Brake upgrades. which way would you go?

[ashman]

I'm getting close to having the garage finished and the first thing I want to tackle is the brakes. they are in dire need of an upgrade.

I'm trying to decide between 1ton MC/booster, or switching to hydroboost. anyone have any thoughts on the subject?

the 1ton swap seems like the simpler way to go, but if hydroboost is the better setup in the long run, maybe I should just bite the bullet and do that now.

I don't have rear disks, but may consider it some time in the future.

anyone done hydroboost in a '72 before?

 

[Z71paramedic]

I put hydroboost in mine. That being said I haven't driven it yet (and won't for another couple weeks) and I made about every other change possible at the same time, so it may be tough to remember the difference... That being said, it was a pretty easy install IMO and from what I've read it will really help. I think my truck had a 1 ton booster in it before because it always stopped pretty well for a big truck on 40's before, but this should be a bit better now.

I know YukonJack did a writeup on his hydroboost install that's around here somewhere.

For mine I just used off the shelf hoses for an 85 1ton and cut/flared the end of the high pressure line that went from the booster to the steering box. Otherwise a little trimming on the bottom of the booster mounting plate and it fit right in. I had to change the pushrod also, but that only took a little bit. Let me know if you want some more info

 

[ashman]

cool, glad to hear someone in the 1st gen group has done it.

what year of hydroboost did you use? I assume you used the master cylinder that went with it?
did you plumb it to your stock power steering pump, or change that too?

knowing that someone has done this recently, makes me lean heavily that direction.
I'm sure I'll have more questions when I get started.

 

[Z71paramedic]

cool, glad to hear someone in the 1st gen group has done it.

what year of hydroboost did you use? I assume you used the master cylinder that went with it?
did you plumb it to your stock power steering pump, or change that too?

knowing that someone has done this recently, makes me lean heavily that direction.
I'm sure I'll have more questions when I get started.

All my stuff is out of the cucv I got the one tons out of, so 84 I think. The p/s pump is the same just because my old one was wasted and it made the newer o-ring lines fit.

 

[ashman]

cool, thanks. I'll probably try to get most of it from a junkyard, but may have to buy some stuff new, so wanted to know which way you went with it.

 

[GRINCH]

I went with the 1 ton set up. I'm running a D60 and 14SF rear with disk. No problem stopping the 6000# beast with 36" IROKs.

I'm sure you read this post.
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239503&highlight=booster

 

[ashman]

I went with the 1 ton set up. I'm running a D60 and 14SF rear with disk. No problem stopping the 6000# beast with 36" IROKs.

I'm sure you read this post.
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239503&highlight=booster

I did. it really sounds like I'd be making a huge upgrade either way. tbh, the hydroboost just sounds more "interesting". not the best reason for an upgrade, but I've made worse choices... have I ever mentioned my ex-wife...