Want to replace Bendix ABS system - any write-ups??

[gone postal]

I have a '91 and guess what.....the Bendix system has failed. So, I want to rip it out and put in a regular brake booster system fed by vacuum instead of a crappy hydraulic pump. I bought the booster setup from a '91 and am wondering what else I'll need or if there are write-ups? I think I'm going to get brake lines for a '91 non-ABS so that I know those will match up properly, but I'm curious if this booster will even bolt to my firewall and then will it bolt to my pedal? Are there different pedals for ABS or non-ABS? I have cruise control if that matters. I was originally thinking of doing the '96+ swap b/c I know it's a better booster, but this vehicle is driven so little that I don't think the extra hassle is worth it. I don't feel like bending/flaring brake lines (never have before and don't want to trust my life w/ learning). I figure this "should" be a fairly bolt-in application or at least the cheapest/easiest solution. Any tips/help/suggestions? TIA

[gone postal]

bump...

[jeepdude10000]

http://www.naxja.org/html/techarticles/uninstall_OEM_ABS.htm

[3XJFamily]

I think I'm going to get brake lines for a '91 non-ABS so that I know those will match up properly, but I'm curious if this booster will even bolt to my firewall and then will it bolt to my pedal? Are there different pedals for ABS or non-ABS? The non-ABS lines should work but they will be a lot of work to remove from a donor vehicle and reinstall. The booster bolts right up to the firewall. Get the pedal assembly - my experience was that the arm coming out of the 95 booster I used attached at a different location on the pedal arm than the 91 ABS.

I have cruise control if that matters. I was originally thinking of doing the '96+ swap b/c I know it's a better booster, but this vehicle is driven so little that I don't think the extra hassle is worth it. Don't know about cruise, mine wasn't working - I suspect it's tied into the brake LIGHT switch on the pedal rather than the booster. . . I did a swap to a 95/96 - it's a better booster, and didn't seem to be any extra hassle.

I don't feel like bending/flaring brake lines (never have before and don't want to trust my life w/ learning). I did some careful re-routing of the existing lines, and had a friend reflare (he knew what he was doing - took him about 10 min, and I bought him lunch for it = cheap and easy solution for me). There was a post here at one point regarding using adapters to attach the non-ABS booster to the ABS lines - search.

I figure this "should" be a fairly bolt-in application or at least the cheapest/easiest solution. Any tips/help/suggestions? TIA
Replace the rear cylinders - ABS are smaller than regular. Proper bleeding of the ENTIRE system is critical. Be prepared for nuisances like bleeders that strip out, or lines that twist up.

[gone postal]

Thanks for the help guys. I talked to the guy at Autozone today and he said that they sell brake lines that are already flared and in various lengths, so all I would have to do is bend them. He said that they also sell the adapters in case I want to keep my current lines, but then I'd have to try to bend those.

3XJ - I was thinking that the '96 booster would be more difficult b/c that's when the body style changed, but then I remembered that was in '97. Is '95 the better booster too? See, I already have a '91, so I really dont' want to buy another one, but I guess if I can find one for cheap and it's that much better I'll have to start looking. The pedal assembly bolted right up though? I just don't want to have to do serious modifications or fabricating (welding, etc). I just have simple hand tools and this will be a driveway venture - no lift, air tools, etc.

[3XJFamily]

Thanks for the help guys. I talked to the guy at Autozone today and he said that they sell brake lines that are already flared and in various lengths, so all I would have to do is bend them. He said that they also sell the adapters in case I want to keep my current lines, but then I'd have to try to bend those.

3XJ - I was thinking that the '96 booster would be more difficult b/c that's when the body style changed, but then I remembered that was in '97. Is '95 the better booster too? See, I already have a '91, so I really dont' want to buy another one, but I guess if I can find one for cheap and it's that much better I'll have to start looking. The pedal assembly bolted right up though? I just don't want to have to do serious modifications or fabricating (welding, etc). I just have simple hand tools and this will be a driveway venture - no lift, air tools, etc.

The bending I had to do to keep the current lines was fairly minor. If I didn't have someone to help with the flaring, I'd of used adapters. If you buy new lines, there will be lots of bending involved. . . The 95 and 96 are the better boosters, and it's a bolt-in.

Once you get over the fact your life depends on it, brakes are basic plumbing. If you've done brake maintenance in the past, adapting in the new booster is the only challenge. If this is all new, then you've got a few other hurdles. Oh, and don't forget to source the manifold fitting, and vac line for the booster.