First Test Drive

[HALLSVILLE OTIS]

Hey Guys,
Just completed my first test drive. Testing out the new clutch and new brakes. The clutch performed flawlessly and I was very pleased with the adjustments I performed.
The brakes performed well , but I have a question about the pedal feel. I installed a vaccum power boost master cylinder , new hoses, new slave cyclinders and new shoes. These new pieces are installed on a 1972 F100 swb inline 240cid engined truck. The new brakes stopped the truck well, but the pedal feels hard as a rock, with little travel. Is this normal, and will the pedal gradually develope more play and not feel as hard ?

[69rangerf100]

i want to say yes. but i have not replaced drums all around in a long time. but on my DD's when i replace the brakes the pedals are alway firmer than before i did the swap

[70_F100]

Did the truck have power brakes before, or did you just install the booster?

[HALLSVILLE OTIS]

The truck did not have power brakes. I purchased a power boost master cylinder, installed it , then ran a vaccum line to a port on the
bottom of the carb. After another test run , I'm coming to believe that there may not be enough vaccum to operate the booster ?

[TNIceWolf]

One possibility that comes to mind is the adjustment between the booster and the master cylinder. I seem to remember that when I bought my rebuilt one that it came preadjusted to a certain depth but also came with instructions to remedy several possible problems by adjusting the pushrod in the front center of the booster unit. I am fairly certain that an overly stiff pedal was one of them.

[HALLSVILLE OTIS]

Thanks TNIceWOLF !
Checking that adjustment is where I plan to start my troubleshooting. I also need to check what this engine is pulling vaccum wise.
I understand from my reading that these power boosters need at least 16 to 18 lbs of vaccum. I was told I may need to install an electric
vaccume pump. I hope this is not the case. They are expensive and I haven't read of any member here having to install one of these pumps.

[fordman]

one thing i saw is that the booster vacuum has to have direct manifold vacuum. i don't knwo which port you used for the hose on the carb but it could be its not right for what you are suppose to have.

[HALLSVILLE OTIS]

fordman !
I wasn't very precise in my description. There was a threaded plug screwed into the intake manifold just below the carb.
The power boost vaccum hose is connected to this intake port. I haven't been able to return to my truck and do any trouble
shooting yet. I really think that I'm not pulling enough vaccum to operate the booster.

[fordman]

ok that is the place they are usually hooked up at.