Adding a brake booster

[91Bear]

I have a booster and brackets that I have been thinking of adding to the old girl to make the ride a little more safe.

However, some people (like papabug, for one: http://fordification.com/forum/viewtopi ... er#p585231) say that adding the booster made things worse rather than better.

Should I try adding a brake booster to my manual drum brakes? Is it worth the trouble?

[basshound71]

Good question, I would like to know the answer as well

[forrestbump]

Power brakes are not a safety feature, they're a convenience feature. They're primary function is to lessen the amount of pressure you have to apply to the brake pedal as the booster does this for you.

Worth it? I've got them on both of my 1970 F250's and prefer them. I've owned trucks without power brakes and never felt the need to add a brake booster on them either so it's your call.

[flyboy2610]

For drums all the way around, it's your call. If you go to discs on the front, then yes you should add a booster as discs are not self actuating, IE. they do not help apply themselves as drums do.

[Madman]

Right you are guys! The booster doesn't change any braking characteristics of the vehicle as far as stopping distance, etc, but it does make it a little easier on your legs!...! It simply makes it easier to push on the brake pedal to get the application of pressure to the brake cylinders.

[sargentrs]

For drums all the way around, it's your call. If you go to discs on the front, then yes you should add a booster as discs are not self actuating, IE. they do not help apply themselves as drums do.

Good point! I never thought about it that way before.

[Mach428]

I was in the same position this time last year. F-250 with manual drum brakes all around. I added the booster and WOW what a difference. I can tell you that it is one of THE best upgrades you can make.

[gleno]

My 71 F100 had drums all around, and stock manual brakes. I am a fairly strong bike rider, and with no booster assist on the brakes, I would be exhausted in stop and go driving. My arms hurt trying to pull the steering wheel up to my nose. Switched to a booster, and life got much better. I can even stop the truck now.

[justiz00]

Same for me as the previous two posters said. I had to make a new push rod from the pedal since the new booster rod was threaded and the old master cylinder had a spring type pin holding it in. Tremendous difference. I am no longer wearing the springs out in the back of my seat when applying the brakes. I saw go for it!!

[67mann]

just added the 67 booster I(from parts truck) had too the 67 driver I bought with drum brake. I think it's a huge difference so far just in the pedal and I had the parts...so why not I've driven it and during normal braking it seems a lot easier........have yet to have too slam on them

[greentruck]

I added a booster to my manual drums a few months ago, and it is a whole lot more enjoyable to drive. I am a novice mechanic and I did the job in less than an hour. Dont worry about messing something up it is really easy. I know you sayed you already have your parts, but for others who may be wondering about this project below is my two cents:

- check your brake pedal linkage and connection to the mc, My truck is a 69 but has 67 pedal assembly in it (some PO changed it at some point) The 67 pedal has a female connection and the later years have a male connection, or something like that. Just double check before your order a booster and MC.
- Bench bleed the new MC (if you order one, I did because it was only another 25 bucks so what not replace the 40 year old part) and the brake bleed at the drums goes much smoother.

[mdart]

I have a 69 F100 4x4 with non- power drum brakes and I'm in the process of adding a brake booster. Do I need to also use a proportioning valve?

[BobbyFord]

You do not need to mess with anything hydraulic if all you are adding is a booster.

[Sheepdog]

I've got a 69 f250 4x4 with drums all around. I'd like to add a booster, which part should I be looking for? Is there a booster that will bolt right up and work with my existing master cylinder?

[91Bear]

I think it will. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Most of the boosters I have seen require a threaded rod. Do you have to get one from a salvage truck?