manual brakes
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2006
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manual brakes
hi guys converting my 1980 ford f 150 4 x 4 over to manuel brakes, as with my new 408 stroker motor the cam is so radical theres not enough vacuum for the power brakes. WAs wondering if anyone might know exactly what all is different?
thanks
thanks
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,966
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From: Virginia
Do some research on the newer f350 and the f450 diesel trucks. They use a hydroboost system which uses the hydraulic pressure from the power steering system to provide power brakes. You could also look at some early to mid 80's GM cars that used a electric vacuum pump system. These are sometimes for sale on ebay.
If you have a large engine and are going to do some racing or towing, I would not take the boost system off the brakes. Disc brakes require more leg power than drums.
You will have to make a new pedal rod assembly if you do change it around. The rod is made into the booster. Also, you may have to rig the brakelight switch, since it's incorporated into the booster arm and the pedal, unless you can duplicate the booster rod exactly.
P.S. You could also run a belt driven vacuum pump off a Ford diesel pickup.
If you have a large engine and are going to do some racing or towing, I would not take the boost system off the brakes. Disc brakes require more leg power than drums.
You will have to make a new pedal rod assembly if you do change it around. The rod is made into the booster. Also, you may have to rig the brakelight switch, since it's incorporated into the booster arm and the pedal, unless you can duplicate the booster rod exactly.
P.S. You could also run a belt driven vacuum pump off a Ford diesel pickup.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
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From: Lost
Since there were some trucks in the early 80's that did not come with power brakes, it should just be a matter of swapping the manual master cyl in place of the booster. Most manual brake master cyl's have the rod already in them. Of course, you would have to "adjust" the lines, and may need to use adapter fittings.
Brakelight switch should work just fine, as it is the same whether power or manual. (If I recall correctly)
Belt driven vacuum pump would be a good way to go. As mentioned, manual brakes do require a little more input pressure
Brakelight switch should work just fine, as it is the same whether power or manual. (If I recall correctly)
Belt driven vacuum pump would be a good way to go. As mentioned, manual brakes do require a little more input pressure
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 926
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From: SE, Michigan
My 82F100 has manual brakes. I have heard that many early F100s also came with the smaller 4.5 x 5 bolt pattern and smaller rotors and drums but my 82 has the larger F150 sized 5.5 x 5 bolt pattern on the wheels as well. Maybe you could look for a F100 parts from an 82.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 334
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From: Milltown, NJ
My vehicle has manual brakes, the smaller ones mentioned earlier. They are something to get used to. I tow a trailer in the summer with a total weight of about 1,000 lbs. The vehicle takes it time coming to a stop.
If you drive your vehicle regularly and drive near or slightly higher than the speed limit I would stay with the power brakes.
I am retired and am in NO hurry to get anywhere so the manuals work fine for me.
If you drive your vehicle regularly and drive near or slightly higher than the speed limit I would stay with the power brakes.
I am retired and am in NO hurry to get anywhere so the manuals work fine for me.
