Brake Conversion

silverado3500 · March 3, 2003

Has anyone here done this. I'm fixing to do this to my 2wd 1500, I like the way that my 3500 brakes, and I want to get the same on my 1500. Having read around I know that this can be done, but was wondering if anyone has done this mightg have run into some suprises. I plan on getting the new booster and hydraulic lines from gm parts.

Thanks In Advance

Tjwong · March 9, 2003

It should be a piece of cake to do. The Cadillac Escalade EXT or the Caddy Avalanche equivilent uses the hydra-boost as well. So there is no reason why that it won't work in your 1500.

silverado3500 · March 12, 2003

My main hope is that I can use my existing master cylinder with the conversion. I hate bleeding the brake system, and I would need to buy the tool to manualy operate the abs valves. Only other thing that I will have to tinker with is the pedal travel, as I have been told that the travel will probably need to be changed, but comparing an 02 1500, and an 02 3500 I have seen little if any noticable difference in the pedal location.

I will report back when I complete the conversion (will be a few weeks as some of the parts are on back order)

cyrylyn · March 12, 2003

My main hope is that I can use my existing master cylinder with the conversion. I hate bleeding the brake system, and I would need to buy the tool to manualy operate the abs valves. Only other thing that I will have to tinker with is the pedal travel, as I have been told that the travel will probably need to be changed, but comparing an 02 1500, and an 02 3500 I have seen little if any noticable difference in the pedal location.

I will report back when I complete the conversion (will be a few weeks as some of the parts are on back order)

I'll be watching and waiting, I didn't know it could easily be done

silverado3500 · March 17, 2003

got all of the Hydraulic lines in. Booster will be a few weeks sitll. Its backordered.

silverado3500 · April 7, 2003

Got the booster in, master cylinder will arrrive tomorrow. I should be able to do the install on Friday. I'll keep y'all posted!

I'll see if I can post the part #s after I finish the install.

silverado3500 · April 11, 2003

I now have the hydroboost sytem installed (well almost completely installed). The system is functioning very well, but still needs some minor adjustments. I would not recommend this project for a weekend mechanic as smoe extensive fabrication was needed, and possibly more to come, if the new brake pedal does not correct the linkage angle.

In order to mount the hydroboost unit, I had to cut off 1 of the mounting bolts and drill a new hole in the mounting plate and use a nut/bolt to properly install it. The other 3 bolts line up perfectly. Also the hydroboost linkage is about 1 1/2 inches higher than the original vacuum assist unit. Aside from this, the install was pretty straight forward. All of the GM PS lines screwed right in, though 2 people make this job much easier for the sake of lining things up. The low pressure return had to be cut and a T spliced in, but again, no big deal. I'll give some more details after I finish with the installation. So far the braking performance has vastly improved.

If this kind of fabrication does not sound good to you, I'm sure that hydratech braking systems will be releasing a kit for new body style trucks soon. They are located at http://hydroboost.com They have kits available for 88-98 trucks, and many other applications.