Ultimate Brake Upgrade
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,460
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From: Bay Area, Unfortunately
Ultimate Brake Upgrade
Okay, I am looking for some input. I have a 1986 F-250 4 wheel drive. I want to put the ultimate brake set up on my truck, and was wondering which are the best all around parts. I am going to start piecing together things for the truck, and was wondering what is best and why? I am looking at doing the hydroboost conversion, but from there, I am not sure where to go.
I have 2 1/2 inch brakes in the back. Is it worth the time to upgrade to 3 inch? I am not looking to do a rear disc conversion and am not a fan of drilled rotors on the front. I was wondering if anyone had upgrades like larger wheel cylinders, different MC, or any other tricks.
Thanks,
Nick
I have 2 1/2 inch brakes in the back. Is it worth the time to upgrade to 3 inch? I am not looking to do a rear disc conversion and am not a fan of drilled rotors on the front. I was wondering if anyone had upgrades like larger wheel cylinders, different MC, or any other tricks.
Thanks,
Nick
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
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From: The Big, Oregon
Well, you ruled out the two best and nearly only options for your truck. Hydroboost won't get you much gain, they designed that to give the same results as a vacuum booster for engines that don't produce vacuum.
You truck already has quite large brakes up front, and a 3" drum upgrade would be way more work than it's worth. In reality, a rear disk setup with an adjustable proportioning valve is the best thing, along with powerslot rotors if they make them for your truck.
You truck already has quite large brakes up front, and a 3" drum upgrade would be way more work than it's worth. In reality, a rear disk setup with an adjustable proportioning valve is the best thing, along with powerslot rotors if they make them for your truck.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 6
From: Bay Area, Unfortunately
I put rear discs on my other truck, and they helped a lot, but I lost the parking brake. I had Caddy calipers first, but they sucked. I did the hydroboost and was able to lock up 36" tires at the drop of a hat!
I was just wondering if there were any other things I can do to the brakes to make them better or reduce brake fade.
I was just wondering if there were any other things I can do to the brakes to make them better or reduce brake fade.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 973
Likes: 2
From: Texas
Hydro-boost will give you tons more braking power. It is able to apply much more pressure to the brake system then vac can. And all you need is the power steering lines and the booster, I had a small issue with my master cylinder fitting but i think the F250s and up bolt in.
Just make sure your brake lines and calipers and cylinders are in good condition because it puts alot more pressure on it.
I think if you can find a good quality rear disk setup and would be really nice. Iv been looking for one for my F150 but all the kits are pricey.
Just make sure your brake lines and calipers and cylinders are in good condition because it puts alot more pressure on it.
I think if you can find a good quality rear disk setup and would be really nice. Iv been looking for one for my F150 but all the kits are pricey.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 6
From: Bay Area, Unfortunately
Thanks,
I think hydroboost will be my first upgrade. The rear discs are good, but the parking brake options leave a bit to be desired. You did a hydroboost on your F-150?
I think hydroboost will be my first upgrade. The rear discs are good, but the parking brake options leave a bit to be desired. You did a hydroboost on your F-150?
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 973
Likes: 2
From: Texas
Ya, i originally ordered a reman. unit from napa, but it was missing the retaining clip, spring and the push rod, so i went to the junk yard and got a unit off of a 91 F-series. Finally got it all hooked up and it works great. It makes a huge difference, it will stop on a dime with out even trying!
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