freds40

I currently have a '97 Ram with Hydro boost brakes. My old man is looking @ a '96 ram. I had never driven a truck with the vacuum brakes and needless to say, I about crapped myself the first time I went to stop this rig. The pedal had no resistance and went about 1/2 way to the floor and then all of a sudden I just about locked up the brakes. Is this "normal" for the vacuum brake setups? Just seems like a really loose braking system. Also, what kind of head ache am I looking at if I want to swap it to hydro boost?

The truck has a low mileage motor, new tranny, drives awesome, and is a screaming deal. I'm just a bit nervous about the braking system.

dslpower

My 95 was the same way when I got it. Rear brakes were worn and unadjusted. The rear brakes being adjusted properly will raise the pedal travel.

Make sure the anti lock or brake light on dash is not coming on when brakes are applied, the rear anti lock will make the pedal go almost to the floor when it activates.
As for it being vacuum assist, once I got new shoes on the rear and adjusted They work just fine. They will not work well at idle if you "pump" the pedal.

gmctd

Absolutely correct - the rear shoes\adjustment determine the "pedal", on both systems.

Far as the hydro conversion, just strip a '97 truck -

booster unit with all three hoses, uncut - supply, supply out to p\s, return

power steering cannister with two - count'em, 2 - return hose lines

brake pedal and else is same.

'98 and 4w abs master cylinder, booster, and brake pipes are not even similar - pipes use Euro-type fittings.