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Old 07-22-2002, 02:03 AM   #1
darcane
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Question Converting to power brakes

A friend of mine just bought a '78 GMC 1/2 ton SWB with manual discs and drums. I've driven it several times, and the brakes seem to be one of it's strong points, but my friend doesn't like how hard he has to push on the brakes to get them to work. He's used to new cars that stop on a dime with virtually no pressure applied. Anywho, I was wondering what all would I need to do to convert to power brakes? Is it as simlple as just adding a brake booster? When searching for a parts truck, are there any specific years I should be looking for? Or will all 73-87 trucks have pretty much the same brake booster?

Thanks,
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Old 07-22-2002, 07:28 PM   #2
68SWB4x4
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hey havnt seen you on here in awhile! it seems alot of stuff changed in 81 so id try to stay with a booster setup from a 73-80
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Old 07-22-2002, 10:45 PM   #3
darcane
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Yeah, it's been a while. I haven't gotten a damn thing done on my truck in quite a while. Every time I try to work on it, something comes up and I can't afford it. Right now, I'm rebuilding the suspension on my Nova and it's taking forever due to rust. Blech!

The '78 my friend bought is a interesting one... The body has very little rust on it and is mostly straight, but there was evidence of bondo, mostly on the hood. The engine has been rebuilt and the previous owner sank $3000+ into it. It has a decent set of fake centerlines (9.5" wide? 275/60/15 on all four corners). Unfortunately, the wiring is badly hacked, none of the stock gauges work, the interior needs major work. He started sanding some of the bad spots, starting on the hood once he got it. It didn't take too long to find out what the bondo was filling up: three large holes made by a pickaxe! It also has some wierd AC system on it... There's nothing that looks like a compressor. It has a canister attached to the inner fender, I figure that must be the compressor, and it's probably run off electricity.

So, do you have any vehicles that actually run yet?
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Old 07-23-2002, 02:00 AM   #4
68SWB4x4
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LOL yes i do
the 70 runs........ the 68 starts but wont stay running, and the 56 is real close to running
hell i drive the 70 everyday
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Old 07-24-2002, 12:08 AM   #5
crossy
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brakes

be careful about the pushrod that goes from the linkage into the back of the booster. .I know they are different between the two. (manual VS. power).DAVE
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