Ok to use Power Booster on Dual M/C Without Splitting Lines?

[Blue_Aura]

So, in the interest of running out of time and money, I was thinking about hooking up my new power brake booster and dual m/c but only connecting the stock single line to one of the m/c's. That way, if the next owner wants to split them, half the work has been done for them (all they have to do is run the new lines and split them) and it will have power brakes when I sell it. I know that it is MUCH better to have independent front and rear brakes, for the safety factor, but it just might not be doable at this time.

My biggest question is... if I am only using one of the reservoirs on the dual m/c, should I bench bleed both of them and just use a plug on the one that I do not use? Or, do I just not fill the unused reservoir?

[T Smith]

I don't understand why you wouldn't go ahead and plumb it, would only cost a few bucks for the lines and fittings (maybe $20?) a little time?

[Blue_Aura]

Originally Posted by T Smith

I don't understand why you wouldn't go ahead and plumb it, would only cost a few bucks for the lines and fittings (maybe $20?) a little time?

If I could find a place to get the pre-made lines with double flare ends, and the fittings for cheap, I will. I was about to scrap the whole plan on installing the booster and dual M/C and just give it to whomever bought the truck, but it would be so much better to install it and have the power brakes working when I sell it. The problem is time and money, which I am out of both. LOL. I would go down to a local pick and pull to grab some lines off a new model C10, but that would take tie away from working on the truck too.

I did find a place online called Inline Tube's that seems pretty reasonable, so I just have to figure out what the cost would be fro the sizes of lines I will need, and the fittings.

BTW, I am now printing out your reply to show to my financial adviser and project manager, aka, my wife! LOL.

[T Smith]

Do a search on here, there's a nice write up on splitting the lines and you can get pre made straight lines from NAPA or any good parts house and bend them up. Find some old pullies or anything round and gingerly bend them like you want, the bends aren't that tight. Mine was already split but I just did disc brakes and had to run another line from the proportioning valve. I was dreading it really but it went so smoothly it only took and hour or so.

You can do it!

[Blue_Aura]

Originally Posted by T Smith

Do a search on here, there's a nice write up on splitting the lines and you can get pre made straight lines from NAPA or any good parts house and bend them up. Find some old pullies or anything round and gingerly bend them like you want, the bends aren't that tight. Mine was already split but I just did disc brakes and had to run another line from the proportioning valve. I was dreading it really but it went so smoothly it only took and hour or so.

You can do it!

Thanks for the info, I'll check Napa. I have read the splitting lines thread a bunch of times, I was just figuring that pre-made lines would be spendy, and since I don't have a flare tool anymore, I would have to go with pre-made ones.

Thanks for the encouragement also!

[T Smith]

I brought home 4-5 different lengths that way I had what I needed and took back the ones I didn't use, mine were 3/16" and a 4 footer wasn't but about 7 bucks if I remember right. I think you'll need an inverted flare plug for the T in the rear line and then a T for the front line and you're set.

[Blue_Aura]

Originally Posted by T Smith

I brought home 4-5 different lengths that way I had what I needed and took back the ones I didn't use, mine were 3/16" and a 4 footer wasn't but about 7 bucks if I remember right. I think you'll need an inverted flare plug for the T in the rear line and then a T for the front line and you're set.

Great info! Thanks again!

[tincan1966]

If you truly want to save time and money, just mount the booster and leave the single MC on the truck- that's what I did for now. My truck had all new brakes when I got it, and we plan on a disc conversion later(4 wheel)

I would be afraid of what a potential buyer would think seeing half of a dual MC plugged off, where if you use the original single MC, it would alomost look like OEM power brakes.

here's what mine looks like now- booster from a 1994 Suburban, OEM MC made my own adapter bracket, and new rod between booster and MC.

[Reyals Bemus]

Please please please just do the brakes properly. Dual lines aren't that hard to pull off.

[Blue_Aura]

Originally Posted by tincan1966

If you truly want to save time and money, just mount the booster and leave the single MC on the truck- that's what I did for now. My truck had all new brakes when I got it, and we plan on a disc conversion later(4 wheel)

I would be afraid of what a potential buyer would think seeing half of a dual MC plugged off, where if you use the original single MC, it would alomost look like OEM power brakes.

here's what mine looks like now- booster from a 1994 Suburban, OEM MC made my own adapter bracket, and new rod between booster and MC.

Worst case scenario, this will be my backup plan. Thanks for sharing it!
Posted via Mobile Device

[Blue_Aura]

Originally Posted by Reyals Bemus

Please please please just do the brakes properly. Dual lines aren't that hard to pull off.

Good news, I spoke with my wife last night and showed her all your responses and said that I should go ahead and split the lines and install the dual m/c and booster.

A BIG thank you to everyone who took the time to give their input!!! You guys (and gals) are the best!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

[geezer#99]

Don't forget to drill a new hole in the brake pedal about 1 1/2" lower for the brake rod. Boosters change the pedal ratio.

[Blue_Aura]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Don't forget to drill a new hole in the brake pedal about 1 1/2" lower for the brake rod. Boosters change the pedal ratio.

Already on my list, but thank you for the reminder!!!!!
Posted via Mobile Device