have never worked on the hydro system before so it seems a little intimidating.

[NEWFISHER]

Works great on all the Chevy platform rock crawlers I have built. Power steering pump provides pressure for steering and brake system. Yes, get it all!

[Captainfab]

I agree with NEWFISHER. You will want the pump and the hoses from the pump, to the steering box and to the hydroboost unit. Now this is assuming that the pump has 2 return nipples. I have seen a '80's 2wd diesel that had a standard pump with a tee in the return line. I can't say for sure if it was original, but it looked like it was. If the one you are looking at is this way, I see no reason to get that pump.

[donthekawguy]

I did notice 3 lines from the unit disappearing down into the abiss next to the inner fender and frame area so it should be good to go. Capt I'll have to swing by and pick up a bracket from you sometime. The weaqther has cleared and I have the truck out.

[argonaut]

Once you go hydroboost you'll never go back.

[gmcdeadhead]

i have it on my 66 c-20 with a 292 and brought all my brackets from cat fab. works great on my truck. you can get hoses from rock auto . there pretty cheep there , just grab the old ones to match up.

[donthekawguy]

Originally Posted by gmcdeadhead

i have it on my 66 c-20 with a 292 and brought all my brackets from cat fab. works great on my truck. you can get hoses from rock auto . there pretty cheep there , just grab the old ones to match up.

My ex wife has a sister who's husband owns a company called house of hose in Spokane. They make custom lines and hoses for anything. I might give her a call and see if I can get a freebie or maybe custom built at cost.

[donthekawguy]

Should I grab the steering box while I'm at it? I have power steering already just not sure whay year the box is from. Are all the fittings the same for the lines going to and from the box?

[Captainfab]

The one thing to watch for with the hose fittings is the change from SAE to Metric with an O-ring in about 1980. But you can have hoses made up to connect which ever fittings you happen to end up with. Of course it is probably cheaper to get the box and the hydroboost with the same fitting style, that way you can use an off the shelf hose.

[donthekawguy]

[QUOTE=Captainfab;6575974]The one thing to watch for with the hose fittings is the change from SAE to Metric with an O-ring in about 1980. But you can have hoses made up to connect which ever fittings you happen to end up with. Of course it is probably cheaper to get the box and the hydroboost with the same fitting style, that way you can use an off the shelf hose.[/QUO

Will your bracket fit the 82 box? I'm guessing it will. I'll get the box while I'm at it just to make sure.

[Captainfab]

The steering boxes are all the same casting from '68-'86 in the C series and '87-'91 in the R series

Originally Posted by donthekawguy

Will your bracket fit the 82 box? I'm guessing it will. I'll get the box while I'm at it just to make sure.

[LostMy65]

I haven't did a vacuum test on my truck yet, but the 327 in it is pretty high performance.
So I'm starting to research hydroboost as possibly a better option.
I also plan on adding power steering.
What years do I need to be looking at for getting the whole hydroboost and power steering components?

[Captainfab]

Are you looking to get both the hydroboost and power steering box and pump from the same vehicle? If so I would look for a setup from a '73-'86 C series truck, Suburban or Blazer or '87-'91 R series truck, Suburban or Blazer. The pump brackets may or may not work, depending on whether you have a short or long water pump on your 327.

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I haven't did a vacuum test on my truck yet, but the 327 in it is pretty high performance.
So I'm starting to research hydroboost as possibly a better option.
I also plan on adding power steering.
What years do I need to be looking at for getting the whole hydroboost and power steering components?

[LostMy65]

I did find this good thread;
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=376045

[argonaut]

Pull a non leaky unit from an early to mid nineties astrovan. Once you go hydroboost you'll never go back.

[wildearp]

I am planning to run hydroboost too. I usually use Bills Hotrod brackets for AC and Alternator. I recall that the ps pump from my dually with hydroboost was probably too thick for the mounts and mounting location I need. (small block chevy)

What pumps do you typically use?

[Captainfab]

I feel that it is better to use a hydroboost specific pump which has 2 return line ports, versus a tee in the single return line. If needed, you should be able to remove the original brackets and pulley and install the brackets and pulley for your application.

Originally Posted by wildearp

I am planning to run hydroboost too. I usually use Bills Hotrod brackets for AC and Alternator. I recall that the ps pump from my dually with hydroboost was probably too thick for the mounts and mounting location I need. (small block chevy)

What pumps do you typically use?

[LostMy65]

How is braking if hydroboost fails?
I know with vacuum assisted power brakes the pedal is worse than with manual brakes when the booster fails or the engine dies.

[argonaut]

The hydroboost has a high pressure reservoir that allows a couple more power assisted brakes. After that its the same as vacuum assist brakes when the engine is off.