Power brake conversion
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Collierville
Power brake conversion
Can anyone tell me what is needed to convert from manual to power brakes. Can I just go down to NAPA and pick up a rebuilt booster and install it? The truck is a 77 f100 with frond disc read drum. It sure would be nice to have power brakes and the booster is around $90.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 796
Likes: 3
From: Anderson Northern Ca
Power Brakes
Rboeding,You will need the offset bracket that goes behind the power assist unit,go to a wrecking yard and buy the complete setup that bolts to the firewall and get all the bolts and the lines that go to,the donar master cylinder.Get all the vaccume hoses and cannisters that may be involved with the same year truck.You will probably have to cut the ends off your brake lines where they screw into the master cylinder as they most likeley will not be the same as the ends that are on yours and put on the ones that came with the donar master cylinder.You can try the wrecking yard booster and cylinder before you buy new,chances are you will be able to use them both.You will need to find a good vaccume source at the intake manifold,look at the donar truck setup at the wreckers while you are there.When I did my 71 I used a 77 power booster and cylinder,the brake pedal ended up much closer to the floor than the stock setup but it works real well as it is much more comfortable closer to the floor in my opinion.I had to put in a 1/4" bolt at the brake switch to lengthen it out so the brake switch would work.Hope this helpes.
"bowties in the rearview mirror"
"bowties in the rearview mirror"
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 1
From: Great NW
Danny Cabral did an article in the Tech Article section that will be helpful to you. One of the hardest parts of the conversion is to find all of the little special fittings needed to adapt your old system to the new system. If you have a hydraulic hose shop in your area, that will be helpful. Having a good brake hose flaring tool is a must as well.
As mentioned, getting the proper offset bracket for the MC might be tough, depending on the availability in your local junkyards, but once your system is in, you will like it MUCH better that that old manual junk. These trucks are just too heavy to have manual brakes...
As mentioned, getting the proper offset bracket for the MC might be tough, depending on the availability in your local junkyards, but once your system is in, you will like it MUCH better that that old manual junk. These trucks are just too heavy to have manual brakes...
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: SD
I did this to my '73 f100 2wd and it was very easy. I'm assuming yours is a 2wd. The master cylinder for power brakes and non power brakes is the same part number - so no need to replace that (don't even take the lines loose). You will need some parts from a donor pickup (73-79 1/2 ton 2wd). The booster, the bracket between the booster and the firewall and the mounting bolts. Some say you need to change the brake pedal, but I've used my original pedal for over 6 years with no problems. Get a new replacement booster (use old one for part number and core).
Then just remove master cylinder arm from brake pedal, and unbolt master cylinder from firewall and pull it out of the way - leaving the lines connected. Then bolt booster and bracket to firewall and pedal. Then bolt master to booster (obviously pull the old rod out of the back of the master cylinder), run vacuum hose to intake and it's done.
Power brakes make a huge difference in driving comfort and safety, it's definately worth the trouble...
Marty
Edit: The aritcle by Danny Cabral that Genestoner mentioned is a very good article but involves upgrading beyond stock brakes. It uses larger booster, larger master cylinder and larger calipers for better braking power. The way I described will give you a stock factory type power brake system.
Then just remove master cylinder arm from brake pedal, and unbolt master cylinder from firewall and pull it out of the way - leaving the lines connected. Then bolt booster and bracket to firewall and pedal. Then bolt master to booster (obviously pull the old rod out of the back of the master cylinder), run vacuum hose to intake and it's done.
Power brakes make a huge difference in driving comfort and safety, it's definately worth the trouble...
Marty
Edit: The aritcle by Danny Cabral that Genestoner mentioned is a very good article but involves upgrading beyond stock brakes. It uses larger booster, larger master cylinder and larger calipers for better braking power. The way I described will give you a stock factory type power brake system.
Last edited by 73Custom; Feb 1, 2006 at 02:18 PM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 64
Originally Posted by GeneStoner
Danny Cabral did an article in the Tech Article section that will be helpful to you. One of the hardest parts of the conversion is to find all of the little special fittings needed to adapt your old system to the new system. If you have a hydraulic hose shop in your area, that will be helpful. Having a good brake hose flaring tool is a must as well.
As mentioned, getting the proper offset bracket for the MC might be tough, depending on the availability in your local junkyards, but once your system is in, you will like it MUCH better that that old manual junk. These trucks are just too heavy to have manual brakes...
As mentioned, getting the proper offset bracket for the MC might be tough, depending on the availability in your local junkyards, but once your system is in, you will like it MUCH better that that old manual junk. These trucks are just too heavy to have manual brakes...
