Hello. I have a couple of questions regarding installing a hydro-boost brake system and power steering on a 1963 F250 4x4 project truck that I am considering purchasing. The guy that has it for sale has started a frame up restoration on it that is only about 2/3 complete. It has a 351W in it, manual drums on all 4 corners and manual steering. I had a '69 F100 years ago with manual drums and steering and I really don't want to go down that road again. Does anyone know if there is a complete kit that will let me keep the drum brakes but convert to a hydro-boost set up? Of course since I have to have power steering for the hydro-boost, I would also need to convert the steering. If I change over to a power steering gear box (and of course a pump), can I retain all other steering components from the manual system ? If anyone has part numbers of the power steering box,pump, and hydro-boost system, or has info on this swap, I would greatly appreciate any and all help. Thanks in advance.

 

I just finished a power steering swap in my truck. I used the box and column out of a 78 f250 4x4. The newer box mounts in front of the axle so i boxed the frame and moved the box infront of the axle. Part of the reason was my exhuast manifold was almost rubbing on the old box. 7.3 idi is pretty tight between the rails. I think most ford trucks from the 60's thru early 90's use the same style pump so thats easy.

 

Thanks for the response and the pics. Much appreciated.

 

Power steering is a nice upgrade, but you dont need to to install the hydraboost. Just add the pump for you power brake. You can add steering anytime if you get tired of driving a tractor in town.

 

Thanks. I had wondered if that was an option. I think that is the route I will go when I get to that point of the restoration. I know that I can cannibalize parts from a junk yard vehicle but do you know of any after market bolt on kits? Thank you.

 

I don't think you're going to like the results of a hydroboost brake system with all-wheel drum brakes.

Hydroboost was never installed with (front) drums. Drums are self-energizing, discs are not. I suspect you'll find that the hydroboosted brakes will be VERY sensitive to the application of the brake pedal.

If you also converted over to front disc brakes, then you would probably like the hydroboost.

Hydroboost requires a power steering pump to pressurize the brake unit. To operate the hydroboost correctly, you would need a power steering pump with TWO fluid return lines.

The Thompson 'pencil neck' PS pump was in use on the Ford cars and trucks from 1965 through 1977. It had a stamped steel reservoir housing and from 1967-1977 had a skinny filler neck/dipstick tube.

In '78 (through about 2003), Ford went to the C-2 PS pump (plastic reservoir with large diameter filler neck/cap).

The mounting brackets between the Thompson and the C-2 PS pumps are not interchangeable.

This is a Thompson PS pump designed for hydroboost, which has the two return line ports. (this pump for a '77 Lincoln Versailles. This particular hydroboost/PS pump has a larger filler neck than a regular Thompson PS pump).


This is a Ford C-2 PS pump designed for hydroboost, which has the two return line ports. (this pump for a mid-to-late '90s Ford F250 Super Duty).

 

Thank you very much for the info and the pics of the different pumps.

 

Is the reason that the pump has to have two return lines due to the fact that one comes from the power steering gearbox and the other comes from the hydroboost? If I strictly run the power steering pump to power the hydroboost and stick with my manual steering, can I get by with a regular power steering pump with only one return line? Forgive my lack of knowledge on this. Thanks again.

 

Yes, but if the fronts remain drums, you probably aren't going to get the results you're wanting.

I have a '69 F100 Ranger. Like all Bumpside F100s, mine came with all-wheel drum brakes --manual drums at that. In 2012, I installed a dual diaphragm booster from a '75 F350 along with a new 1.00" bore cast iron MC. This was when I still had drums all the way around. The brakes were very sensitive and I always had to be mindful not to jump on the brakes too quickly or hard.



In 2014, I swapped out my stock '69 F100 drum brake I-beam front suspension with a disc brake I-beam front suspension from a '77 F100. I replaced the 1.00" bore cast iron MC with a 1-1/16" bore modern MC. The brakes on my truck work extremely well now.