I'm in the process of changing my '81 shortbox from the Olds diesel and trans to a carbed 350/700-R4. I have concerns about using the hydroboost steering and brakes. Does anyone know if these will work "as is" or do I need to replace them with the standard power steering and pump along with the vacuum brake booster. I have heard different opinions from people as to how good this system is. I don't think the booster pump should care what it is driven by and to the best of my knowledge the hydroboosters work pretty well.
My first post and not real familiar with diesel technology.
I would not change to the vacuum booster. The hydro boost is a better set up.
I pulled the 6.2 out of mine years ago and im still running the hydro boost.
You can tee the return lines into a regular gas/vacuum booster power steering pump until you get the proper pump housing and pump. That pretty much is the only thing you will need to have a stock factory gas hydro boost set up.
The factory hydro power steering pump is a HD pump. Im not sure if its more pressure or more volume? But there are only 2 different pumps and the hydro requires the HD one. You can get by with the regular one for quite some time though. And the hydro pump housing has 2 individual return lines into the pump housing.
I believe all 1 tons had hydro boost set ups regardless of diesel or gas.
It took me over a year before I found the gas hydro boost pump and housing. It was in a 2wd crew cab gasser. Make sure you take the mounting brackets too.
You can change the pump pulley if necessary but it might be a good idea to grab all the pulleys too when you find the hydro pump and housing.
Just be sure to remember and flush out any used components that you intend to run as you do not want to contaminate your good stuff with bad fluid and contaminants that will contribute to your parts failing.
