I just got my 429 installed and fired up in my 78 F-250 SuperCab 4x4. While it was out I installed a hydroboost setup from a 2002 Super Duty. I took the truck for a spin yesterday and wow what a braking difference the hydroboost makes. Heres what I learned about the hydroboost install. I got the complete hydroboost, master cylinder, hoses and pump from a wrecked Super Duty. The pump actually mounts on the 78 ps bracket using the existing holes, the 78 pulley mounted to the SD pump, the booster needed a bracket to mount to the firewall but that was the most complicated part but it was easy, the booster rod mounted to the brake pedal like it was designed to go there, the metal parts of the SD hoses needed to be bent to fit the engine compartment, the hose that mounts to the steering box needed the end trimmed off and flared otherwise the threads were the same so I didnt have to have any custom hoses made. I cant wait to see how this setup stops a loaded trailer.
Edit: I forgot to mention I added an inline PS filter too.

 

pictures would be great, and i wonder if i could do the same to my 77 f150 4x4? i would like to know what parts i need and pics of parts and the final setup would be cool, i am looking to improve the braking in my truck.

 

I will try to get some pics posted in my gallery tonight. I pretty much described all the parts you need. Just find a wrecked Superduty and grab the ps pump, all hoses, the master cylinder and booster. You have to make a spacer bracket from the firewall to the booster but that about it.

 

I just updated my gallery for motor and hydroboost pics. Look under 78 F-250 SuperCab 4x4. I would think technical things like this would get more responses than threads about lowering these trucks. What is the world comming to?

 

i know what you mean, why lower a truck? its pointless to me, and i have a 4x4 so tend to want to go the opposite of lower, if you know what i mean! lol and what is the world coming to, and will this setup improve braking? i have stock brakes in my truck and i have to get new rotors and drums and cailpers becasue the parts on the truck are useless because they sat on the mint frame for 13 years in a guys barn and i have new brake lines put on the truck already and i just came upon this thread and thought it might improve braking, i have heard that these trucks can stop like bricks, any ways has it really improved the brakes? like shorter stopping distance? and feels stiffer on the peddle and not spongy?

 

I know some guys say the F-350 vacuum booster makes a difference but not a very big difference so I cant compare to that. For as much work as it takes to get that hooked up I think you could go with a hydroboost and be better off. I havent tested this out much other than taking the truck a mile down the road. I dont have any experience with driving and stoping a newer Super Duty. But heres what I can say: the pedal feel seems natural, sort of like driving a newer vehicle. Once you step on it, it doesnt take a lot of pressure from your foot but you can really tell its grabbing more than the stock pressure. As a side note Ive also got a 79 F-150 that I replaced the drums, discs, pads, brake lines and proportioning valve. I think that truck stops really good just because it has all newer parts. My 78 on the other hand has unknown (to me) wear on the drums, discs, pads etc..and still feels like better stopping power with the hydroboost. The next upgrade would be disc rear brakes and new front brake parts. I think with adding those things it will be about as good as it can get without full-on abs. I havent hooked up to a heavy trailer yet so that will really be the ultimate test. So far I feel a difference and it was worth it especially since it was so easy to do.

 

The biggest thing I noticed with this upgrade is nothing is leaking and theres no weird whinning from the power steering pump and the power steering doesnt seem any different. Its like it was all meant to be.lol

 

This is a cool swap! If you don't mind, how much was the stuff from the junkyard? Also, did you just make a spacer, or was there more to it, such as welding? I didn't exactly see the spacer in the pics.

 

Theres a guy in my area that buys and fixes wrecked trucks and he does a lot of Super Dutys. I gave him $150 for the booster, pump and all the hoses. The bracket is black in the pics. All it is is 2 plates with a pipe welded in between them. One plate has the bolt patteren of the booster and the other plate has the bolt patteren of the firewall. Its about 1.75" thick. The bolts were a little tricky to get in there since it was pretty tight. I could have used thinner plates but that what I had laying around.

 

good info and thanks for uploading the pics.

I wonder why more people don't do this swap. Maybe because it's not the way the truck originally was - which many people seem to LOVE to stick to on this forum. I'm all for better performance.

As for why this gets less replies than a lowering thread - who knows. Intrigue maybe? I'm not one to lower trucks, but it seems a bunch of people out there are. The "how to" lowering threads are just as technical as this and they apparently reach a broader audience...

 

[QUOTE=ChaseTruck754;6671755] Maybe because it's not the way the truck originally was - which many people seem to LOVE to stick to on this forum. I'm all for better performance.

QUOTE] I was this way when I did my truck. I have since learned that it isn't necessarily the best way. That is why I am fitting whatever seems good (and is a good price) on my *ahem* dodge crewcab. Who knows, I may use this info on it