The Ford Barn - View Single Post

tubman · 08-25-2021, 01:02 PM

I'll agree with Mr. Coopman here. I had an experience with my "beater" '99 F150, that, of course, has a factory dual circuit system. I lost a rear brake line (rust) and had what I would consider barely adequate front brakes to get me home. I replaced the rear brake lines, and all was fine. A couple of years later, I lost a front line and had virtually NO brakes. Luckily, I was close to my shop and was able to sneak back. Replacing the front lines brought everything back to normal.

What I am saying that even a factory system is no panacea to brake problems. Unless you're careful with the master cylinder (bore size and stroke), the wheel cylinder sizes, proportioning valves, and even the line size, just installing a dual cylinder may not automatically solve all of the problems. The entire system has to be designed to work together.

I have come to the conclusion that a well maintained single system may just be the best answer for these old cars.

08-25-2021, 01:02 PM	#4
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 10,320	Re: which booster to buy? I'll agree with Mr. Coopman here. I had an experience with my "beater" '99 F150, that, of course, has a factory dual circuit system. I lost a rear brake line (rust) and had what I would consider barely adequate front brakes to get me home. I replaced the rear brake lines, and all was fine. A couple of years later, I lost a front line and had virtually NO brakes. Luckily, I was close to my shop and was able to sneak back. Replacing the front lines brought everything back to normal. What I am saying that even a factory system is no panacea to brake problems. Unless you're careful with the master cylinder (bore size and stroke), the wheel cylinder sizes, proportioning valves, and even the line size, just installing a dual cylinder may not automatically solve all of the problems. The entire system has to be designed to work together. I have come to the conclusion that a well maintained single system may just be the best answer for these old cars.