Hey all. I am thinking about converting to hydroboost. I have to replace my master cylinder so I figured that since I am going through that trouble, I might as well go all the way. That is as long as I can keep the price down to a reasonable figure.

I think all I need are the following:

Hydroboost unit
master cylinder
hose to hydroboost
hose from HB to steering
return line tubing
PS pump reservoir with 2 returns
brake fluid

 

Here are a few components I am thinking of getting to convert to hydroboost.

Cardone Remanufactured 52-7079 - Hydraulic Brake Booster | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Cardone Remanufactured 20-7238F - Power Steering Pump | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Master Pro P/S 71416 - Power Steering Hose | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Master Pro P/S 71442 - Power Steering Hose | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ydroboost.html Have a read here. Tons more info if you do a search for "hydroboost". I see that some guys do a Saginaw pump conversion at the same time.

 

The saginaw pump is a very common upgrade to the ford pump, the problem is finding one... There was one that would bolt up with no modifications, but they are no longer available. So you either have to go to a used one, or make up a set of brackets to fit the pump.

I'm also looking at going hydroboost. Partly for the better braking, although I don't tow much. Mostly I was looking to replace the leaking ford pump with a saginaw unit, and the two go hand in hand.

I found a newer hydroboost unit on ebay for cheap, and I think the size will work, but its not direct bolt up, and I'll need to modify the hoses some to work. I also found a good deal on what I hope is a good saginaw pump off some 460 powered car. Unfortunately, the bracket is a little too big in one dimension, but I think I can trim it down to make it work. Project is on hold until I either have a long enough vacation that I don't need my truck, or a second vehicle to run parts

 

caution;
auto part stores reman hydroboost units do don't come with all the parts required.

 

u learn that lesson the hard way 250?..lol

 

you kidding me? mr search and readaholic lol.
i must of spent 99% of my hydro mod time reading about it.the other 1% was to do it.
(and a whole percent is probably still overestimating things lol.)
i was fairly prepared.

 

Well I am fixing to do this hydroboost thing, i need more stopping power....btw guys, i got 265/75R16's on the 90 now...its not so tall anymore.

 

This is great guys, we Are converting our 96' f250 to a ton dually to better fit the 28' gooseneck we got. A hydro mod would be a great upgrade to add to the list.

 

lol i was gunna say, that didnt sound like your MO..

 

Money is tight right now. Does anyone have a lead on a good used hydroboost with all the parts I need? Ebay seems to have a lot of them for Mustangs but I don't think that does me any good. I will call the local yard and ask but last time I asked for anything, I was told they didn't have any Diesel trucks on the lot.

 

I went buy the two local junk yards that I know of and neither of them had an F-Superduty on the lot. What other vehicles have a bolt-on hydroboost that I can look for? I think the 88-97 Superduties will work, right?

 

if money is tight right now,then id just replace your master cylinder and call it good.
hydro is good.........real good.but if she's not a daily worker,or sporting giant tires,id just stick to vacuum personally.

 

There were more chevys, with hydro boost than there were fords amd the junk yards are full of them. lol There has been several members installed them with very little trouble.
If you don't have a few hundred laying around just to play with though, I would just replace the master cylinder, and watch for a deal on one. The brakes have been stopping it for 20 years, I reckon you will be able to get by a few more months. lol

 

Well, I found a good deal on a F450 hydroboost thanks to F250. I am getting the hydroboost, lines, and brake pedal. I need to buy the pump reservoir, still. I have a reman master cylinder in the box ready to go on as well. I'll have to file out the mounting holes, though. I could do that now if I knew how much I need to take off on each side.

Am I missing anything else?

Any tricks to getting off brake lines that are stuck on but not rusty?