[Vwdiesel] Rabbit Brake Booster alternatives?

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

My 84 Rabbit na diesel requires enormous pedal pressure to bring it to a 
stop. I think it needs a vacuum pump and brake booster, one, the other, or 
both.

Facts: I have good pads, rotors, and master cylinder.

I took off the vacuum pump and checked the diaphragm visually and tested 
the pump ny spinning it, to prove it draws a vacuum. It isn't a very strong 
vacuum, but I don't know what it is suppose to feel like when it is working 
properly. No base line.

But the brakes are far more difficult to apply without it. It helps a 
little bit.

The other unit involved is the brake booster (original).  I pulled a vacuum 
on it and the vacuum didn't hold for more than a few seconds.  I suspect a 
leaking brake booster.

Replacement booster is about $225.   I'd like to acquire a good used one. 
Is anyone able to tell me of an equivalent booster that might be found on a 
newer wreck, such as a Golf or Jetta, that would swap in place of that old 
1984 original part?  Maybe they used the same or almost the same booster in 
the 85--and--up Jettas/Golfs.....something that would bolt on and work. I 
could comb the salvage yards and take it off myself, probably for 25 
bucks....maybe. I'm guessing.

I'm gonna call the VW parts department on Monday and see if they can be 
helpful, but first I'M ASKING THE LIST......any body ever do this?

Doyt