Compact Brake Booster option?

[HadASplash/XLTSC]

Hello all!
Working on an 88 STX 4x4 Supercab build w/ an engine & trans swap. Looking for a smaller replacement brake booster for the extra clearance for the 90 deg Buick 3.8 V6 (carbed turbo) swap. Anyone have any suggestions for a Ford-specific option on a budget beyond the Amazon options? Brakes will be stock rear 10" drums & maybe upgraded Explorer front discs, but still currently the stock 88 Ford STX units.
Thanks for any help!
Mike
https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/project-to-come-88-stx-4x4-w-buick-3-8-powerplant-swap.197461/

 

[don4331]

I.e. a hydro boost unit? https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/hydroboost.154675/

 

[Shran]

Jeep CJ or possibly Early Bronco might work. Those are fairly small IIRC. Hydroboost would be way smaller but you have all the hoses to deal with.

 

[RonD]

Skip the power brakes and use "slightly" larger master and re-drill the brake pedal arm for more leverage

Company here sells bolt-on kit for that: https://www.manualbrakes.com/ford-ranger.html

But Look around, there are most likely DIY How-To posts

 

[Shran]

Yeah... I would not rule out manual brakes. I had them on our old F150 race truck, D44 discs in the front and whatever drums came on a 9" rear. I did not mind them at all really, there was extra leg effort for sure but they stopped the truck very well. If you're really strapped for room, they might be a great choice.

 

[HadASplash/XLTSC]

I thank you all for the suggestions. It's for my son's build and I think I'll look at the early Bronco/CJ option. our issue will be the interference between the Buick V6 block and the driver side location of the 4BBL plenum feeding the turbo that juts out the driver side over the valve covers. We haven't exactly pinned down the block mounting location yet as he's also using an NV3500/231C Chevy 5 speed behind the turbo Buick and the roller came with no engine or driveline. I'm most concerned about the valve cover to booster & AC box clearance issues. We are considering a slight (1-2") body lift as well if necessary.
My brother has a '71 Bronco for reference as well...
Not sure I want to send him to college with manual brakes on the truck. I'll have to also look at the Hydroboost option as well.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Definitely go to a hydroboost. Considerably more room and far better braking. Also great for engines with diminished intake vacuum.

I'm currently doing the upgrade in my '75 Ranchero.

 

[Shran]

Astro vans usually are the common donor for hydroboost units.

You're OK with sending him to college with a turbo swapped Ranger but manual brakes is the deal breaker???

 

[ericbphoto]

Astro vans usually are the common donor for hydroboost units.

Wow. I never thought an astrovan would have hydroboost. I harvested a setup.from an E350. But I'm afraid the massive reservoir might be too tall to fit under my Rangers hood.

 

[HadASplash/XLTSC]

Astro vans usually are the common donor for hydroboost units.

You're OK with sending him to college with a turbo swapped Ranger but manual brakes is the deal breaker???

I didn't know SOME of the Astros were Hydroboost...

The Turbo 4bbl 79 Buick v6 is rated at 175hp/260ftlb; Less than the Highlander he currently drives. Considering he's headed upstate NY for school with all the deer, and I've already replaced the front end of the Dakota he drove through HS, brakes are more of my concern. I don't really have a choice- it's his truck and what he wants to do. It isn't like I'm swapping a GN motor into it....

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I swapped an 85 b2 booster into my 91 race truck. I think it's the same diameter but is at least 2", or more, shorter. I'll post a pic later.

 

[bobbywalter]

i have a slightly larger then stock engine....and a 3 in body lift.... hydro boost is noice......veddy noice.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Pics of boosters. 85 and 86 ranger are the same. Two 91 rangers both have the bigger booster.
First pic is of early years, second of the 91.

 

[bobbywalter]

this engine is slightly larger then a 2.9...

its a full size hydro boost from a g30. but i have had ford and vette setups.


i moved the steering box to the outside of the rail. that is a 79 150 steering box....i had a 2wd gm setup previous to that.

 

[mikkelstuff]

A hydrovac might be an option as they mount remotely from the master cylinder. As I recall, fluid from the master cylinder triggers the hydrovac. The hydrovac still uses engine vacuum for the pressure boost. Brake fluid from the hydrovac actuates the brakes. These were common on large farm trucks back in the 1950's. Dad added a smaller unit to my 1955 Mercury.

I still see these offered online so there must be some provision now for independent front/rear brakes.