[galaxieguy3]

I am working on a 53 Studebaker half ton truck. It originally had 4 wheel drum brakes with a single reservoir master cylinder mounted under the cab.
My plans are to modify the system using the parts below. Unfortunately, there is not enough room to put a standard sized vacuum booster under the cab. I would like to leave the pedal assembly as it was originally. Long story short, I want to run manual brakes instead of power brakes to simplify installation and especially cost.
I would like to know if there may be issues with using this system manually.
There are small diameter booster/ master cylinder combos available, but I do not have the financial means to spend ump-teen thousands of dollars on this project. So far I have only bought a $55 cab mount strut besides a 1982 F150 parts donor truck for $200, and would like to keep it that way.
The parts I intend to use:
Master cylinder- dual reservoir from 82 Ford F150 (with power brakes)
Front rotors- 82 F150 (2wd)
Front calipers- 94 Chevy Lumina van with bolt on style calipers
Proportioning valve- 82 F150
Rear drum brakes- complete rear axle assy from 82 F150 (9" rear)
I fabricated a bracket to mount the master cylinder (minus the vacuum booster) under the cab in the same relative position as the OEM m/c, using the OEM brake pedal.
I am curious if there may be a potential problem in regard to pedal effort by eliminating the power brake booster that was in the F150 brake system.
My Galaxie has manual 4 wheel drum brakes, which work just fine, but I am not sure about manual disc brakes.

[eloc431962]

I dont see a problem if all the parts listed will interchange, even with modifications, But the only way for it to be correct is to make sure after all is installed be sure to make your rod to your m/c correct legnth or your pedal / brakes wont be worth a nickel. Even with manual disc you should have a good pedal and stop fine, I installed manual disc on my camaro it does great. JMO. Cole

[302 Z28]

You will have a problem using a power master cylinder as a manual. A manual master cylinder has a different bore diameter than a power master cylinder. You will experience a hard pedal using a power master as a manual.

Vince

[eloc431962]

Good call vince, I missed the frpm power brakes in his post. . Cole

[galaxieguy3]

Thanks for the info. Manual discs= good, power brake master cylinder= bad. Thats what I was looking for.
Now I have a question about the master cylinders... Would I have to get a manual brake m/c specifically for disc/ drum brakes, or would a 4 wheel drum brake application work with front discs? Keep in mind I have the valve to go with the disc brake setup.
Also I have discovered that my brake rotor/hub offset may be an issue to adapt to my spindle, but I will start another thread on it.

[302 Z28]

You need a master cylinder that specifically says disc. Front disc calipers have a larger volume than drum brakes and a disc master cylinder is made for this. Master cylinders come in various applications like drum rear/disc front, 4 wheel disc, ect ect. You need to match the proper master cylinder to your specific combination.

Vince

[galaxieguy3]

Gotcha, thanks again. Its good to have forums like this with experienced people, saves trial and error, and I dont want to err when it comes to brakes.