brake and steering issues

[wilcfr]

Hope someone can give me some insight on a couple of issues I'm having. Bought a 98 2D 4x4 Tahoe, 350, PS, PB, ABS, p mirrors, p door locks and auto as a retirement project. Been working on it since August, but I've run into a couple of issues that I need input on. First the brakes. When I first got the vehicle it basically had no brakes. I installed new slotted and drilled rotors, new calipers, SS lines and pads on the front, and new wheel cylinders, shoes, lines and had the drums surfaced out back. Had the MC bled professionally because of the ABS. I now have brakes, but the feel is still really soft with loooong travel. I know these trucks did not have great brakes, but I would like to find some way to improve travel and feel if possible. Next is the steering. It is beyond vague and loose. All the front parts seem to be in order and I installed new shocks all around. Overall it's been a fun project with a lot left to do inside, switching out 60/40 for buckets, new radio etc., and some decent body work ahead, I guess I'm finally going to learn how to weld. But for daily driving pleasure I would really like to make some improvements on the steering and brake front. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[1998Suburban]

The NBS master cylinder upgrade makes a world of difference. It fits the booster and requires minimal changes to the existing brake lines.

My pitman arm and idler arm both seemed ok but were loose & sloppy once I got them off the truck. I've replaced everything and the steering still isn't as tight as I'd like it to be. Having said that it is greatly improved. How many miles on the truck? Any history on front end component replacement?

 

[wilcfr]

170,000 don't know about any front end work. What type of adjustments need to be made to the brake lines? I would not have an issue with switching out the MC.

 

[1998Suburban]

Here's one of the writeups I followed. It's an adapter and minor bending of MC to ABS brake lines.
http://www.gmt400.com/threads/how-to-nbs-master-cylinder-swap-for-firm-brake-pedal.17998/

@ 170K miles you're probably due for a front end rebuild. Lower ball joints, pitman arm, and idler arm would probably be the biggest bang for the buck if you're on a tight budget.

 

[wilcfr]

Okay I went to AutoZone and they have 4 different options on 2004 MC's. Two hydroboosts and two vacuum boosts. Any idea which one is the proper choice or does it matter?