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Best performance/value hydroboost system?

DR650

Jr. Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2022
Messages
82
I want hydroboost but I don't want the best hydroboost. I want the hydroboost thats a good balance of performance and cost. If that means getting the one from Wild Horses I linked below than I will but if there's one for signfiicanly less that performs 90% as well that is what I would prefer. I know I could source the parts at a junkyard but time is a factor so a complete kit is what I'm planning to buy.


 

bmc69

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 11, 2004
Messages
11,878
As someone that's done quite a few hydroboost conversions going back 20 years or so...I'm not even aware of any "performance differences". It's all about ease of installation and where you source the components. I build mine from "scratch" in every case, with used hboost units, brackets, mounts, linkage that I fab myself, hoses that I make up in our shop etc. The WH setup is the other end of the spectrum...bolt-on and all new components. And its pretty too.
 

fordguy

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jan 23, 2005
Messages
5,569
I want hydroboost but I don't want the best hydroboost. I want the hydroboost thats a good balance of performance and cost. If that means getting the one from Wild Horses I linked below than I will but if there's one for signfiicanly less that performs 90% as well that is what I would prefer. I know I could source the parts at a junkyard but time is a factor so a complete kit is what I'm planning to buy.


[/URL]
Middle of the road choices https://www.hydratechbraking.com/products.html
 

SteveL

Huge chevy guy
Joined
Jun 24, 2001
Messages
11,714
Loc.
Hawthorne ca
Look up the astrovan hydroboost swap on here. You an either get junkyard parts or new from the local napa. Most napa store can build custom hoses or you can order hose an fittings from earls.
 

wsager

Full Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2014
Messages
334
I thought I saw someone say you could get the pushrod now. If that is the case, you might be able to buy all new from a local parts store. Sometimes they have 20 or 30% off coupons, or go with Amazon. If the pushrod is available, maybe someone can post the link.
 

ba123

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Oct 29, 2022
Messages
1,814
Loc.
CA
I just installed the WH kit. Pedal feels nice although I don’t even have ps fluid in it and haven’t driven it so can’t say anything about how it works really but it does look nice.

Mine is moved over so the prop valve on the pass side (simple adjustment in their kit parts).
 

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RODRIG3911

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 9, 2007
Messages
973
Loc.
Tucson
I did the Astro van hydroboost with a late 70's Corvette Master cylinder conversion. It is AMAZING how well my Bronco stops with it. I really can't see how a store bought one would be any better (Might be though I suppose) and I probably saved $1000 on it. I highly recommend it if you're at all mechanical. It's not too hard, especially with the write up they have on here.
 
OP
OP
DR650

DR650

Jr. Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2022
Messages
82
I just installed the WH kit. Pedal feel nice although I don’t even how ps fluid in it and haven’t driven it so can’t say anything about how it works really but it does look nice.

Mine is moved over so the prop valve on the pass side (simple adjustment in their kit parts).
That part with the wildwood logo on it looks so good. (not sarcasm)
 

ba123

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Oct 29, 2022
Messages
1,814
Loc.
CA
That part with the wildwood logo on it looks so good. (not sarcasm)
Yeah, I’m not really a huge fan of Wilwood, but that master just makes it picture perfect and I think looks are important. I’m shallow like that.
 

Madgyver

Bronco Madman
Joined
Jul 30, 2001
Messages
14,751
these are madfab sets... astro hydroboost and 77 corvette master cylinder. the rest i fabricated
 

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pcf_mark

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 11, 2010
Messages
3,603
The astrovan junkyard units are a crap shoot but you really want to get one. Pick it yourself and make sure it is dry and not leaking. If you can't find a dry one then take a leaker and use it as a core. I bought a rebuilt unit from Advance for around $200 and the core was $50 I think making the junkyard $20 unit a good time investment.
 

quic

Contributor
Jr. Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2011
Messages
63
I thought I saw someone say you could get the pushrod now. If that is the case, you might be able to buy all new from a local parts store. Sometimes they have 20 or 30% off coupons, or go with Amazon. If the pushrod is available, maybe someone can post the link.
I have purchased the 1995 Cardone Rebuilt Astro van HB unit #52-7333 and Raybestos #MC39961 new master cylinder.
Does anyone know the part numbers of the push rod kit that goes between the hydro boost and the master cylinder?
Is there a spring and a rod? maybe someone has pictures?
Thanks!
 

pcf_mark

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 11, 2010
Messages
3,603
I just removed the factory pushrod, cut i down about half way and ran a die over it. Then I threaded the original clevis / brake pedal attaching piece on.
 

toddz69

Sponsor/Vendor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 28, 2001
Messages
10,254
I have purchased the 1995 Cardone Rebuilt Astro van HB unit #52-7333 and Raybestos #MC39961 new master cylinder.
Does anyone know the part numbers of the push rod kit that goes between the hydro boost and the master cylinder?
Is there a spring and a rod? maybe someone has pictures?
Thanks!
You need something like this:

https://powerbrakes.com/129496sh-kit/

Todd Z.
 

quic

Contributor
Jr. Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2011
Messages
63
I just removed the factory pushrod, cut i down about half way and ran a die over it. Then I threaded the original clevis / brake pedal attaching piece on.
the factory 1977 Bronco pushrod?
 

Madgyver

Bronco Madman
Joined
Jul 30, 2001
Messages
14,751

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