good thought.
my first thought is 'no, but good thinking.'

in general..........*all* parts that are 20+ years old are questionable.
I would say this........if you replace the hoses and it doesn't make any
difference, you didn't waste your money.

also.......stainless coverd aftermarket hoses are suppossed to give a much
firmer brake pedal feel, due to less expanding of the hoses when they are
under brake fluid pressure - if hose expanding under pressure is a concern
for you.

And sometimes.......about that booster - naturally we don't want to go
replacing an expensive part and not have it make any difference\t.
( just priced one at Van Cafe - new , ATE brand, like the original, $
245.00 - not too bad ) .
......and there have been many times I resisted replacing and expensive part
because I couldn't be certain that was really where the problem
was...........only to find out later that I should have.
  I'd do the booster.
I just don't see how they can be working at say, at least 90 % of what they
should be after 20+ years.
There are certain parts that are what I call 'nebulous' ...........they
don't fail completely, they just get more and more tired very gradually.
Booster falls under this for sure.  For under $ 300 I'd sure try a new one.
Or if you want to chance a used one, I've got those.
scott
www.turbovans.com

scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Roger VanTill" <motelvw@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, July 27, 2008 4:19 AM
Subject: Re: Soggy brake pedal

> I've been dealing with this problem for a while too. I replaced
> everything in the system but the booster this spring and the pedal
> still doesn't feel like my 86. Too much travel, too squishy. Could the
> flex hoses cause this?