Converting 78 Terra to Disk and Hydroboost

B

bruss01

Member
I am acquiring a 78 terra as a project truck.

The truck will be used mostly for on-pavement use, driving around town, etc. But May see occasional mild off-road use, once in a blue moon. The brakes are currently non-functional and rather than fix the stock system now and upgrade later, I figure maybe do it all right up front. This vehicle will have basically stock size tires (maybe just a tad oversize) and little if any additional lift. It May do occasional towing and driving on steep winding mountain roads. I want and need to retain functioning of the e-brake.

My ambition is to upgrade the rear brakes to disk, and I am considering hydro-boost. My question is, what parts would be needed for this upgrade? And I have wondered, what pads and rotors will be needed for the rear disk when they finally wear to the point that they need replacement (as in, are they the same as the front pads and rotor or are they a Ford/GM/chrysler equivalent, or even some proprietary parts to the specific conversion kit maker)? Do you recommend going to hydroboost for this application, and if I am replacing the master anyway? Or is that just something unnecessary unless you consider bragging rights a necessity?

I also have many other upgrades and repairs to perform on this truck, so containing cost is somewhat of a factor. Meaning, if there is a real advantage to be gained in the situation I've outlined, I'm willing to spend the extra up front, but if it is just for show or "bragging rights" at this point, spend the money on other more important things.

I don't want to get halfway into this project and discover I've omitted something important, or mis-matched some parts for the intended use of the vehicle.

Thanks for any input.
 
It your truck and you May do as you wish, but the stock brakes, in correct form are more than adequate to make the go into whoa quite well, especially with stock-ish tire sizes and road use. And the vacuum/power brakes is also very up to the task and most parts are readily available over the counter at the parts house.

Rear discs are nice, but you will have the added expense of parking-brake calipers vs. Just rebuilding the drums. If you go cheap on rear discs, you will have no parking brake, not so big of a deal with an auto, but sucks with a manual.

*I* would just repair the existing brakes (which you can pick away at in stages rather than a whole tear out to add hydra-boost), pads and calipers and hoses and a good flush in the front, turn and new parts in the back. If you find components that are super trashed (I.e. Rotors or drums), then alternatives might look good, but stock, replacement components are still reasonably cheap. If your planning big tires and lots of offroad use, then I'd be looking at brake upgrades. If your looking for street perforance then big brakes would be cool, but for the average driver, not required.
 
I think in depends on if your booster works. It's cheaper to go hydro-boost than to get a reman booster. The m/c is only like $20 or $30. I just put hydro-boost on my Scout, I'll never go back! My truck stops so good I don't need rear disc! I just rebuilt my brakes to stock: new shoes/pads, hoses, calipers & wheel cyls. + hydo-boost
cost:
junkyard booster and m/c $47
ps hose $20
bolts, fittings, alum. Spacer $30
heres a link to my write up:
my hydro boost install - binder planet forums

Like Mark said, it's your truck do what you want.
Just my 2 cents.
 
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