I have been having problems with my brakes. When I press the brake pedal it feels fine at first but then, the pedal stiffens and I can not press it any further. It's kind of a one shot chance to stop. I have hooked a vacuum gauge up and see that I have 23" hg at the pump. I have looked for leaks extensively! When I hook the gauge up to the system the vacuum slowly comes up to 23"hg. When I press and hold the brake pedal down, the vacuum drops to about 5" hg and does not regenerate. Only after I let my foot off the brake will the vacuum come back. This is why I think my booster is bad.

One thing I am planning on doing before rebuilding the booster is to separate the master cylinder from it and check the seal. Put a new seal in between the two and see if that makes a difference. If it does not, I feel pretty certain the booster is at fault.

If there is any other test or diagnostic you feel I have left out, please do let me know!

Regarding the front end rebuild kit you speak of... what all comes with it. My steering gear box is leaking badly and seems to have some internal leaks too(turns fast and easy to the right, harder to turn left). It needs to be replaced for sure. $325 for a rebuilt gear box was the absolute cheepest I could find

Cheers!

__________________
Cousin Dave
83' 300SD 250k+ and going strong!

Take the best that exists, make it better!
If it doesn't exist, create it!
Accept nothing nearly right or good enough!