brake upgrade

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chromewarrior555

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I have a 79 Bronco. I put some big tires on it, and was wondering what you would recommend for a brake upgrade? Or is there a power booster upgrade? Thanks for any help. 

 

miesk5

96 Bronco 5.0
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Yo,

Hydro Boost Fabrication & Installation in 78-79 Bronco & 73-79 F series

Source: by Trent (InfoFord, Picador, a Four Door 79) at http://www.ncspecialties.com/autobody/hydro/index.htm

Master Cylinder & Booster Installation Info, from F350 in a 78

Source: by Mark W (mrwbronco) at

http://mrwbronco.com/project/honey/brakes.html

Master Cylinder & Booster Installation, from F350 for 78-79

Source: by Kevin M (Project Double Agent) at http://web.archive.org/web/20081203194412/http://www.okcnetworks.com/bronco/brakes/index.htm

Master Cylinder & Booster Installation, from F350; Brake Overhaul Parts List in a 78

Source: by BigWheelz

I did the full brake upgrade yesterday and all I can say is wow. The difference is night and day! The Bronco stops like a modern, civilized car. Big props to the guys who figured this one out! Every 78-79 should seriously consider this mod! I can't get over hitting the brake pedal and having the truck stop....effortlessly.

For those who don't know, you can upgrade your system by using off the shelf ford parts. T-bird Calipers, F350 booster, F-350 master cylinder, and F350 rear wheel cylinders. Then you need some hoses and such to adapt everything. In my case, a 1978 bronco, I bought the following:

Oreilly Auto:

F350 Wheel Cylinders: One Brakebest each WC18984 and WC18985 for $9.99 ea.

1977 T-bird Calipers: One each A1 Cardone 18-4083 and 18-4084 for $12.49 ea.

F350 Booster with Master Cylinder: A1 Cardone 50-3311 for $99.99

Flare fitting, Tubing Cutter, and Brake Line: $9.99

Core Charges: $45.00

Tax: $16.46

Summit Racing:

Brake Line Fitting: AER-FBM2929, 1 package of two for $16.95

Brake Line Fitting: AER-FBM2936, 1 package of two for $12.69

Aluminum Crush Washers: AER-FBM, 1 package of five for $6.69

Brake hoses to caliper: EAR-63011714ERL, 2 total for $19.88 ea.

Stainless Steel Brake Hose Kit: EXP-7335, 1 package for both axles for $88.95

3/16" Flare Nut Assortment: SUM-220137 for $6.95

Double Flaring Tool: SUM-900310 for $31.95

Shipping: $10.95

Everything worked great....with the exception of the double flare tool. That thing was a POS, I had to do every flare twice just to get a good seal.

If you are considering this mod, do an internet search for it. There are numerous articles regarding this swap that are very good! However, make note of the above part numbers....the ones in the article have changed!

Edit 2013: Hydroboost works much better than all of the above. Do yourself a favor and look into it.

 

Bully Bob

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What size tires are we talking here..?

What were the brakes like B/4 these tires..?

If the brake system isn't up to spec.., a Hydro-booster is a just band-aid on a sickness.

I'm 3" larger than stock tires..., no pwr. brakes.., & "stops on a dime"

My brakes are maybe 5% off spec.  (meaning rear shoes have some ware)

 
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chromewarrior555

chromewarrior555

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Thanks all. I changed everything. Power booster, brakes, master cylinder, everything except the brake lines. I'm running 33x15.5or15. 

 

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