Brake System Upgrade
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Mackinaw, IL
Brake System Upgrade
I am wanting to get rid of the old vaccum braking system on my 88 f-250 and convert it over to hydro boost like that on the newer Superduties. Does anyone have any information or experiance doing this? It shouldn't be all that difficult but I thought I would check before I get to fabricating....
Thanks
Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
Go to a salvage yard and get the hydraboost and brake master cylinder and the two power steering hoses that go to the hydraboost and the power steering pump off a Super Duty.
The power steering pump has to have an extra return line installed is why it has to change.
There is a little rod that goes between the master cylinder and hydra boost unit that can not be bought for love or money, getting the entire unit makes sure it is still there.
I would use the master cylinder off your truck, the Super Duty has disc rear brakes, you may blow the wheel cylinders if you use the Super Duty master cylinder.
It is a bolt on swap, no fabricating required.
Do look at the hose routing before you start.
Either get a book that shows it or look at a truck that has it installed.
Also you have to block off the vacuum port the brake booster is hooked to and leave the vacuum pump installed so you heater works right.
The power steering pump has to have an extra return line installed is why it has to change.
There is a little rod that goes between the master cylinder and hydra boost unit that can not be bought for love or money, getting the entire unit makes sure it is still there.
I would use the master cylinder off your truck, the Super Duty has disc rear brakes, you may blow the wheel cylinders if you use the Super Duty master cylinder.
It is a bolt on swap, no fabricating required.
Do look at the hose routing before you start.
Either get a book that shows it or look at a truck that has it installed.
Also you have to block off the vacuum port the brake booster is hooked to and leave the vacuum pump installed so you heater works right.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Mackinaw, IL
Thanks again Dave.... Just out of curiosity, have you done this to your truck or have you been able to get by with stock braking? The reason I am looking into the swap is simply because my brakes are not adequate what so ever... Even with all the replacing of parts I have done, a "Panic Stop" would involve a tree for me!!!
Anyhow.. thanks again Dave.
Anyhow.. thanks again Dave.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
Been there, did that. Works good.
I had several hundred dollars in it, I used new parts.
But I live in the mountains and gross big numbers.
The street I live beside drops 87 feet in 300 feet, there is a 90 degree right turn at the bottom and the river is 25 feet from the edge of the street.
You want pucker power, try dropping down that grossing 24,000 pounds. Truck, trailer and a Cat excavator on the back that costs 40 grand.
Did that hill many times with the stock brake system.
My reason for doing it was for a while I was going through vacuum pumps at the rate of two a year. That is a real bad feeling when you hit the brakes and have no vacuum assist and haul like I do. We must have had a warehouse full of bad units. I finally got one that has been on the truck for 2 years now and still works. But then again, it only runs the heater now.
I had several hundred dollars in it, I used new parts.
But I live in the mountains and gross big numbers.
The street I live beside drops 87 feet in 300 feet, there is a 90 degree right turn at the bottom and the river is 25 feet from the edge of the street.
You want pucker power, try dropping down that grossing 24,000 pounds. Truck, trailer and a Cat excavator on the back that costs 40 grand.
Did that hill many times with the stock brake system.
My reason for doing it was for a while I was going through vacuum pumps at the rate of two a year. That is a real bad feeling when you hit the brakes and have no vacuum assist and haul like I do. We must have had a warehouse full of bad units. I finally got one that has been on the truck for 2 years now and still works. But then again, it only runs the heater now.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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I have an 86 f250 4x4. Does anyone have the specifics on what vehicles/years you can swap the hydraboost system from? I saw some references from Mustang forums that talk about using newer (2001-2003) systems, and other older model systems from an LTD.
Any sites that have the steps or pics of a conversion?
Any sites that have the steps or pics of a conversion?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
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Sure, Dave, I understand that you can make the swap into an '86. What I was wondering was what year vehicles can you pull the hydraboost system from? I was going to price out sourcing the parts. I figured that it would be a convienent upgrade since my brake booster and power steering pump are getting close to the end.
BTW, I used to live in Lumberport, just a little SW of Shinnston. Sure do miss that part of the state...
BTW, I used to live in Lumberport, just a little SW of Shinnston. Sure do miss that part of the state...
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