Will it STOP me?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
Will it STOP me?
I am building a 76 with power brakes. I slicked the firewall and the brake booster is just cluttering up things. I recently acquired a 72 with no power brakes. My question is whats the difference between a master cylinder on a truck with verses without power brakes. Can I just bolt my MC to the firewall with no booster and most importantly WILL IT STOP ME? Thanks
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
Likes: 60
Manual brakes work perfectly fine and I bet you wouldn't notice much of a difference.
If it were truly illegal ALL of the major brake manufacturers, plus the aftermarket companies would be in a major bing offering power to manual brake conversions for street cars. This even includes modern cars like LT1 Corvettes and Mustangs.
Josh
If it were truly illegal ALL of the major brake manufacturers, plus the aftermarket companies would be in a major bing offering power to manual brake conversions for street cars. This even includes modern cars like LT1 Corvettes and Mustangs.
Josh
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
Thanks Guys
LOL @ illegal. My whole truck is illegal if ya wanna get tecnical HAHA bagged and bodydropped no wipers no horn grille covers the headlights...the list goes on.
I guess now I just need to find out if My NEW Master Cylinder will work or do I have to get a different one specifically for an application with manual brakes.
LOL @ illegal. My whole truck is illegal if ya wanna get tecnical HAHA bagged and bodydropped no wipers no horn grille covers the headlights...the list goes on.
I guess now I just need to find out if My NEW Master Cylinder will work or do I have to get a different one specifically for an application with manual brakes.
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
Likes: 60
I believe the "laws" state you can't "down grade" the braking system.
However, the trucks were available with and without power brakes. So swapping one for the other is a wash.
Also, you can UPGRADE from a power master cylinder to a manual M/C using a more modern design.
I use an aluminum manual m/c from an 80s Ford Ranger. Worked like a charm as a standalone and when I adapted hydroboost.
That is until the darn hydroboost took a dump, now I am back to manual.
Josh
However, the trucks were available with and without power brakes. So swapping one for the other is a wash.
Also, you can UPGRADE from a power master cylinder to a manual M/C using a more modern design.
I use an aluminum manual m/c from an 80s Ford Ranger. Worked like a charm as a standalone and when I adapted hydroboost.
That is until the darn hydroboost took a dump, now I am back to manual.
Josh
Certified Thread Hijacker
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 14,441
Likes: 60
There is no difference in the design, they function the same. Manual, power or hydroboost.
Josh
Trending Topics
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
I double checked the FMVSS articles that I thought mention conversion and can't find where it would have said it's illegal. Not sure why I thought that then. Don't listen to me. 
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
I have driven a lot of these trucks the stock power boosted brakes are marginal at best and the manual version is even worse. For a show truck I could see this being done but even then most guys just move the entire setup to the frame.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
VIntageFordGuy
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Nov 13, 2015 11:11 AM
Uni Moe
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Oct 8, 2014 08:21 PM
GB SISSON
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Mar 13, 2014 09:12 PM