1972 Wagoneer -- Brake Booster a Pain to Install

[marmoset]

I am trying to install a rebuilt booster+master cylinder in my wagon.

I'm staring to think this is a job that requires two people, as no matter how hard I try -- I can't seem to get the brake pedal post and booster rod to line up.

Any tricks that might help me get this done by myself ? Or should I buy extra beer for the second pair of hands ?

Thanks,

Mark

[Elliott]

That should be a direct bolt in... if they gave you the right rebuilt parts.

[River Beast]

I agree.... if you have the right parts... you should be able to tackle this solo....

why wont the rod line up? too high, too low..what?

[marmoset]

The problem is that I can't get the booster rod over far enough to the side for the end loop to slip over the post on the pedal. This without anything bolted down.

Everthing seems identical to the one I removed, and all the bolts align ok.

Would it help if I loosen up the pedal mounts on the firewall to maybe get enough clearance on the side to slip the rod end on ?

Thanks,

Mark

[River Beast]

try it...

[JeepKahn]

Originally posted by marmoset:


Would it help if I loosen up the pedal mounts on the firewall to maybe get enough clearance on the side to slip the rod end on ?If I remember correctly I had to do the same when I replaced Mine...

[Kenall]

is the booster mounted on stilts, so to speak, away from the fire wall?

if so u may have to remove the one nearest the engine and then angle the booster in to make the hook up.

[marmoset]

Finally got this done! I ended up just using brute force -- getting everything sort of lined up. The pushing the pedal to one side, while pulling the rod in the other direction.

Then slowing tapping on each in turn until the loop slipped on the post.

Whew... The booster is mounted on "stilts", I should have checked again before -- that is a good idea. And there is no under-dash bolt wrangling involved.

Thanks,

Mark

[rhamby]

Yep - brute force, a loose pedal and sweat was my experience. I don't understand the 'stilts' piece - I had a heck of a time getting it bolted back up under the dash. I'm curious.

[marmoset]

There is a bracket that mounts to the firewall, and the booster then mounts to the bracket -- the bracket looks a bit like stilts holding the booster away from the firewall.

Not certain of which years this was the case, all my repair books other than the 1972 shop manual -- show the booster bolted directly to the firewall.

Mark

[rhamby]

Oh, ok. thanks!

[dharmabum]

Yeah my 72 is the same way. There is a spacer bracket that holds the booster off the firewall and it is a PITA to get everything lined up and back in unless everything is all loose. Its kind of funny that there is that clip to keep the pushrod from falling off the pedal yet its such a pain to even get it on there in the first place.