Hydro Boost Opinions?

[johnnywagon]

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!!!

[Musclerodz]

Originally Posted by johnnywagon

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!!!

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

[Luba]

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

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by johnnywagon

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!!!

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.

[johnnywagon]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

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.

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?

[Musclerodz]

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

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by johnnywagon

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?

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?

[Yukon Jack]

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.

[earl87gta]

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.

[Duallie]

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.

[johnnywagon]

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

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

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by johnnywagon

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

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.

[johnnywagon]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

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.

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.

[vtblazer]

Sounds like you got a 'super' pump.

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.