Guys - working on my 1977 Ford F250 with a Dana 60 rear. Was planning on changing the brake hose that drops from the brake line to the rear hard lines on the Dana 60 (drum brakes). Couple of questions. One, looks like the fitting itself at the top has been rounded off some. Any recommendations? If I have to cut it off, is there a tool that can create a new flare in a tight area without removing the line from the truck? Or should I just remove it?

Where the drop line connects to the two hard lines running to the drums there is a fitting that seems to be welded to the axle that also includes what I assume is a vent line? My new line has a two way fitting to connect both hard lines. Do I just have to cut the old brake hose off close to the fitting, and leave the old fitting attached? Any other thoughts?

Thanks for your help or any thoughts you may have.

Joel

 

That block on your axle splits the brake fluid to each wheel and also has a provision for a vent hose. IIRC it is threaded into the axle tube.
You should not have to recreate the flare thread as it is a female thread in that block.
It's just a matter of removing the old line from the block and screwing the new one in.
If the the hex of the fitting is rounded off...soak thoroughly(maybe for days) and try a vise grip gently back and forth to loosen the hose.

Assuming the 2 way fitting is just a coupler to join 2 hoses or lines together. I dont think you will need that unless you have a lift kit.

Be careful removing the flex line from the hard line above the axle by the driver side frame.

Hope that helps.

 

Thanks - the hard line that is up by the frame rail is the nut that is rounded off... I am worried to get it off I will have to cut it, and replace. If so how big of a deal is it to run a new line from the master cylinder? Does the gas tank or anything have to come out?

 

If your truck has a side mount gas tank, you will probably have to drop it to get the line in. That line from the metering valve to the rear brakes is 2 piece, there is a brass coupler behind the tank.

 

You can get prebent lines from places like Inline Tube and others. I've used Inline several times with good results.

 

I've used double flaring tools but last year I saw a new one out and decided for $20 I'ld take a chance. It'll do 3/16 SAE and 4.75 mm metric tubing, double and bubble flares and it works with two wrenches.

It also keeps everything lined up straight and does not overly squeeze the tube while holing it secure and best of all, can be used in tight places. I did over half a dozen double flares on my brake lines when I did my upgrade as I replaced some lines at the same time. It is also available in 1/4 and 5/16 sizes and one kit for all three ..... but if you plan on a lot of 3/16" tubing, look at the "Cal Van #161" brake flaring tool.


The axle vent fitting goes through and secures the lower brass tee on the rear brake hose at the axle.