I got my Dana 60 installed and have the conversion U-joints on hand. It looked like it was going to be an easy brake line hook up but, the original fittings and lines are larger than the lines on the 1972 F250 rear.


What are you guys that have done the swap using?

 

If you need to run 3/16" brake lines on the rear axle get a rear axle brake hose with 3/16" outlets. A brake hose from the 72 F250 the rear came from most likely could be used.

 

I think the lines on the 72 rear end are 5/16". A 3/8" wrench fits the flare nuts.


The lines to the Timken rear are I think 3/8". A 7/16" wrench fits the flare nuts on it.


It got dark on me so I didn't measure. The lines off the master cyl. are definitely larger.

 

Brake lines are normally 1/4" or 3/16", nut size doesn't matter as there are different size nuts made for different applications. Your line to the rear will be 1/4", lines on the rear will be 3/16".
A 5/16" line will have a 1/2" or better hex size. 3/8" would be 9/16" hex. Those are fuel line size tubing, not for brake lines.

 

OK, So is there a hose that will fit the larger line from the master cyl. with a T on the end that will fit the smaller lines to the wheel cylinders?


Somebody that's done this will hopefully let me know what hose or fittings they used.


As usual I really do appreciate all the input you guys give.

 

Yes, I dont know the Ford parts but plenty of GM hoses work. Trucks normally use longer hoses, I would look up the specs on a rear brake hose from a 1973 to 1980 chevy C10. I am using a 1979 camaro rear hose but my trucks are lowered.

 

It would be nice if you could go into a parts store and just look at stuff like the "Old Days". You almost need a VIN to look parts up now.


I'll check the Chebby hoses. I know there has to be a Hose with 1/4" in and 3/16" T at end. I was hoping somebody here would remember what they used. I can use adapter fittings if I have to.


Some of the on-line parts sources give specs and some don't. I was hoping to hit the easy button here.

 

If you are lucky you have a brake and clutch shop in the area that can make you a hose. I had a heck of a time with the rear brake hose on my 53 sedan when I installed a Maverick rear axle. San Antonio Brake and Clutch ended up brazing a new crimp end onto the old Maverick hose fitting and making me a new hose.

 

It is easy, just about everything GM from the 60s on used one. Look up the hose on rockauto. Here is a C10 pickup rear hose, 1980.

 

F-3 lines are larger diameter than F-1's, they are 1/4" vs 3/16".

 

That explains why his originals were 1/4" on the rear axle as well. From the OPs post the rear axle he installed uses smaller lines, which would be the 3/16". The line from the master to the rear hose is larger, so that would be 1/4". Those are the same sizes as the GM hoses, 1/4" in and dual 3/16" out.

 

Thanks for the info Dave. All the Chebby lines I found so far had the correct fitting sizes but are too short.


The original hose on my truck is about 18" long with 1/4" brake lines in and out. However, it may not be original. When I look up a replacement hose for my truck it shows L&R front AND a L&R rear. The ONE hose I have on it has a T bolted to axle tube with steel tube going to wheel cylinders.


Anyway, I'll try to find an 18" long chebby hose or I will keep the hose I have and use a couple adapter fittings.


I'll be sure to post up what I find for others doing this swap. The little stuff is what seems to cause the biggest delays.

 

I hate dead end threads so Here is what I ended up doing.

Dave is right Chevy hoses would work. However, I found hoses were either 5" short or about 10" too long. I let the suspension droop all the way and the short hose would not make it. I elected to use my stock hose and two adapters.

I'll try to post some pics and part numbers.

 

Here's the stock hose and block. The long nipple is from the 1972 F250. That hose was cut off by the PO and wouldn't have worked anyway. I had to drill out the block so the nipple would fit. It originally had a hose going up under the bed for a vent. The small breather is the original from the Timken rear.

 

Block drilled out. Adapters are Edelman #258340.