Can anyone tell me what the cylindrical apparatus is on the right side of the drive shaft. Pipes have been disconnected. Also the is a cylindrical tank hidden behind the muffler thats been disconnected, its about 6' diameter and maybe 18" long. Truck also [img]https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/download/Number/15072/filename/IMG_9335[1].JPG[/img]has a drivetrain brake...wrecker truck in other life???? Any info is appreciated...Thanks
Steve, The cylindrical apparatus to the right side of the drive shaft is a hydrovac brake booster. I have no idea what the other tank is, perhaps a picture would help. Kent
What was the purpose of the hydrovac brake booster? Would it be helpful if i was able to hook it back up? Maybe the tank is part of that system? I'll try to get a pic of the tank and it about 6" diameter x about 18" long with a couple hose/pipe connections. ...Steve
The Hydrovac is a power brake booster and greatly aids in how hard you have to push the pedal with your leg to stop the truck. The other tank is more than likely a vacuum storage tank, allowing the Hydrovac to work a few times if the engine quits.
Sounds like it would be helpful as brakes are pretty hard now. Wonder if anyone has got a hydrovac system back in operating order? how much effort /money wold it take to restore to working order? Parts availability?
Anyone here familiar with what trucks came with a hydrovac system and drivetrain brake/ wrecker truck maybe in past life???
Hydrovac's were optional on the small trucks and standard issue on the 1-1/2 ton and up big trucks from the 40's on up into the 70's and maybe beyond. All of my trucks have them and you can still buy rebuilt units for NAPA and other auto parts houses. Do a search here, there's tons on threads on this subject.
While a do it yourself rebuild of a Hydrovac is possible, it's usually simpler, and safer to swap your old unit for a rebuilt one. As above, NAPA and a few other suppliers still have access to remanufactured units. Fortunately, Hydrovacs were not brand-specific, the same, or similar units can be found on Ford, Dodge, International, etc. Match the size of the truck, not the brand, necessarily, to get the right application. The other item is probably a vacuum reservoir with a one way check valve to allow for smoother brake application and a few power boosted brake applications after the engine quits. You'll really like the better braking once that system is back in working order. Jerry
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