Convert to Hydroboost
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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Convert to Hydroboost
Can anyone give me a quick rundown as to what are the issues / considerations in converting a Vacuum boost to hydroboost?
I would assume these are issues:
- Physical form factor / fit
Do I need to replace the existing Power Steering pump with a bigger one?
What about compatibility with ABS system?
Assume I retain original vacuum pump.
Specifically, anyone done a conversion of a F-350 Hydroboost, 2005 or later to a E350 2005?
Thanks
I would assume these are issues:
- Physical form factor / fit
Do I need to replace the existing Power Steering pump with a bigger one?
What about compatibility with ABS system?
Assume I retain original vacuum pump.
Specifically, anyone done a conversion of a F-350 Hydroboost, 2005 or later to a E350 2005?
Thanks
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 6
Current analysis is I am in for a new vac booster and master cylinder.
The hydroboost unit is much smaller, and should fit in the space.
If the existing PS pump is usable, the variable cost to convert is roughly the cost of just replacing the above parts, but with some custom plumbing / tweaking of the existing PS pump, including a complete flush and adding a PS fluid filter.
If not, then it is a bigger job...
Immediate next question... is the E-450 chassis hydroboost... if so, it means that a kit for that vehicle should almost drop right in.
The hydroboost unit is much smaller, and should fit in the space.
If the existing PS pump is usable, the variable cost to convert is roughly the cost of just replacing the above parts, but with some custom plumbing / tweaking of the existing PS pump, including a complete flush and adding a PS fluid filter.
If not, then it is a bigger job...
Immediate next question... is the E-450 chassis hydroboost... if so, it means that a kit for that vehicle should almost drop right in.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 6
Just checked:
E-450 2005 (page 12 in below link) is Hydroboost:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...eriesvanbb.pdf
1.56" diameter
But no info on whether a new PS pump is needed... or fittings.
This is getting interesting.
Thanks... now the question is.. can I scrounge up all these parts....
E-450 2005 (page 12 in below link) is Hydroboost:
https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas...eriesvanbb.pdf
1.56" diameter
But no info on whether a new PS pump is needed... or fittings.
This is getting interesting.
Thanks... now the question is.. can I scrounge up all these parts....
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 6
Didn't you buy a 6.0 too?
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Logistics Pro
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From: Claremore, OK
Subscribing to see where this goes; interesting topic.Yeah I bought one too, not a Dodge.
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Yes, all E-450 6.0L diesels come factory equipped with a hydroboost (the vacuum pump is dedicated soley for the mode selector positions in these applications), while the E-250/E-350 vans use a vacuum boost setup. The next question is, like Cheezit asks, why in the world would you even want to consider such a swap?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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Yes, all E-450 6.0L diesels come factory equipped with a hydroboost (the vacuum pump is dedicated soley for the mode selector positions in these applications), while the E-250/E-350 vans use a vacuum boost setup. The next question is, like Cheezit asks, why in the world would you even want to consider such a swap?
I am suspecting a leaking Vac booster and an worn master cylinder.
The vac pump was replaced about 3 years back --- possibly premature failure from leaking vac booster.
Replacing both of those parts will roughly cost the same as a Hydroboost w/master cylinder, if
- I can use the existing PS pump
- bits and pieces are available from the E 450 parts catalog so there are no longer term maintenance / parts issues.
Labor involved in the conversion --- if not materially bigger than doing the vac booster / master cylinder replacement.
Gain: considerably more stopping power
Cost: if I can scrounge parts (for which you know I am famous), not much.
Keeping the old vac pump --- only to power vac accessories, and it will last forever.
Parts cost to replace vac booster / master cylinder is around $500 if I used ford parts.
Scrounge gets me vac booster -- $100, master cylinder with the sensor $200.
--------
Hydro boost unit is about $250 to $300, may be available used from 450 wreck for a song.
Hoses, etc... need to be priced in.
As with PS fluid filter.
And if needed, new PS pump.
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