Upgrade brake switch vs old style switch

[toddm]

I know for sure that the old style hydraulic switch is faulty. So what do you think, replace it with another switch of the same kind or an upgrade air switch? If I change to the upgrade switch can I just leave in the old switch or does a plug come with the upgrade. Also instructions are helpful, does anyone know if they come with the kit from Saturn? I just got my truck out of storage yesterday and who knows how long I have been without brake lights.

 

[dabtl]

The Saturn kit has instructions. It is easy to install.

 

[emmado22]

Go for the air upgrade kit. The kit has everything you need but the tools and 10 minutes needed to install it.

 

[toddm]

Thanks much guys! I was leaning towards the air unit anyways. Thanks again for the input. Todd

 

[vtach]

I was going to ask almost this same question. I have the newer air switch, but it has gone out. Now I need a new air switch. I was considering changing all of my trucks over to the air switch. Any benefits to air? I was wondering if my slightly leaking air compressor caused my air switch to fail (finding some oil in the drain tank) ?

 

[vtach]

Does anyone know if a little oil in the air will cause the upgraded air beake switch to fail? I am about to replace mine and don't want to kill another switch.

 

[Parker2]

I doubt it will. The oil should be going into your air tanks and collecting. IF you dont ever drain your tanks, then you may have a problem.

 

[vtach]

Okay, thanks.

 

[toddm]

I got my upgrade kit from Saturn today and no instructions. Looked at the PS article about install and can't really see how it goes on. Anybody have a instruction sheet so I can install it correctly? Thanks Todd

 

[toddm]

I can sort of see where the lines go in the PS magazine article, but I really want to be sure.

 

[steelandcanvas]

I got my upgrade kit from Saturn today and no instructions. Looked at the PS article about install and can't really see how it goes on. Anybody have a instruction sheet so I can install it correctly? Thanks Todd

I'd like a copy also, should someone be so kind.

 

[toddm]

Obviously I'm not the only one with this question, I just looked at my truck and the air lines that looked like the ones in the PS mag article are .375 and the fitting in the kit from Saturn is .500.

 

[vtach]

I just got my 2 kits from Saturn, and no instructions. It does not look like the same switch as the upgraded one that has failed either??? Anyone have that NAPA #?

 

[vtach]

In fact the switch looks alot like the older hydro switch.

 

[toddm]

I e-mailed Saturn and told of no instructions. I only ordered because I read in a previous post that instructions were included. I really don't want to install this without knowing exactly how it goes on the truck. I still want to be able to stop. Thanks Todd

 

[cranetruck]

These images should help.

Note: The new switch will only work when the air pressure is up. The old one worked whenever the brake pedal was depressed (hydraulic).
Issue with the old switch may be the pressure rating, should be 3,000 psi minimum....

 

[toddm]

Thanks for the clear picture cranetruck, it really helped. I went to the hardware store and asked for a .375 compression 90, the guy behind the counter swore it was already a .375 unit. Did I say he was a complete a#$, I then went to Napa and they were very helpful and had exactly what I needed, with no attitude. I guess we all have bad days, but it seems like I always get these guys with attitudes lately. He had to be at least 10 years older than me. Thanks again SS pulls through again. Todd

I'll post pictures when I'm done.

 

[vtach]

My switch is not in either of these locations?

 

[dabtl]

Thanks for the clear picture cranetruck, it really helped. I went to the hardware store and asked for a .375 compression 90, the guy behind the counter swore it was already a .375 unit. Did I say he was a complete a#$, I then went to Napa and they were very helpful and had exactly what I needed, with no attitude. I guess we all have bad days, but it seems like I always get these guys with attitudes lately. He had to be at least 10 years older than me. Thanks again SS pulls through again. Todd

I'll post pictures when I'm done.

cranetruck, Bjorn, has more information, useful information, than anyone else on planet Earth.

And, he willingly shares it with us all.

Thanks, again Bjorn. (I may have this phrase committed to memory for frequent posting.)

 

[cranetruck]

You are welcome! When you get to be my age, you'll have plenty of info accumulated too.