Did all 86' Ranger have a brake booster fitted?

[JamesD]

My answer is yes because mine is missing!

 

[adsm08]

Well, your statement, when compared to the thread title makes little sense. Your truck does not have one, so you automatically assume they all had one and that yours is missing.

The correct answer is no. Before 1998 not all Rangers had power brakes or steering.

 

[rangerin]

Yeah, my '84 has manual brakes.

 

[JamesD]

Sigh.. let me explain my question for the sensitive folks. I have four holes in the firewall where a brake booster might have been fitted this is why I (assumed?) there was one in place at some time. Now could someone answer this question. Could a (not assuming here) brake booster be easily fitted?

Thanks James

 

[Mark_88]

The short answer is yes, a brake booster can be fitted.

The long answer is...this would require not just the booster, but a master that is fitted properly to the booster. There are adjustments that may need to be made in order to use any old master. I would suggest going to a junk yard and taking both the booster and master off the same vehicle (do not try to mix and match) and removing the brake lines from your current master.

You may need to change fittings on the brake lines...and possibly replace all the brake lines if they are rusted...and then bleed them properly...

The long answer assumes that you actually want to put the booster on your truck.

 

[adsm08]

Yes, all the firewalls were pre-drilled with the same set of holes for all available configurations, manual trans, power brakes, etc.

To install power brakes you would need the booster, the master, the hose, and probably the pedal arm assembly.

 

[MastuhWaffles]

You can add one, trucks start out the same basically and parts are added on depending on your model and trim package. This makes it easier on the manufacturer so they don't have to build a specific frame or body for one type of vehicle and can use the temple for all of them.

 

[holyford86]

Yes, all the firewalls were pre-drilled with the same set of holes for all available configurations, manual trans, power brakes, etc.

To install power brakes you would need the booster, the master, the hose, and probably the pedal arm assembly.

You do need the pedal as well, or you will destroy the booster. I speak from experience.

 

[JamesD]

oh wow I have to change the pedal assembly too? This will be at the end of my to do list..

 

[97RangerXLT]

oh wow I have to change the pedal assembly too? This will be at the end of my to do list..

lol any project that you do will take twice as long, cost 3 times as much and be 4 times as frustrating than you originally plan

And will always involve getting more parts and tools than you originally planned too

AJ

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, the pedal arm will be longer for manual brakes. It's because you need more leverage to make the pressure without the vacuum assist. I knew they were different, I just wasn't sure it would damage things.

 

[Andy D]

lol any project that you do will take twice as long, cost 3 times as much and be 4 times as frustrating than you originally plan

And will always involve getting more parts and tools than you originally planned too

AJ

After encountering this phenomenon at every turn, I have found a name for it: Mission creep. Cars aint nothing to an old house.

 

[97RangerXLT]

After encountering this phenomenon at every turn, I have found a name for it: Mission creep. Cars aint nothing to an old house.

You aint just a whistlin' Dixie on that one.... Had a 100+ year old house when I lived in IL. the previous owners did much of the renovating, but even their work caused me headaches in addition to messing with the original handywork

AJ