Hello - I've been lurking here and just joined. Last week I got a smooth running 53 two ton dump truck with no brakes. It has a 1-1/4" single output master cylinder that goes to a Bendix Hydrovac booster under the bed. I'd like to keep the drum brakes and upgrade to a dual circuit master cylinder.
I could try to keep the Bendix Hydrovac. I looked for rebuild kits but haven't found any yet. I would be a lot happier with dual circuit brakes anyway.
I looked at vacuum boosters but Brother's Truck Parts said the vacuum booster doesn't work well with the two ton. I'm looking at a Hydroboost setup now. Will a 1-1/4" Hydroboost master cylinder run my brakes?
If I run Hydroboost I need a power steering pump. There's a nice bracket from Davis Speed Equipment that mounts a pump and 12v alternator on my 235. The bracket requires a 3/8" pulley water pump and a dual 3/8" groove harmonic balancer. I can get the pump and balancer, but it looks like my balancer is pressed on and I would need to remove the engine to change it.
If I have to pull the motor I'm starting to think I would be better off swapping in a Chevy 350. Then I'd be tempted to use a NV4500 5 speed too.
I'm looking to use this truck on the ranch for hauling brush and dirt with occasional trips to the dump or gravel pit. I'd like to keep the brake upgrade as simple as possible. I'd sure appreciate some advice. If this has been covered already I'm sorry I didn't find it.
