Is there a big difference between '84 and '85 parts?

[djsroknrol]

In particular, the brake booster....the booster failed on my '84 and I found one from an '85. Is there a difference in parts like this one?

 

[boomdriver]

They're probably the same.
To confirm this go to Oreilly auto parts and use their parts finder/locator and look at the compatable list. Its easy to see the part number then compare that to other yrs, even different makes & models.

Most chain store auto parts stores have a similar website for parts search.

I discovered that certain headlite actuators on C4s are also available on certain Potty-ac Fieros..(i think it was)...and a BUNCH cheaper.

 

[djsroknrol]

I discovered that certain headlite actuators on C4s are also available on certain Potty-ac Fieros..(i think it was)...and a BUNCH cheaper.

I've seen that many times in GM cars is the reason I asked...especially knowing that mine is a late production model, they run out of parts and use the next model years things. I had that happen on both my Oldsmobile's, both different years and models.

I looked up a Cardone replacement for '84 and '85 and the part numbers differ by one, so I wondered how much difference there was between the two.

 

[boomdriver]

If anything......its the length of the thru-rod from the pedal to the booster. Check that before installing. I've seen guys install and get nada out of the pedal...rod was too short.

 

[djsroknrol]

Well, the Chevy dealer said that the brake booster for '84 and '85 are discontinuned.... As for the different Cardone numbers, the first number is metal and the second number is plastic. I ordered one from Carquest and it will be here in the morning.

 

[boomdriver]

Ok, yeah, I've seen the metal body booster but didn't know that it was the single number code that made it different than the plastics...
DO check the rod length. That link-pin on the pedal is difficult enough without having to do it twice. IIRC the thru-rod between booster and master cyl is also someplace where guys encounter some differences...so match/compare these parts before assembly.

I HIGHLY reccomend that you pull the driver seat and lay towels down to cover the floor studs so that you can get in there and find a position to manipluate the pedal rod. Its not easy. Seat is only 4 nuts then lift out the whole seat assy, subframe, track and all. Slide forward to get to rear nuts, slide rear to reach forward nuts..
Remove lower dash panel and lay in floor upside down, (sort of) gives you the best access. Actually knowing a little person with some snap-on stuff is the best bet.....
Good luck

 

[djsroknrol]

Ok, yeah, I've seen the metal body booster but didn't know that it was the single number code that made it different than the plastics...
DO check the rod length. That link-pin on the pedal is difficult enough without having to do it twice. IIRC the thru-rod between booster and master cyl is also someplace where guys encounter some differences...so match/compare these parts before assembly.

Yes, somewhere in the M-Y production, they changed over from all metal to plastic...they do things like that on the line when they run out of parts late in production and a slight item version is coming in the next year's batch. That's why I always check both years if the part for the exact year isn't available

Actually knowing a little person with some snap-on stuff is the best bet.....

Good idea...get my 9 yr. old to go in there :L

Seriously, I've got a way to raise the car, and some long reach tools, so doing all the gymnastics is unnecessary. All I have to do is stand next to the open door and reach in.

And that's the parts place on the phone...Let's see how the pedal rods match up and compare the MC thru rod sides when I get it home...this way I'll be ready to change it out Fri afternoon when I get off of work.

 

[WhalePirot]

I ordered one from Carquest and it will be here in the morning.

Glad to share your thrill with the car, as it evolves.

Dang.. I think I have a good one in my garage cabinet.... having had to switch to a hydroboost.

 

[djsroknrol]

Ok, so the change out wasn't as smooth as I thought it would be...lol...

Even with it up in the air, I had to lower it some to get in there with the long extensions, which promptly got broken down into smaller extensions because of the steering column. there is barely enough room on either side for the socket to fit (13mm)...the drivers side nut is not as bad as the passengers side one.

The pedal dropped slightly, but a small adjustment did the trick and now the brakes are quick to the touch....