Hydroboost conversion done!
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan
For reference you don't need a new pedal. You do need to remove the F450 hydroboost mounting plate and flip it 180 degrees and grind off the locating tab and remove all 4 of the studs. Once that is done everything lines up and you can use your stock bolts to attach the booster.
I don't think I've ever seen someone do that yet and I'm curious if it could be done with the F250 hydroboosts from the later model diesels.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2016
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does it matter if the F-450 is diesel or gas? Don't you grab the power steering pump and lines also?
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,188
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From: Near Los Angeles
I would not use a T to make two return lines into one. That unit was designed with two lines to maximize flow. Switching to one lines slows it down. Get a pump with dual return line inlets or your steering will feel lazy. My experience. Also, be sure to use a saginaw pump designed to be used with a hydro unit. Use what Ford used, and for what Ford used it for, as Ford used it, and you'll be good. Simple. Another detail is how the hydro interacts or connects with the brake master. Get a master and hydro that are mated oem, or you may find yourself doing scary things like making a intermidiate shaft, or notching the mounting bolt holes. That is scary. I don't want my master to become a missile when I hit the brakes some day. "Designed to work together" are important words.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
No later model 99+ trucks won't work.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Go to page one, I started this thread almost 10 years ago. All the information is there.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Diesel or gas are the same, get new hoses. Power steering pump is optional.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
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From: Regina, Saskatchewan
To clarify, I think you mean that 99+ trucks won't work without modification to the firewall or the hydroboost mounting set-up, correct?
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
The 99+ hydroboost unit will not work in these 73-79 trucks.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2016
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I believe looking through different threads you can get any 87-97 f450 for the easiest conversion.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 19
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Correct, it's not a direct bolt-in affair. It required significant modification to make it work.
Just read back through the first few pages of the thread. Should have done that before posting my question.
Just read back through the first few pages of the thread. Should have done that before posting my question.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
To also add, I later switched to using the F450 master cylinder and did a Saginaw swap. This should be incorporated from the get go when doing the swap. Since then I have done about 15 of these swaps on 67-79 trucks. I will also suggest you swap out the rear wheel cylinders for the GM 1 style 1/316" over the standard cylinders.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 19
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
To also add, I later switched to using the F450 master cylinder and did a Saginaw swap. This should be incorporated from the get go when doing the swap. Since then I have done about 15 of these swaps on 67-79 trucks. I will also suggest you swap out the rear wheel cylinders for the GM 1 style 1/316" over the standard cylinders.
Any issues with that "T"'ed connection for the return line?
Ever drill/tap the Saginaw housing for a second return line?
I recall a bunch of guys posting on here that they were having issues with air trapped in the system (the T was suspect) and had extremely spongy brakes.