Hello all,

So after driving my truck through the MN winter this year with a few close calls, I've decided to add power brakes.

I've got a '78 F100 Custom 2wd 302. It has what appears to be the factory master cylinder. I bought a brake booster and master that I thought would work, but after making an attempt to install today, I am stumped.

The studs on the booster don't match up with any of the other holes on the firewall, which isn't the end of the world, but the end of the booster didn't fit through the hole in the firewall where the pedal connects to it.

Is there a particular booster that is more likely to bolt on to the firewall? Does a booster exist that has only 2 studs? Anyone have any success adding a booster and reusing the original pedal assembly?

Any and all help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

On the '73-'77 it requires a bellcrank assy to be bolted between the booster and firewall. I believe '78 is the same.

 

Not familiar with the 2 wheel drive set up but it sounds like you're missing this bracket.

 

Yup Marc, 2WD is the same.
The bad part is Ford never sold the bracket or it's parts separately. When you bought a booster, you got the bracket. It came as part of the booster.
Sounds like the OP is headed to the pick 'n pull.

 

Hope he finds someone that doesn't know what they're worth.

 

Well I definitely don't have that bracket, but it explains why my pedal doesn't even come close to the rod on the booster.

For the sake of the argument, Would the booster/master cylinder combo from, say, a mustang of this era fit as well? Or would there be issues with braking with non-application parts?

 

Can't answer whether it would fit but my gut feeling is no, it won't fit. I think it would actually be easier (and correct) to locate the bracket and do it right rather than spend time finding/trying to cobble something together to fit.
You locate the bracket (and pedal assy.) it becomes basically a bolt on mod.

 

Mike oooo...... I s that a grease zerk I see in one of your pics? If so, was that an add on or did they all have it? Been around theses since they were new but guess I never have seen that zerk.....................

 

It's a factory zerk... Tough to see when installed.

 

Yeah, that's a grease fitting and it is factory. It's the press in variety, not screw in. I've seen quite a few with them missing. Apparently they tend to fall out.
It's difficult to see, it's on the bottom side of the bracket.
Going from memory, which is getting worse as years go by, I think it's a 3/16" fitting.

 

The 2 wheel drive 79,I bought for my HB swap has the identicle bracket set up as well.

 

Gonna look at mine and give it a shot of grease if its there!