Hydro-boost brakes...Good? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lts70 · 06-25-2009, 01:34 PM

I found a Hydro-Boost brake Booster with power steering pump that a neighbor is willing to sell for $50. He said it fits older GM trucks; it came out of 79 1 ton 4x4 Chevy. I have power brakes already but he said this set up is better than power brakes. Is anyone running this set up? Would it be a good deal? How does it compare to power brakes? How much do you guys think something like this is worth? Any advice or opinions would be appreciated. I will attach a pic.

grancuda · 06-25-2009, 01:47 PM

I don't care for the set-up just due to the extra parts required over vacuum assisted brakes. I had them on a '87 Grand National.

69sixpackbee · 06-25-2009, 01:48 PM

Theyr'e great as long as you don't spin the P/S belt just prior to a panic stop!
Ask me how I know

69halfton · 06-25-2009, 02:00 PM

i'd have to agree with 69 1/2 six pack, i would think that vacuum would be a more reliable system... just because of its simplicity. but I've never owned a hydroboost system.

turp mcspray · 06-25-2009, 02:48 PM

If you have 40inch tires on a 4x4 it is the way to go. If it's a smalled tired truck ur a 2wd probably overkill. On my blazer with 36" swampers It would lock up all 4 tires on the street with the stock power disc setup.

lts70 · 06-26-2009, 10:27 AM

Sounds like I will pass on this one then. My truck is a lowered 1970 SWB.

ERASER5 · 06-26-2009, 01:21 PM

I would buy it. The hydro has a lot more braking force than the vacuum booster provides. Also, if you have a lumpy, low vacuum cam, the hydro is the answer. For $50? It would be in my garage pronto!

fastom · 06-26-2009, 02:12 PM

Love my setup. Disk brakes all around with hydroboost, works better than my 2005 truck. I would never say it's "Overkill", it just work great!!

duallyjams · 10-07-2013, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lts70

Sounds like I will pass on this one then. My truck is a lowered 1970 SWB.

I'll send you the money and you can buy it for me.Hydroboost pedal have a better feel then vacuum.

Aunt-Jemima · 06-26-2009, 02:14 PM

I've never drove an old truck with it but the vaccum is just so simple

**jaros44sr** · 06-26-2009, 02:23 PM

Looks like I will be searching the junkyards for a '79 1 ton 4x4

c-10ss · 06-27-2009, 05:21 PM

i just finished intalling my set up using a astro van unit , all i have to say is wow . Made such a huge difference in braking

Beefcake · 06-27-2009, 06:09 PM

sounds like a must for tow rigs!

turp mcspray · 06-27-2009, 08:57 PM

If searching salvage yards, it came on 1 tons and diesels,just to name a couple. Should be real easy to find.

71meangreenc10 · 06-27-2009, 09:24 PM

I would use it in a heartbeat.....

Smitty

STOCKISH · 06-27-2009, 11:04 PM

Hydroboost brakes are great. The stopping power is awesome. Especially with four wheel discs. For $50, you cant go wrong. It also clears up room between the booster area and valve covers, especially with a big block.

Bczik84 · 10-07-2013, 05:25 PM

So did we decide if there were for better or worst I have them on my 77 c30 camper special with a cummins nv4500 swap doing a frame off so its its not gonna work that hard anymore but I want reliability and good

DWilbur · 10-07-2013, 06:15 PM

A friend of mine has them on an 1987 Chevy 1 ton they work great Especially with larger tires. If you loose the pump or kill the engine you have 1 chance to stop hold your foot on the brake pedal and keep pushing until you come to a complete stop.

**WIDESIDE72** · 10-07-2013, 08:31 PM

I have had several trucks with hydro boost (80 gmc 1 ton gas, 82 suburban 1/2 ton diesel 88 1 ton gas, 93 3/4 ton 4x4,01 and 02 2500hd diesel) and they stopped great. They were offered on heavier gvw trucks due to their increased assist and diesels since they have low vacuum. I only had trouble with one leaking. I am not sure i would go to the teouble of installing one one a light duty 1/2 ton unless their were vacuum or clearance issues, but as stated above, for $50 i would snag it!

**WIDESIDE72** · 10-07-2013, 08:32 PM

With vacuum brakes you only get one shot to stop with assist if the engine dies as well. No running engine means no vacuum.

ls1nova71 · 10-07-2013, 08:37 PM

Personally, I don't see how it's possible to "overkill" a system as important as brakes.

909 · 10-07-2013, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WIDESIDE72

With vacuum brakes you only get one shot to stop with assist if the engine dies as well. No running engine means no vacuum.

If the engine died wouldn't the hydroboost system quit working aswell?

**WIDESIDE72** · 10-08-2013, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 909

If the engine died wouldn't the hydroboost system quit working aswell?

I meant to quote the post above where they mentioned that hydroboost only worked if the engine was running.

My point was that this is a non issue. Neither sysem works but once if the engine dies.

duallyjams · 10-08-2013, 09:12 AM

Astro vans came with hydroboost brakes.

71swb4x4 · 10-07-2013, 08:40 PM

This thread is over 4 years old.

I have hydroboost and like them, but that's on a one ton. I don't think they would be great on a half ton, when I slam on the brakes it puts me into the steering wheel in a hurry. On a lighter truck I would be afraid that you would lock up the wheels way to easily.

06-25-2009, 01:34 PM	#1
lts70 1970 Daily Driver Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Glenns Ferry IDAHO Posts: 1,037	Hydro-boost brakes...Good? I found a Hydro-Boost brake Booster with power steering pump that a neighbor is willing to sell for $50. He said it fits older GM trucks; it came out of 79 1 ton 4x4 Chevy. I have power brakes already but he said this set up is better than power brakes. Is anyone running this set up? Would it be a good deal? How does it compare to power brakes? How much do you guys think something like this is worth? Any advice or opinions would be appreciated. I will attach a pic. Attached Images __________________ It's not truly yours if you didn't build it yourself or if you don't do your own maintenance. Last edited by lts70; 06-25-2009 at 01:35 PM.

06-25-2009, 01:47 PM	#2
grancuda Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Central OK Posts: 396	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? I don't care for the set-up just due to the extra parts required over vacuum assisted brakes. I had them on a '87 Grand National.

06-25-2009, 01:48 PM	#3
69sixpackbee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Sabinal, Texas Posts: 1,706	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? Theyr'e great as long as you don't spin the P/S belt just prior to a panic stop! Ask me how I know

06-25-2009, 02:00 PM	#4
69halfton Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: King City, Ontario, Canada Posts: 974	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? i'd have to agree with 69 1/2 six pack, i would think that vacuum would be a more reliable system... just because of its simplicity. but I've never owned a hydroboost system. __________________ - Jason If you can turn, Youre not going fast enough. Favorite caption: first car to 200 mph in the 1/4 mile, no parachute, drum brakes all the way around.. ..back when men were men.

06-25-2009, 02:48 PM	#5
turp mcspray Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rapid City South Dakota Posts: 2,359	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? If you have 40inch tires on a 4x4 it is the way to go. If it's a smalled tired truck ur a 2wd probably overkill. On my blazer with 36" swampers It would lock up all 4 tires on the street with the stock power disc setup. __________________ Turp Mcspray New life for an old 2wd, farm blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505987 My Blazer build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342299

06-26-2009, 10:27 AM	#6
lts70 1970 Daily Driver Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Glenns Ferry IDAHO Posts: 1,037	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? Sounds like I will pass on this one then. My truck is a lowered 1970 SWB. __________________ It's not truly yours if you didn't build it yourself or if you don't do your own maintenance.

06-26-2009, 01:21 PM	#7
ERASER5 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 4,859	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? I would buy it. The hydro has a lot more braking force than the vacuum booster provides. Also, if you have a lumpy, low vacuum cam, the hydro is the answer. For $50? It would be in my garage pronto! __________________ '70 GMC C1500 LWB Power disc brakes. WooHoo! Posi 6 Lug Dana 60

06-26-2009, 02:12 PM	#8
fastom That's right, it's Copper!! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Central California Posts: 558	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? Love my setup. Disk brakes all around with hydroboost, works better than my 2005 truck. I would never say it's "Overkill", it just work great!! __________________ Tom: 1968 Chevy SWB ZZ383 W/700R4 Gen-II Compact Vintage Air System PPG paint, Mandarin Copper and Vanilla Shake. http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/fastom Stupid should hurt and eventually become fatal!

06-26-2009, 02:14 PM	#10
Aunt-Jemima Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Des Moines, IOWA Posts: 109	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? I've never drove an old truck with it but the vaccum is just so simple __________________ 1969 c20 350/th350(shift kit) A/C cab custom headers and exhaust 1972 c10 307/th350 (wrecked) possibly selling

06-26-2009, 02:23 PM	#11
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,502	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? Looks like I will be searching the junkyards for a '79 1 ton 4x4 __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

06-27-2009, 05:21 PM	#12
c-10ss Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Maple Ridge, BC Canada Posts: 86	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? i just finished intalling my set up using a astro van unit , all i have to say is wow . Made such a huge difference in braking

06-27-2009, 06:09 PM	#13
Beefcake Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Motor City Posts: 540	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? sounds like a must for tow rigs! __________________ 72 GMC Camper Special 2500. currently has 350/350/14 bolt. 383 and 400 tranny is in the works.

06-27-2009, 08:57 PM	#14
turp mcspray Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rapid City South Dakota Posts: 2,359	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? If searching salvage yards, it came on 1 tons and diesels,just to name a couple. Should be real easy to find. __________________ Turp Mcspray New life for an old 2wd, farm blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505987 My Blazer build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342299

06-27-2009, 09:24 PM	#15
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,159	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? I would use it in a heartbeat..... Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 71 C20 Longhorn/Ole Yellor 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time

06-27-2009, 11:04 PM	#16
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? Hydroboost brakes are great. The stopping power is awesome. Especially with four wheel discs. For $50, you cant go wrong. It also clears up room between the booster area and valve covers, especially with a big block. __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with. Last edited by STOCKISH; 06-27-2009 at 11:05 PM.



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10-07-2013, 05:25 PM	#17
Bczik84 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Bell city mo Posts: 75	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? So did we decide if there were for better or worst I have them on my 77 c30 camper special with a cummins nv4500 swap doing a frame off so its its not gonna work that hard anymore but I want reliability and good

10-07-2013, 06:15 PM	#18
DWilbur Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: San Jose Ca Posts: 965	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? A friend of mine has them on an 1987 Chevy 1 ton they work great Especially with larger tires. If you loose the pump or kill the engine you have 1 chance to stop hold your foot on the brake pedal and keep pushing until you come to a complete stop.

10-07-2013, 08:31 PM	#19
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,496	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? I have had several trucks with hydro boost (80 gmc 1 ton gas, 82 suburban 1/2 ton diesel 88 1 ton gas, 93 3/4 ton 4x4,01 and 02 2500hd diesel) and they stopped great. They were offered on heavier gvw trucks due to their increased assist and diesels since they have low vacuum. I only had trouble with one leaking. I am not sure i would go to the teouble of installing one one a light duty 1/2 ton unless their were vacuum or clearance issues, but as stated above, for $50 i would snag it!

10-07-2013, 08:32 PM	#20
WIDESIDE72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 7,496	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? With vacuum brakes you only get one shot to stop with assist if the engine dies as well. No running engine means no vacuum.

10-07-2013, 08:37 PM	#21
ls1nova71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Independence Mo Posts: 4,119	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? Personally, I don't see how it's possible to "overkill" a system as important as brakes. __________________ My '72 short bed build. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/conver...6-0-4l80e.html 5.3 swap into my RUSTY '71 C10 http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversion...71-c-10-a.html

10-08-2013, 09:12 AM	#24
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? Astro vans came with hydroboost brakes. __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

10-07-2013, 08:40 PM	#25
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Hydro-boost brakes...Good? This thread is over 4 years old. I have hydroboost and like them, but that's on a one ton. I don't think they would be great on a half ton, when I slam on the brakes it puts me into the steering wheel in a hurry. On a lighter truck I would be afraid that you would lock up the wheels way to easily. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

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