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I am getting ready to install a new power brake booster on my 54 chevy 1/2 ton with drum/drum brakes. What is the best way of mounting it where the original master cylinder goes? Any tips or tricks for it? Thanks in advance

A simple bracket is sold by most of the vendors, although they may all be selling the one from CPP.
That would be where I would start. Once you see one you may be better off making it yourself.

Things may have changed but I am pretty sure when I got mine from CPP that it was in fact made by ECI (Engineered Components, Inc.).

http://www.ecihotrodbrakes.com/catalog.html

I tried installing the booster, and there isnt enough clearance between the frame and the hydramatic transmission. the booster is too big. It is a 7" booster. Is there any way to make it fit, I dont know how to get it in there. Thanks

A hydrobooster is much smaller, and works better, however it will require a power steering pump if you don't already have one.

Grigg

Seems like this lack of clearance problem with an automatic is not something new! I'm just assuming you're running a 235 with a stock front end. I tried running the manual drum/drum setup on my 54-3100 w/T5....with everything new it just didn't cut it. I went with manual front discs and rear drums and found them to be great!!!

You aren't going to find anything smaller than the 7" booster and getting a hydroboost setup fitted is going to present it's own set of problems.

The disc conversion is by no means without it's own set of problems....getting everything plumbed in properly, but you would not encounter the problems with transmission clearance and pedal linkage issues and you would have brakes that were a whole lot more friendly on the modern highway.

It may not be the answer to your problem but IMHO it is a viable alternative worth consideration. Hope this helps.

Dave

How do these get resolved by changing to front disc brakes? I seen no difference in the pedal linkage, master cylinder location, and booster with or without disc.

If you want really good brakes the hydrobooster is the way to go. The only difficult part is mounting the pump on a 6 cylinder, but it can be done.

Check my pictures for some ideas on both the hydrobooster and pump mounting.

Grigg

I think Fla54 went with manual disk/drum and skipped the booster all together. Could you mount the booster further back to get clearance from the trans? I know 1 vendor sells a full setup (booster, bracket and linkages) that will only fit with an auto trans.

Good luck

here is a bracket to mount the booster farther back.
http://www.abspowerbrake.com/4754chevytruck.html
near the bottom.
Should be simple enough, and you don't need the pedal assembly they offer, as you can use your old one.

I think you can fit the hydrobooster in the original location. I fit both the master cylinder and hydrobooster on the original pedal bracket in my 48 2 ton. I have also installed a Roadranger transmission that is quite large, like 300 lb. I could go take a picture if anyone is interested.
Grigg

Hey Grigg...was checking out your pictures and was wondering if you were running the p/s box and the hydraboost off the same pump? I'm not that familiar with that type of booster...but it looks like it could do the job. Is it a dedicated pump or just an ordinary p/s pump?

I'm sure there are some other folks that would like to learn a bit more about that setup.

Dave

The Hydroooster is always used with the same pump that feeds the PS box.
However, a Hydrobooster can be used with the same pump and no PS box if desired.

This site has lots of great info on hydroboosters. http://www.hydratechbraking.com/ Check the Forums link for FAQ.
If Paul at Hydratech does not have an answer to your question, which is unlikely, he will find the answer. I recommend you deal with him for your first hydroboost project, as he will go the extra mile for his customers. You will not be disappointed with the service.

I bought a kit from him and installed it in my 52 that you see pictures of on my link.

Grigg

Thanks for the info. In the meantime I just noticed that my Son's 99 Mustang GT is running a factory Hydravac brake boost system.

Ain't technology great!!!!

Dave

my setup actually included that bracket, but it will still not fit... i dont have power steering, but when i do convert to that, i think the set up you have will work. so i think i may sell my setup and put that money towards a power steering conversion. what do you think

Dave, I think you intended to say hydroboost, not "Hydravac" The later one sucks, pun intended.

there is room you might have to design your own bracket and move the booster back and closer to the frame, i always make my own booster bracket