Adding Hydro-Boost
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 19
From: Louisiana
Adding Hydro-Boost
Ok, so some of you might know that I was clearly wrong on thinking that my F350 had hydroboost braking. It does not. Since diesels don't make vacuum and my truck already uses an electric vacuum pump, why not make the switch over to hydroboost? I looked and the Master Cylinder and all the lines, gaskets, brackets would be right at like $300. My question is that for anybody who has installed them before, is there anything else I need to do? I am not going to purchase this yet, just doing research for in the future. I appreciate all replies and information. Thanks fellas.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,676
Likes: 913
From: Milford, MI
I don't think it will be worth the effort personally. The vacuum pumps on our trucks are engine driven, very robust units.
Far as doing the swap I would look into brake pressure switches as well, if they made a small change there it would cause havoc with the abs/esp.
Far as doing the swap I would look into brake pressure switches as well, if they made a small change there it would cause havoc with the abs/esp.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 6
From: Whitecourt AB, Canada
Couldn't one just buy all the brake system hardware for a 2011 and be done with it? I believe the way the ABS works, since it's on the brake fluid hydraulic side of the power assist system, is still the same.
The vac boosted power brake systems do have a different pedal feel. It's somewhat similar to how it feels when you're driving a gasser truck, there's less resistance to your foot pedal application.
The vac boosted power brake systems do have a different pedal feel. It's somewhat similar to how it feels when you're driving a gasser truck, there's less resistance to your foot pedal application.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 178
Likes: 1
As already posted, they use a mechanical vacuum pump for the brake booster, not electric.
I beg the question: "Why bother with the hassle?"
My 2005 had hydro boost, my 2012 has vac boost... personally I have not seen any difference in braking performance.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
I'd concur with all of the above. Not too hard to switch, but at the end of the day doesn't really add anything. In fact, makes your steering worse.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 84
Isn't the hydroboost system more expensive to repair?
I certainly would take a hydroboost system if it was given to me because it was nice with the 6.4L but the braking power of my F250 has room to spare so I don't see a need and Ford didn't either.
I know I can skid to a stop on pavement with 3,000 lbs empty trailer pushing me down a hill after "trailer disconnected" reported on the dash all of a sudden.
Do you feel you don't have as much braking force as your previous hydroboost truck?
I certainly would take a hydroboost system if it was given to me because it was nice with the 6.4L but the braking power of my F250 has room to spare so I don't see a need and Ford didn't either.
I know I can skid to a stop on pavement with 3,000 lbs empty trailer pushing me down a hill after "trailer disconnected" reported on the dash all of a sudden.
Do you feel you don't have as much braking force as your previous hydroboost truck?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 19
From: Louisiana
Haha perfect! Sorry my post was confusing, I am not complaining about my brakes, I am more then happy with mine. You guys have said enough, I won't be switching, I didn't know how big of a difference it made, but obviously it's not that big of a difference. Also sorry about stating thats it's electric and not mechanical, that was my mistake. Good enough for me then, was just trying to gather some information, as I won't be using my truck to mainly tow, then I will just go ahead with the advice you guys gave me. Thanks!
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