Master cylinder upgrade?

[PhattyX]

My brakes have never been that good, but about the time the front wheel bearing went, braking has started to feel like stepping on a marsh mellow. I'm going to replace my master cylinder and wondered if there was an upgrade while I was at it.

84 CJ7. Axles/brakes are stock now, but I plan on a 44/60 axle combo in the future with, of course, bigger tires.

Thanks,

-X

 

[redrooster]

If the master doesn't leak, it's probably not going to help to swap it. But hey, they are cheap, why not. Did you open the brake lines when you changed the wheel bearings? Sounds like air in the line.
I don't know if you have power brakes or not, but my master cylinder once leaked around the plunger into the power brake booster. The fluid ate up the diaphragm in the booster and I had to toss it. Also check your vacuum line to the power brake booster. The hose and nipple can dry rot and crack causing less stopping power.
It would probably help to dip out almost all the old brake fluid and put some fresh fluid in it.
Other than that, you can check to see if you rotors and drums are still within tolerance. They may have the minimum diameters stamped on them, otherwise you will have to research that.
Low quality pads can also be a source of poor brakes.
Check to see if your drums are full of dirt also.

 

[yjdave]

I'm going to replace my master cylinder and wondered if there was an upgrade while I was at it.

1986 E350 (ford) van..bigger bore and volume. Will have no problem stopping.

 

[jfrabat]

I have also heard good things about the ford master cyl...

 

[slo-wrench44]

i havent heard can someone point the way to a writeup please?

 

[redrooster]

The Ford van and Corvette master cylinder swaps are used for disc brake conversions on the rear. If you are still running the stock brake system then you wouldn't want to go that route. The stock master should be sufficient.
I run one ton axles with disks all around. I am using an autozone M1730 without a power booster. I believe the application was a 3/4 ton chevy truck.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

There's also the Marquis MC upgrade, but like RR mentioned, they're all recommended for 4whl disc upgrades.

I think you've got a brake problem or bad part you should find before worrying about upgrading the MC.