Brake Lines
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Brake Lines
Hey everyone, I have a few questions about some brake lines. Figured while my bed is off I'm gonna pull out the old lines and replace them, they are getting pretty bad lookin. Anyway, was wondering what you guys would recommend to use. I'd rather not have to bend my own so the pre-bent from inline tubing is looking pretty appealing. But I was wondering about braided lines? How well would those work? And any tips to watch out for while doing this would be helpful. Thanks!
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From: Stanley, VA
I used Inline stainless steel lines for all of my hard lines. Overall the fit was nearly perfect. The only issue I had was the fuel line where it makes a 90 degree turn from the tank to the frame side rail, the bend wasn't quite 90 degrees so I had to bend it some more, it was no big deal. Other than that they were easy to install and the stainless steel really adds to the overall look.
I don't know about using braided lines for the entire system. With that much "soft" line I think you might run into problems with expansion and a soft feeling brake pedal.
I don't know about using braided lines for the entire system. With that much "soft" line I think you might run into problems with expansion and a soft feeling brake pedal.
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From: Grand Junction, Colo.
this is just my oppinion but i would run steel lines for as far as you can and only use braided lines to tie into the tank, fuel pump and carb. My reasoning behind this is that steel lines do not expand under pressure the way that braided lines can. I know that others will chime in on this and i will be watching because i am also interested to see how my thought process holds up.
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I'll pry go with inline, might as well do the gas lines as well, those will be easy anyway. As far as installing them, anything to look for? I'll be overhauling basically the whole front brakes as well as replacing the master cylinder and more than likely the booster. Last time the truck was driveable the brake pedal was as hard as a rock, so I'm guessing air was in the lines possibly? Or any other suggestions? The master cylinder was leaking so I'll replace that, and I figured while in Rome, and will probably do the booster as well.
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From: Southern NM
I used classictube for the brake lines on my F250 a few years ago.Very pleased with the reproduction of the old lines and the fit.I used stainless lines as well.If you are thinking about using braided S/S lines as jumpers,they are the best.They will not swell and expand under pressure like the rubber jumper lines will.If your budget will handle it,they are expensive,but you will never have to replace them again.Something to consider.
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From: Stanley, VA
If you want to use the original plastic clamps that hold the lines to the frame be careful removing them. They are no longer availiable and no dealer or obsolete parts supplier has any.
They're actually easy to remove. Take a small 1/8" pin punch, it has to be a pin punch with a flat face, not a pointed center punch. On the backside of the clamp is a small plastic pin, take the punch and drive this pin towards the front of the clamp. Don't worry if you drive it all the way out. Then gently pry the clamp loose. You might have to squeeze the clamp's legs together to get it to pull out of the frame.
To reinstall you just push the clamp's legs through the frame and then drive the pin back in.
I removed all the clamps on my project without breaking any.
They're actually easy to remove. Take a small 1/8" pin punch, it has to be a pin punch with a flat face, not a pointed center punch. On the backside of the clamp is a small plastic pin, take the punch and drive this pin towards the front of the clamp. Don't worry if you drive it all the way out. Then gently pry the clamp loose. You might have to squeeze the clamp's legs together to get it to pull out of the frame.
To reinstall you just push the clamp's legs through the frame and then drive the pin back in.
I removed all the clamps on my project without breaking any.
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