Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

It seems my brake booster on my 71 Blazer has failed. I could easily replace it and the master cylinder for around $120. OR I could go hydro boost (used) for I'm guessing a little more than twice that. My question is: Do you guys really think its worth the $$ and effort? I'd love to hear all the pros & cons. Thanks!!! :)

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

I drive with hydroboost everyday in my 1 ton. The only downside I see to them is the cost. You can hunt around in a salvage yard for one, or you can buy one made as a bolt in for these trucks for about $600. If you do get one from a yard, get it from a 1/2 ton truck so the brake pressure is correct for a lighter truck

Mike

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

What does this mod do? And what year 1/2 ton donar truck should I look for? I have a 72 blazer btw.

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

What's your current steering set up?
Will you be going to a hydro assist at some point?

I believe it's possible to do both but it'd be interesting to install for sure.

How about using a one ton booster for now and doing rear disc's later?
Works for me pretty well. ;)

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

Current steering is essentially stock, but for sure will soon be a crossover set up, which I was thinking would be basicly good enough.

I never planned on putting on rear discs, is that the only option if I go with a hydroboost brake system? Maybe I dont understand hydro boost. Doesnt it essentially mean that the power steering pump helps the brake booster or do I have that back ward?

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

The hydroboost replaces the booster you currently have. The hydroboost runs on steering pump pressure rather than mechanical vaccum pressure. A properly functioning hydroboost will not adversely affect steering but you will be able to see a difference if you are not use to a hydroboost. I don;t even notice the difference any more except my 97 1 ton crew will stop quickly if need be. If you go junk yard hunting, most 1/2 ton hydroboost setups were is 6.2 diesel trucks.

Mike

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

Sorry if I wasn't clear.

Like the above post states, it runs both from one pump.

I was asking if you ever plan to run a hydro assist or even full hydro steering set up, that's where I'm unsure if their compatable. (will work together from one pump)

The one ton booster w/rear disc's is only one other option to running a hydro boost braking system.

Clear as mud now? :hm:

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

I really like the hydroboost setup I put on my 69 K20 - of course I was going from manual brakes so the improvement was big for me. Sure stops my 35"s easily. Here is a linkto info on my install.

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

The last few hydro set ups on ebay off 6.2 and 6.5 diesels have sold for 150 or less so it shouldnt cost that much more then going to the 3/4 or 1 ton booster and master. And a tip on buying the booster and master dont buy the complete unit. When I went 1ton on my blazer it was 160 for the master and booster together I priced them by them selves and it came out less then 100. I didn think it was worth the 60 to have them bolt it together.

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

I put Hydroboost in my C30 duallie(see avatar). I can lock up the front tires in a panic stop at 60 mph. While carrying a Blazer.

I am putting hydroboost in everything I own.

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

Thanks everyone for you input and expertise. I think I'm gonna just replace the stock booster for now, feeling lazy :rolleyes: .

VT: I dont think I'm ever gonna go with hyrdro-assist steering, BUT then, I never thought I'd go one-ton either...:lol: Do you think I'll need that after I go w/crossover steering? I've managed along with stock steering this long...barely.

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

What's your current tire size?

When I was running 37's my stock pump would get hot and just lock up.

No real power to turn the bigger tires even when it was working but maybe I had a sucky pump, dunno.

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

Right now 37's. Gotta set of 38's in waiting. Did you have your pump-problems after crossover steering was installed?

My stock pump has been thru hell w/o the crossover steering, it might spit a little fluid now and then but still works. Sure, it doesnt have the power to turn the wheels at all when I stick the front in a rut...just makes things more interesting. ;)

Re: Hydro Boost Opinions?
 

Sounds like you got a 'super' pump. :lol:

J/K -

My pump never work for sh!t, that's the reason I changed it.

To help out your stock pump, consider installing a remote cooler. :gi: