[EMIEVEL]

I doing a quick search but I need some info fast! I found a cruise control unit for my old Ford van, but I don't want to purchase it if it is not feesable with the 4BT. It is vacuum operated.

The cruise control would be the only thing I need vacuum for, as this van is old. I'm planning on using the hydro boost brake set up off the P30.

Would it be a dumb move to have a vacuum pump just for cruise control?

What other options do I have for cruise control? I need it because of my leg injuries.

I'm sure this has been discussed and I will continue to search.

Thanks!
Chris

 

[kaptar]

Electronic

I seen an electric cruise control in J.C. Whitney for diesels. Not cheap,$350.00.

 

[EMIEVEL]

How much do the vacuum pumps run, and are they readily available? If you guys think the best way to go is electric, then that is what I will do.

What I like about this unit is Ford manufactures it. I have had aftermarket cruise controls in the past and they worked like crap. Those things would go slow up the hills and too fast down them.

 

[matt2matt2]

I have personally NOT done this so I can't verify that it works. However you can get a small electric vacuum pump from the junk yark. Just go here to read up on it.
http://users.california.com/~eagle/figs/vacpump/vac.html

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

The Proffitts cruisers guys have had luck with the cheapo aftermarket vacuum canister cruiser controls. They use a magnet on your driveshaft.. JC Whitney carries a few models, from $100 up it seems. This is my plan, see how 'cheap' it is... But I do know they work with 4BTs at least from the start...

 

[EMIEVEL]

So, what kind of vacuum does a cruise control need? I'm thinking regular cruise controls use manifold vacuum for a reason, but I'm not sure about that. If it needs manifold vacuum specifically, then I'm kind of screwed!

Thanks for the link to that vacuum pump. Those GMC motorhomes are cool! Did you see the stretched GMC?

Chris

 

[kaptar]

The regular cruise controls use the vacuum to actuate the throttle, I assume the electronic ones use some type of servo motor or something like that.

 

[sdstriper]

GM had a 12volt pump that was discontinued and is now available aftermarket.

OEM AC-Delco # 215-119 was discontinued, you may find it at the junk yards though. Standard Motor Products p/n VCP-103 is the replacement manufacturer, last check the price was just under $150.00

 

[sdstriper]

For $300.00 you sure can get a nice electronic only speed control. Try Dakota Digital. Then you don't have to mess with vacuum at all.

 

[mooktank]

You could always install some sort of mechanical throttle lock with a cable. It's how they do it on my dad's military hummer. Diesels keep their speed pretty well I think.

 

[EMIEVEL]

Thanks Sdstriper, I'll look into that!

Mooktank, you know, my van does have a factory manual choke set up and working right now! I could keep the factory look!

The 4BT in a 5000 pound van shouldn't have to work to hard to maintain freeway speeds. That might be the best way to do it.

 

[mooktank]

Just don't let it malfunction on ya!

 

[treetopflyer]

I've had great success with ROSTRA (1983-2001), 2 vacuum and one w/ combined electric servo and electronics (installed them myself). Well worth the price, only problem I ever had was tearing the magnets off drive shaft while 4 wheeling. Easy fix if you have spare magnets and a tiewrap. The all electric version performed well and was accurate in its performance. Quick search revealed these for prices http://www.mnrelectronics.com/uncrco.html. Bought mine from United speedometer years ago, http://www.speedometershop.com/ They were very informative and know this product.
Doug

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

sorry I mispoke, the cheapo JC Whitney ones are electronic too, no vacuum required...

 

[Diesel CJ8]

I have used a vacuum pump of a diesel super duty. Very cheap at junk yards.

 

[52wrench]

Second on the super duty electric vac pumps. they used them for the HVAC controls, it ties into a metal canister to give it some ballast. Cheapo at the scrapper.

 

[EMIEVEL]

Thanks guys...I'll look into the Super Duty pumps. Thanks for all of the other suggestions as well.

Chris

 

[Av8r]

I have used a vacuum pump of a diesel super duty. Very cheap at junk yards.

Is that electric driven or belt or how?

 

[ryurabbit]

You could always install some sort of mechanical throttle lock with a cable. It's how they do it on my dad's military hummer. Diesels keep their speed pretty well I think.

I dont think this will stop anybody on this board, it didn't stop me on my Jeep:grinpimp: , but the mechanical throttle is ILLEGAL. It can also be dangerous. We called these SUICIDE cruise controls back in the day. Theres nothing like forgetting about it and hitting the brake and the vehicle doesn't slow down.:rasta:

 

[redhedbronco]

I thought like EMIEVIL, that they used man. vac. and agree with Mook about manual and have used one for a long time. Can be dangerous like rabbit said, wonder if you could have a release pawl when brakes or clutch hit to make a little safer? Have thought about it but never came up with anything worth wasting my time.