I have located a 1994 F450 with a complete hydroboost set up. Is this what I am looking for to convert to my F350? Is there anyting I need to know about this set up or things to look for that could be signs of a failed system? He says I can start truck up and see that it pressurizes etc. I know I need the hydroboost valve piece, the hoses and the powersteering pump. Do i need the whole power steering pump or just the fluid resevoir part? Do I need the master cylinder also or will my current one be the same? Do I need the pedal rod? Anything else?

 

I am still running my stock ps pump, i just put a T in the line to for the return. I think the 450 pumps have 2 return inlets or something, which would be nice to have over the T, if it fits. idk about the reservoir. grab the master. your current one will work but you will have to elongate or notch the holes so it lines up w the studs on the hydroboost unit. and yes, grab the rod that goes onto the hydro boost, i think thats one of the biggest problems when guys buy reman ones that it does not come with that little rod, and its different then the one on w vacuum break boosters.

 

I will try to grab it all. I forgot to tell him that i also wanted the PS pump. I am at $100 bucks with the master, hydroboost and all lines. Sound reasonable?

 

i think for all that, it's plenty fair. I paid 50 or 60 just for the hydroboost and nothing else. which i thought was fair. I happened to find someone who had a used one sitting on the shelf. i bought the supply line new, and just ran the return with some hose and the T i bought.

 

I've been wanting to do this conversion. I bought a hydroboost on craigs list but turned out to be the SD model.

 

yes! very good deal.

 

you can just throw the other reservoir on your p/s pump. bolt the hydroboost assembly on and hook all the lines up. a T in the line for return works but under certain circumstances ive noticed at times it doesnt flow as it should. its pretty straightforward sounds like you got everything you need. the hardest part of the entire thing is undoing the 4 bolts that hold the vacuum booster to the firewall which isnt even that bad.

 

I appreciate the input. As far as master cylinder and the brakelines, How much rework or changing will I have to do? It sounds like my master may have to have the mount flange moded to bolt up to the hydroboost if I use my current one. If I use my current master do I have to break open the system and then bleed it? I have only seen pics so I am not sure how this system is plumbed from one truck to the other. I also know there is debate on needing or not needing a rear residual valve. Your knowlege on this is also needed. I appreciate your input on that as well please.

 

when i used my stock master, i left everything together, just unbolted it, modified the holes and put it on the hydroboost unit, that way i didnt have to bleed anythng. after i reamed the holes out which was a pain, and made them kind of too big becuase the holes dont need to be bigger just wider apart, i read on here that instead of drilling, get a grinder and notch the holes so the are C shaped, and the diameter is correct.

 

Good. No residual valve for rear brakes needed?

 

so this is my dumb question of the day....what is the diff in hydroboost and our regular power brakes?

Im assuming more pressure/stopping power.

I tried to search on google before I posted but all I came up with were forum threads about hydroboost installations

 

I didn't put any valve any where, the only thing i changed was break booster, everything left as is. i dont know if its different if you use the other master.

instead of running off vacuum it runs off the power steering pump. if you search fte, there is a handful of threads. i like it better. iv locked up my breaks at 70 in a hairy situation. and its nice not needing to worry about the dumb vacuum pump.

 

Operation, Diagnosis and Repair of Hydro-Boost Power Assist Systems: Brake and Front End

 

thank you sir!

I have now learnified some edumacations about the operation of hydroboost braking systems.