hydroboost swap question
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,739
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From: Vale, NC
hydroboost swap question
My brakes really suck. When moving they act generally ok, but at low speeds there is no boost to the pedal at all. I hate pulling up to the plate glass window at Boss Hog's BBQ (and we know I need my Boss Hog's!
) So, I am pretty committed to doing this hydroboost conversion but I can't figure out what hoses people are ordering. One site that was linked talked about Ford hoses that had been discontinued and the one posted here just said "I ordered hoses from Advanced". My recollection of power steering hoses is that they are usually bent with a purpose so you don't just grab any old hoses.
Can someone tell me what I need to get to make this work on my 96 F350 4X4 CCLB?
Also, I am looking to pick up a used unit at a junk yard - any reason this would be deemed stupid? Seems like the kind of part that would likely last a long time before needing replacement so a used one would be ok.
Thank you.
) So, I am pretty committed to doing this hydroboost conversion but I can't figure out what hoses people are ordering. One site that was linked talked about Ford hoses that had been discontinued and the one posted here just said "I ordered hoses from Advanced". My recollection of power steering hoses is that they are usually bent with a purpose so you don't just grab any old hoses.Can someone tell me what I need to get to make this work on my 96 F350 4X4 CCLB?
Also, I am looking to pick up a used unit at a junk yard - any reason this would be deemed stupid? Seems like the kind of part that would likely last a long time before needing replacement so a used one would be ok.
Thank you.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 1
From: Exton, PA
looking to do this same swap myself, so interested to see how it goes for you.
i don't disagree that the booster itself should last a long time, but from my research to date, it seems that the only semi-bolt-up hydro-booster that will work is from a 97 F-Superduty. ...one model year, and probably not a common model to find in junk-yards. i believe the boosters from SuperDuty trucks could be made to work, but the concensus was that it would take alot more effort than the 97 F-SuperDuty one.
i saved a good link from the OBS gasser forum here on FTE that i believe listed the part number of the booster needed as well as the hydraulic lines. i'll see if i can dig it up and post the link here.
i don't disagree that the booster itself should last a long time, but from my research to date, it seems that the only semi-bolt-up hydro-booster that will work is from a 97 F-Superduty. ...one model year, and probably not a common model to find in junk-yards. i believe the boosters from SuperDuty trucks could be made to work, but the concensus was that it would take alot more effort than the 97 F-SuperDuty one.
i saved a good link from the OBS gasser forum here on FTE that i believe listed the part number of the booster needed as well as the hydraulic lines. i'll see if i can dig it up and post the link here.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 1
From: Exton, PA
here's the link: www.obspowerstroke.com. there's a section on the hydroboost swap in the menu at the top.
wasn't on FTE, but i think i found it through here originally.
it seems to list part numbers for all components needed. however, it says it was last updated in 2007, so some stuff could be discontinued by now.
definitely post how you make out if you give it a go. i have the same fear of plate glass windows these days. ...though really, i guess they should fear me.
wasn't on FTE, but i think i found it through here originally.
it seems to list part numbers for all components needed. however, it says it was last updated in 2007, so some stuff could be discontinued by now.
definitely post how you make out if you give it a go. i have the same fear of plate glass windows these days. ...though really, i guess they should fear me.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 14
From: Vale, NC
[quote= i have the same fear of plate glass windows these days. ...though really, i guess they should fear me.[/quote]
Thanks for the help. That worked. i found a 97 hydroboost at the local salvage yard. I figure it is about the same as paying the core charge, so might as well give it a go. Auto Zone had a cross reference to the car quest numbers and could order both to arrive on Wed. So, my Saturday morning is now booked!
Great line on the plate glass windows!!!!
Thanks for the help. That worked. i found a 97 hydroboost at the local salvage yard. I figure it is about the same as paying the core charge, so might as well give it a go. Auto Zone had a cross reference to the car quest numbers and could order both to arrive on Wed. So, my Saturday morning is now booked!
Great line on the plate glass windows!!!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 1
From: Exton, PA
man, you work fast! gives me some hope of finding one around here if you found one so easily. i forgot about the core charge...
good news about the other parts still being in stock, though. i can't decide if i want to take this onto my planned week-long auto to manual tranny swap project or not. i have to swap the pedals at that time, but otherwise, i think there's no cross-over to to the two projects, and i'm thinking it'd be better to troubleshoot the two separately if/when there are issues to resolve in each.
definitely weigh in with your impressions of the improvement in braking once you finish up the swap though! good luck.
good news about the other parts still being in stock, though. i can't decide if i want to take this onto my planned week-long auto to manual tranny swap project or not. i have to swap the pedals at that time, but otherwise, i think there's no cross-over to to the two projects, and i'm thinking it'd be better to troubleshoot the two separately if/when there are issues to resolve in each.
definitely weigh in with your impressions of the improvement in braking once you finish up the swap though! good luck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 4
From: Southern AZ
My brakes really suck. When moving they act generally ok, but at low speeds there is no boost to the pedal at all. I hate pulling up to the plate glass window at Boss Hog's BBQ (and we know I need my Boss Hog's!) So, I am pretty committed to doing this hydroboost conversion but I can't figure out what hoses people are ordering. One site that was linked talked about Ford hoses that had been discontinued and the one posted here just said "I ordered hoses from Advanced". My recollection of power steering hoses is that they are usually bent with a purpose so you don't just grab any old hoses.
Can someone tell me what I need to get to make this work on my 96 F350 4X4 CCLB?
Also, I am looking to pick up a used unit at a junk yard - any reason this would be deemed stupid? Seems like the kind of part that would likely last a long time before needing replacement so a used one would be ok.
Thank you.
) So, I am pretty committed to doing this hydroboost conversion but I can't figure out what hoses people are ordering. One site that was linked talked about Ford hoses that had been discontinued and the one posted here just said "I ordered hoses from Advanced". My recollection of power steering hoses is that they are usually bent with a purpose so you don't just grab any old hoses.Can someone tell me what I need to get to make this work on my 96 F350 4X4 CCLB?
Also, I am looking to pick up a used unit at a junk yard - any reason this would be deemed stupid? Seems like the kind of part that would likely last a long time before needing replacement so a used one would be ok.
Thank you.
My concern with hydro boost is if the engine dies you have no brakes. Or is there some kind of accumulator?
With a vacuum system if the engine dies you still have 2-3 pedal presses of boost....
Richard
EDT: I will admit I have not looked into it at all...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 10
From: Thornhill , Ontario
I'm pretty sure the solid axle /cab & chassis trucks of that vintage all had the hydro boost systems......( F 450 and up) ..at least what I've seen in the junkyards up here...
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: AZ
Have always thought about doing this myself. I even bought one off of craigs list but it for a SD and its still sitting on my shelf.
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Lead Driver
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From: Madison, WI
You don't lose your brakes when you lose boost. One of the first things you should do with any new vehicle you buy is take it into an empty parking lot, get it up to speed, shut off the engine, exhaust the brake boost and then try stopping it. That way you know how much effort it takes with no boost, if/when it happens for real.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 40
You don't lose your brakes when you lose boost. One of the first things you should do with any new vehicle you buy is take it into an empty parking lot, get it up to speed, shut off the engine, exhaust the brake boost and then try stopping it. That way you know how much effort it takes with no boost, if/when it happens for real.
My greatest fear is to be trucking out a load of grain in one of the old wheat trucks and the brakes go out, or the engine go out. On some of the steep roads that would mean certain death. Luckily the farmer keeps good care of his stuff, compared to many people who have rotten floors, none working lights, and who run way overloaded.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,014
Likes: 115
That is a good idea, never thought about doing that. Although I have steered and stopped a Dodge 1500 when the fuel pump stopped, while I was doing 60 mph. It was not fun. I can't even imagine a loaded truck, or even an unloaded truck as heavy as ours. Steering without power steering really sucks too.
My greatest fear is to be trucking out a load of grain in one of the old wheat trucks and the brakes go out, or the engine go out. On some of the steep roads that would mean certain death. Luckily the farmer keeps good care of his stuff, compared to many people who have rotten floors, none working lights, and who run way overloaded.
My greatest fear is to be trucking out a load of grain in one of the old wheat trucks and the brakes go out, or the engine go out. On some of the steep roads that would mean certain death. Luckily the farmer keeps good care of his stuff, compared to many people who have rotten floors, none working lights, and who run way overloaded.
Now, I have tried to stop an old grain truck when the engine stalled, and for whatever reason with how it was set up, there were NO brakes when the engine was off. Was headed for a T intersection. Pucker factor of 8ish out of 10. That was a 1950s-ish Chevy.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 40
I've stopped my truck with the engine off, and it wasn't that bad. Now, it may be because I had some residual boost left over, but I wasn't really paying attention to that.
Now, I have tried to stop an old grain truck when the engine stalled, and for whatever reason with how it was set up, there were NO brakes when the engine was off. Was headed for a T intersection. Pucker factor of 8ish out of 10. That was a 1950s-ish Chevy.
Now, I have tried to stop an old grain truck when the engine stalled, and for whatever reason with how it was set up, there were NO brakes when the engine was off. Was headed for a T intersection. Pucker factor of 8ish out of 10. That was a 1950s-ish Chevy.
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