Hydroboost brake system

[NVRDUN]

I am thinking about installing a Hydroboost brake system on my 83 CJ7 . Is there anybody here who has done this in the past? Maybe can tell me the pros and cons of such a change and if you have done it how did you do it. Maybe even a parts list.

I am running 35 x 13.5 x 15 BFG Crawlers and on some of the more extreme trails the stock brakes just don't have enough power to do the job right. I am currently running all stock power brake parts now.

Thanks....James

 

[tarry99]

I am thinking about installing a Hydroboost brake system on my 83 CJ7 . Is there anybody here who has done this in the past? Maybe can tell me the pros and cons of such a change and if you have done it how did you do it. Maybe even a parts list.

I am running 35 x 13.5 x 15 BFG Crawlers and on some of the more extreme trails the stock brakes just don't have enough power to do the job right. I am currently running all stock power brake parts now.

Thanks....James

James,

That is such a large subject that I don't think there is enough room here to properly address it:

You have not mentioned a very important thing? What type of brakes do you have? Disc's or Drums or a combination?
Vacuum Boosters when working properly with disc brakes will generate about 1200 PSI of braking force...........Hydroboost about double that. Lots of guys have gone to the Hydroboost as tire sizes have gotten much bigger than 35's......they are also using the hydroboost systems to steer with by using braking force to apply pressure to a combination of wheel locations..........
Before you spend a lot of money............check out your complete current brake system: Should have at least 17-20 inches of vacuum coming off the manifold........a dual Booster works better than a single.......Disc's work better than Drums...........check your brake pedal ratio and different types of linings can also improve your stoping performance.

 

[NVRDUN]

Thanks for the input.

I have disk brakes on all four wheels. I changed the back over when we built the Ford 9 inch for the rear. Everything else is stock right down to the pads. I have not checked the vac pressures yet.

 

[tarry99]

Thanks for the input.

I have disk brakes on all four wheels. I changed the back over when we built the Ford 9 inch for the rear. Everything else is stock right down to the pads. I have not checked the vac pressures yet.

Was that a conversion or did it always have Power from the factory?

Like I said there are way to many things that need to be addressed regarding an in adaquate stopping brake system...........throwing new parts at it is surely an option............but taking a hard look at your current system is what I would do first.

• Vacuum
• Booster size
• Leaks
• Master cylinder
• Correct sizing of Pistons / Calipers IE: if you have added static weight or more inertia related rotational weight via a larger rim & tire your old stock system designed for 29" tires may just not be able to cut it!
• Vented rotors
• More agressive Brake lining options

 

[Old Dog]

Here's a good read on brakes in general, there is a small bit on hydroboost.
Pirate4x4.Com - The largest off roading and 4x4 website in the world.

 

[NVRDUN]

It came from the factory with power brakes.

 

[tarry99]

It came from the factory with power brakes.

OK one can assume then that you have the correct ratio at the pedal , but check it out.........Then Check out the article "Old Dog" just posted.............
These are all the things I am preaching about like, having the correct pedal ratios, components , rotors & linings Etc.
Spend some time going through that artice and see if you can improve upon your system.

 

[tarry99]

Here's a good read on brakes in general, there is a small bit on hydroboost.
Pirate4x4.Com - The largest off roading and 4x4 website in the world.

Dog , Thanks for posting that article..........I continue to preach the need for everyone that is interested in upgrading there brakes to first understand the function of all the components.

 

[NVRDUN]

Thanks guys, I will do some more research and testing.

James

 

[Dakardad]

Was that a conversion or did it always have Power from the factory?

Like I said there are way to many things that need to be addressed regarding an in adaquate stopping brake system...........throwing new parts at it is surely an option............but taking a hard look at your current system is what I would do first.

• Vacuum
• Booster size
• Leaks
• Master cylinder
• Correct sizing of Pistons / Calipers IE: if you have added static weight or more inertia related rotational weight via a larger rim & tire your old stock system designed for 29" tires may just not be able to cut it!
• Vented rotors
• More agressive Brake lining options

Yes lve considered all that, factory PBs yes. One thing l didnt know was the pedal difference between manual and PBs. More leverage with the manual brake pedal assemblies.
I have lived with this for awhile but recently went to MT EXPs and they are heavy. Lots of rotating weight, its what put me over the edge to upgrade. I think lm upgrading to rear discs too. Ive already got the Wilwood kit so lm committed.
Thanks for your response.