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View Full Version : GM Dual Booster Upgrade Q?

Panther
05-01-2003, 06:32 AM
Ok, so I need to do some upgrading to the brakes on my 80 cherokee . My buddy gave me a dual brake booster from an 83 ch*vy van (1/2 ton) and I want to use that in place of my single booster.

The problem is the brake "rod" running from the booster to the pedal assembly is too long. Is there a way I can swap out the rod in the single booster to the GM one?
I assume I'd have to crck open the booster to do that and I'm not sure if that is advisable or not.
I'd also have to get the GM MC. It looks like it has the same 4 bolts for the adapter on the firewall

Anyway, here's a pic of it next to a GW dual booster so you can see the difference (thx Marc).
http://www.panther4x4.com/images/booster.JPG

Any ideas?
The Anti-Chrysler
05-01-2003, 08:47 AM
Wouldn't it be easier in the end to get a late model GW booster than do all of those mods to the Chevy unit???? Just my 2 cents.
Retro93
05-01-2003, 08:49 AM
Or an even better modification...HydroBoost. :eek: :D
The Anti-Chrysler
05-01-2003, 08:51 AM
HydroBoost. You just had to go and one-up me, huh? :D :D
Panther
05-01-2003, 08:55 AM
Well, money is tight so that's why I would like to try this. This booster is free, don't have to sheel out 80 bucks for a GW one. Same deal w/ hydroboost.
Retro93
05-01-2003, 08:56 AM
Well...yeah. :D LOL I have 2 Cherokees, one with HB, the other with the dual diaphram. I'd rate the dual as just slightly better than stock. If you WANT TO STOP RIGHT NOW..go with the HB. smile.gif
Jeep Jeep
05-01-2003, 09:11 AM
There was a article in one of the mags acouple of years ago, about brake upgrades for CJ's. They used a mid 80's GM booster. They cut and welded the rod. They placed a vise grip between the booster and the weld area to heip absorb the heat. I have not done this myself, but it made sense.
Retro93
05-01-2003, 09:18 AM
Yup...I remember reading that article too. Wasn't the booster out of a late model Cadillac? They had to add about 3/8" to the pushrod length.
Jeep Jeep
05-01-2003, 12:11 PM
Yea, that was it. But I think if you use the GM master cyl you would not have to lengthen the pushrod.
wrinkledmeat
05-01-2003, 12:52 PM
The hydroboost I picked up was $40. They wouldn't sell it to me unless I took the entire system, so I got everything from the brake pedal forward. I still haven't installed it, but it sure sounds cheaper than playing with one that doesn't fit. River Beasts website has alot of valuable info about it. I'd stick with what is tried and true when it comes to brakes. Speaking from experience, brake failure creates a stain that won't come out. :D