[rdorman]

Paul, this is not the first time I heard about the parking brake helping with braking. For me it just adds to the mystery!

The system for CR that I am working on though is a four wheel disc design so unfortuniatly I will not be able to help much with drums. I do not have the software not computation to determine drum brake torque.

One thing that comes mind on the drum brakes is there are differences in the pieces used. Be sure that the master cylinder and proportioning valve, the stock pieces are for drum brake use. I don't remember which has a residual pressure valve (10 pounds or so) but you need it. Plus I recall something about a delay when activating one or the other in a mixed system. Either way, if both are for a mixed system, then great!

Also, you may be out of adjustment in the rear. Can you get either end to lock up, if so, which end?

PLEASE tell me exactly what you did to test your booster. Very curious. If your booster is not working, that of course would explain a lot. Very high peddle effort with very little results.

I know that gasoline getting in the booster will shorten its life span.

Are you saying that the booster did not have a one way check valve in line to the vacuum source? Also a no no. You can test the valve by blowing through it. Blow in one end and the air should go through, blow in the other and it should not. Any thing else, pick up a new one.

EVERYONE, what size brake lines are you cars plumbed with? Not 1/8" I hope!

Keep it coming guys!

Thanks
Rick