Need some advice buying a booster and master cylinder.

[jesse977]

My 74 350 gmc didnt come with a booster and my mechanic (about 15 years ago) installed a booster. Im about to buy a new master cylinder and booster but I dont trust autozones products. My question is where would be a good place to buy quality parts and since my truck didnt come with a booster originally will any booster from 73/87 fit? Thanks guys

[bk2life]

Originally Posted by jesse977

I dont trust autozones products.

im sure where you live there is another autoparts store close by if you dont like autozone.

and the vatozones parts have lifetime warranties.

personally i have otterzone brake parts on all of my squares and not one problem.

[cdowns]

i like NAPA and CARQUEST

[68gmsee]

Be aware that no matter what company you buy from these days, they are at the mercy of the manufacturer/rebuilder. This manufacturers and rebuilders use parts from other manufacturers and all trying to save a dollar to be more competitive. Basically, it boils down to who has the better quality control.

Used to be that you couldn't go wrong with Carquest or NAPA, and over all they do have somewhat better parts but in the last few years I have gotten some parts from both that I have had to return.

[jocko]

i agree with cdowns and 68gmsee... I prefer NAPA and Carquest, however, recent buying sprees have taught me that many of the different places get their stuff at the same place. For instance, got new bearings for the front hubs and rear axle (with seals) at OReilly, Napa, and Carquest - had to specifically ask - "do you have Federal Mogul parts" - because when they told me the price it seemed way too low. The fed mog stuff was almost triple the cost (and when it comes to bearings, specifically, I am willing to pay that much - they ARE better quality in the case of bearings and the overseas stuff is garbage - they will fit, but they don't always last, and I don't want to screw around with bad bearings. Had one freeze on me once a long time ago (a US bearing, ironically) and it was the same as 1 front wheel brake locking. Could have been disastrous). The point is that their (ALL of them) assumption is that the buyer wants the lowest cost part (which will always be foreign made, unfortunately) unless the buyer specifically asks for a US part (if there even is one available). The reason I learned this at 3 different parts stores is because by the time I could all I needed, I had to go to 3 places to find them. Simply good ol fed mog bearings front ad rear for a 71 C20. Hard to find, and never in stock. Anyway, no huge deal, but it was a pain.

Then again, when buying "american" it does depend on what you're buying as to whether it's necessary. A brake shoe is a brake shoe and the friction material is what it is. I prefer Raybestos, but in my cae I bought the "top o the line" at Oreilly (which is still probably less quality than Raybestos). They work fine and don't wear faster, etc. I'm not sure you'll find a wide variety of quality in mc/booster combos, so anywhere is probably ok.

I've actually had my best luck for US parts and actually having them in stock at Carquest. it is by far my favorite seller. OReilly/Napa are 2nd place. If all else fails, I go to Autozone. Not that they are bad, but I've never been to one where anyone that worked there knew the difference between a ford and a chevy... They seem to be slaves to their computers for knowledge.

Anyway, that's just my experience. Carquest = best. They ALL carry foreign junk - so if you prefer USA parts, ask for them and you may find they are available. Be prepared to pay more, a lot more.

Sorry - got off on a tangent there.... I bought my MC and booster combo at Oreily. This is one I'd be comfortable buying at Oreily or Napa. CarQuest would have been my first choice, but hadn't been there yet...

[jesse977]

thanks for the info guys

[SS Tim]

Its been a number of years but Vanco has saved the day for me before. Had a used 1 1/2 ton IHC booster damaged in shipping. No one in LA had a unit in stock so the guys at Franklin Truck Parts hooked me up with Vanco for a walk in rebuild of my unit. Picked it up two hours later.
http://www.vancopbs.com/category_s/69.htm