Well it sounds like my vacuum brake booster is giving up in my 87 F-350, it's hissing. So since I never liked the feel of vacuum boost and really hate this one. And like the feel of every hydroboost I've driven, along with the increase in braking power and some other vacuum concerns, it's time to make that swap.

So anyone out there who has done it? What parts did you use? What problems did you run into? etc.

From what I have read so far it looks like the easiest parts to use are from a 87-97 F-450/550, and that some have used 99 and up Superduty parts, anyone got any pros or cons on each set up?

Anyone used Chevy parts? any benifits? I can't imagine there is a function benifit and it's likely only that they are much more common for finding parts?

I know that the chevy unit has an accumulator so you have a few pumps after the engine stops, I'll admit I don't know much about the Ford unit does it have one also?

I have a small PS leak that I guess I'll fix at the same time, but how about the pump, any concerns there? I know I don't have the extra place for the second return line, not worried I can T it. But does it flow enough, and the resevoir is rather small. Is there a pump upgrade that is worth doing?

I think that's enough needy questions, thanks in advance for the help.

I also posted this here; https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...17#post9007317 if you want to read what their saying.

Edit, So I just found this great write up; https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...-write-up.html and wanted to edit this while I could, still reading, asuming I've read it anyone got anything to add?

 

From what I've seen the Chevy and F-Superduty (there was no F450 or F550 back then) are nearly identical, down to the threads for the pressure lines, the only differences being in the lengths of the pedal pushrod and the plunger that actuates the master cylinder, also the mounting bracket is different depending on application. An F-Superduty booster will bolt up to your firewall directly but there are two catches - you will not be able to reuse your 1-ton master cylinder without some fairly minor mods to it, and then on some cab styles it is recommended that the pushrod pivot pin be moved some distance up on the pedal because otherwise the linkage may bind when the pedal is near the floor. You can also swap in the F-Superduty master cylinder, and also the entire brake/clutch pedal assembly if needed.

Chevy boosters are ussable as well, I have one in my F350, and they are generally easier to find, but they are not a direct bolt-in due to mounting plate and pedal pushrod length differences.

For the pump it is not recommended to T-ee the two lines together, instead what you can do is buy an F-Superduty reservoir for your pump and simply swap it in place of your factory reservoir. Pump itself is decently strong to run the hydroboost, but if you want to you can always replace it with a newer unit or even a Saginaw pump like GM used.

 

I've been reading around the site and you seam to have alot to say on this subject, thanks, and I'm digging the avatar.

I have the aluminum master with plastic resevoir, I replaced it about a year ago and understand I will have to expand the mointing wholes, so will strongly consider just changing to the iron version that it sounds like is a direct bolt on from a year or two earlier. I would expect the f-superduty master to have a different piston dia? Supose I'll do some research on masters.

You mention cab styles, mine is a crew, are you saying that the pedal arm is different between the cab styles, if so do I need to just grab a different arm, and from what, it sounds easier then modifying it?

After more research I see no good enough reason to use the Chevy stuff.

Changing my pump resevoir is no big deal but I was just going to pose my next question before you posted. I see a lot of talk about switching to the saginaw pump, what's the big deal, why does everyone like it better? I want a really good pump and if it's worth it to change it I will, but what makes it worth it?