Vacuum Brake Booster

[barelhos71]

I have a 1979 GMC that we are getting ready to replace the Master Cylinder on. This truck has belonged to my mom since 1980. As we were looking at the MC - we noticed it was missing the Vacuum Brake booster. Not sure if ever had one. I know we've been "Pumping" the breaks to build up pressure for years - unsure if maybe the booster went out and mom had it removed and never replaced due to finances... So my question is - were these standard for that year - it appears the bolt pattern (Bracket) is in place - IF she had it removed - and we are looking to replace it - would anyone have suggestions on what I need to buy - and what goes into reconnecting the brakes?

 

[Keith Seymore]

There was a manual brake system and a power brake system available in 1979.

Need to know a bit more detail about your truck, like series (10, 20 or 30), GVW or ideally the brake code (JB3, JB5 etc).

K

 

[Ricko1966]

Considering the truck is a 6 cylinder, manual, and you aren't complaining of a really stiff brake pedal, I would assume you're car was ordered without power brakes. Manual brakes use a different master and a different pushrod pivot point location, or you will have a very stiff brake pedal.

 

[barelhos71]

@Ricko1966 If we choose to install a booster, is it complicated to install for a mechanically inclined individual? I dont love having to "pump" the dang breaks everytime Im coming to a stop. looking at the bracket that is in the truck it looks like the bolt holes had something mounted at some point.. I'm suspicious the booster went out years ago, and my mom couldn't afford to replace it, and was told she didn't "REALLY need it." But if putting one on would take away the need to pump them, I'm for it.

 

[rusted nuts]

@Ricko1966 If we choose to install a booster, is it complicated to install for a mechanically inclined individual? I dont love having to "pump" the dang breaks everytime Im coming to a stop. looking at the bracket that is in the truck it looks like the bolt holes had something mounted at some point.. I'm suspicious the booster went out years ago, and my mom couldn't afford to replace it, and was told she didn't "REALLY need it." But if putting one on would take away the need to pump them, I'm for it.

 

[rusted nuts]

You need to find out why You need to pump the brakes 1st,,, Power brakes won't fix anything.. Sounds like air in brake sys.

 

[Ricko1966]

@barelhos71 if you are mechanically inclined should be no big deal. But everything I wrote,referenced stiff pedal because that's what you should have if booster was removed. @rusted nuts is correct you need to find out why you are having to pump them.I was explaining the booster wasn't the problem. Guess I wasn't clear enough. Could be air in the lines,could be the master itself could be seriously out of adjustment. But it's not a booster pronlem.

 

[SquareRoot]

And for the record, Simple never means Easy.