[ihc] Brake Questions-Scout Diesel Hybrid

["Joseph Shaw, II" <josephshaw@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Okay, I am trying to begin the tracking down of a braking problem on my
new-to-me '145 Scout (I call it a '145 because it is a '68 body mounted on a
'77 frame and running gear, thus, '68+'77='145).

So, details are such:

'77 Nissan Diesel Engine, 727 Auto tranny, no power brakes, 4WD, front disc
brakes.

It has some unknown brake problem, and I am trying to figure out where to
begin.

Prior owner was a pretty knowledgeable tinkerer, so he did a lot of things to
it when the brakes went bad, but could never quite get them working.  So, here
are some questions in general about a '77 diesel's braking system:

Did the '77's all have power brakes originally?  I am only asking because I
don't think any of the Scout II's I have dealt with still had manual brakes,
and I have had about 5 or 6, so thought maybe they all had power brakes after
a certain time.  This one does not, so I am trying to figure out which braking
system I am dealing with.  Of course, with the discs on the front, I know that
came from the '77, but was not sure if the lack of power brakes might indicate
that the MC is from the '68 or something.

Do non-power brakes still use a proportioning valve?

Does the size of the steel tubing used as brake line have an effect-or is it
simply the case that when there is no air in the system, the MC will displace
the same amount of fluid regardless?

Some of the bends in the newer line look a bit too "sharp" and could be
cutting off some of the flow of brake fluid-does this sound like a viable
reason the brakes may not be working?  I am thinking that if they are bent
enough to be "kinked," it may be impeding flow to the calipers, and thus, not
enough displacement is occuring to cause the braking.

Any other suggestions?  I am trying not to overlook things, but as I said, the
prior owner knew what he was doing, so I also am trying not to think it is
something TOO easy that I will figure out right away!

Thanks for any advice!

Michael