SirRobyn0
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2019
- Posts
- 6,755
- Reaction score
- 11,402
- Location
- In the woods in Western Washington
- First Name
- Rob
- Truck Year
- 1984
- Truck Model
- C20
- Engine Size
- 305
Couldn’t tell you past the cam part(or diesel). I believe, for the most part I’d rather a slight fluid weep to a vacuum leak, though neither are desirable. Most heavier duty trucks I’ve come across have hydro assisted brakes vs vac assisted brakes, I guess there’s something to be said for that.
While I can tell you that my SquareBody stops really well for a truck of its era—in fact violently so if I mash the brakes; I would defer to your expertise on the matter due to your background as a mechanic. Whereas my background is shade tree and forum based at best.
The vac system on my truck, and it stops really, really well even loaded and for that matter over loaded. To be honestly much better than my Dodge truck does. I know that hydro boost went on the diesels for the obvious reasons, and vans especially the astro van for space saving. I know how to repair both systems, but never really saw an advantage to one over the other in a regular gas rig at least.
Hydro has more power than vacc assisted. Also has an accumulator so if the engine stalls you get a couple of assisted stops before the pedal starts to feel like trying to crush a garbage can with your foot. I guess a big enough vacuum reservoir will do that for you too.
In my experience, both systems are reliable enough that that's not a decider for either one. My opinion is that the juice brakes have a minor advantage. If I was going to swap a system I'd go vacc to hydro, but not the other way around.
Yea, the check valve on the vacuum booster is suppose to give you a few assisted stops or pumps before assist runs out.
Imho, both systems work well. They both have their advantages too. Personally, I prefer the pedal feel of a hydro boost system.
I didn't use to like the feel of the hydro system until I owned one, now I really don't care they are both fine but feel different.
900 psi for vacuum brakes, 2400 psi for hydroboost. Makes a big difference when running oversized tires.
Had not thought about over sized tires.