I have a 2011 F-250 diesel and it has vacuum boost brake system. I have heard that the 2011 F-350 diesels have hydro-boost. Why? Not that it matters, just wondering why Ford used different systems.

 

I'm curious as well if there is an advantage in one vs the other. I recall this being discussed a while back but haven't been able to locate that thread yet.

 

Subscribing...

 

My theory is based on costs. All the gas SD trucks get vac/boost brakes because they produce vacuum with engine. There are likely more gas F250's built than gas F350's. It would likely keep production line differences lower as well. The diesels have to have a vac pump but it is small in size. Hydro-boost makes sense on the F350. JMO, I could be completely wrong

 

Doesn't the Hydroboost offer more braking power? I assume thats the reason the heavier trucks used hydraboost

 

Found a link that has a pretty good explanation of the differences.

 

I think rickatic and Painted Horse both get gold stars for their answers. There are a ton of F250 gassers and I agree that probably drove the design consideration to go with vacuum. As well, with the increased towing potentials, it appears the hydros do a better job of braking.

It also appears from the article that hydros will continue to work when vacuums won't...

 

So...should I have bought an F-350 instead of a 250 for the hydro-boost?

 

mach, no need to worry about what could've been. after you've lived with a f150 for ten years like a lot of us...a 250 would be huge improvement. between air bags and proper trailer brakes, you'll have NO issues.

 

I disagree. Every truck has a power steering pump, gas or diesel. In '09 when they changed diesel F250s to vacuum assist brakes they had to add a vacuum pump on the front accessory drive to power it. I believe the 2011s use the same type of system.

I don't believe designing the hardware to mount another accessory would be simpler than making the F250 PSD trucks any simpler. Cheaper maybe, and I believe this to be the driving factor here.

Remember that EVERYTHING forward of the rear axle is the exact same on the F250s as it is on the SRW F350s. It makes no difference to the KTP whether or not they're installing a brake booster on an F250 or F550. It's the same truck.

I believe this to be true. At least when things get really heavy, it might be necessary due to the F350s higher GVWR.

This article is incredibly misleading and downright wrong.

Reminds me of when I got my CDL and the discussion as to why heavy trucks use air brakes. One of the reasons was that with a compressor you can NEVER run out of air. Leaks in the system are no huge deal as long as the compressor keeps up. With a hydraulic system this is completely false, as you carry a finite amount of fluid in the reservoir. Once you're out you loose power to steering and brakes.

Cracked and leaking vacuum lines will still provide a degree of power assist. Cracked and leaking PS lines will leave you power-less in very short order once your supply of fluid is exhausted.

I do not like that article, it's written from the perspective of someone trying to sell hydroboost kits for jeeps.

Not trying to jump on you or anything, I just have a problem with their "facts".

 

I'm not worried about the braking performance with my truck. For a vehicle weighing in at almost 8k, it stops pretty damn good. I was just curious, that's all. The gvwr is only 2k higher on a srw 350 so it's not that much different. I did "graduate" from a 150, so this is a vast improvement anyways. My TT is 9k loaded so I doubt I'll have any towing issues.

 

That's strange because I'm fairly certain a friend's 2010 F-250 6.4L has hydroboost.
Those brakes do not feel the same as the brakes on my 2011.

 

My 99 f250 superduty has hydroboost. Had a big leak on the power steering cooler and the brakes went to almost nothing.

 

I've got hydroboost on my 08. i feel it provides a little better braking for the heavier loads but that is about it.

 

It's interesting because all the 6.7's have a really nice wet vacuum pump mounted on the front cover driven off the opposite side of the gear for the HP fuel pump. They use the vacuum for waste gate control and EGR cooler bypass control. I bet the power steering pumps are interchangeable as well between 250 and 350 which is the source of the boost.

I will say this, my 350 SRW has great firm brakes.