I just aquired a decent running 1979 4x4 351m, automatic. The body is toast, but that is ok, my father in law is a body man The brakes are compleatly gone. When I inspected the truck I noticed that somone has replaced the hard brake lines on the rear axle with soft lines. The brake pedel goes all the way to the floor. I'm going to do a more detailed examination of the brakes this weekend. I guess my question is will the soft brake lines cause any problems? Should I replace with hardlines asap? I'm newer to the home mechanic thing so please remember that I'm a total newb. I've done minor brake work and general tune ups but nothing major like cam swaps or nothing like that.

Thanks again,

Jerem0621

 

You want to use hard brake lines for almost the entire brake system - you only use hoses at the wheels, because they move. One problem with brake hoses is that they can get too soft over time, and they can expand with the braking pressure, which makes the pedal soft. However, if the pedal is going all the way to the floor, you most likely have a severe brake system leak, air in the system, or a bad master cylinder.

 

Yeah, definitely get rid of the soft hoses ( where did the p.o. even find soft hoses that long?),and check your fluid level, look for leaks etc. And I would recommend getting it looked at by a qualified mechanic. I'm all in favour of " do it yourself " maintenance, but brakes are not the place to cut your mechanical teeth, and this sounds like it could be a case where there may be other things that have been "Mickey Moused" and you might not be experienced enough to recognize them. Safety First!

 

Thanks ya'll. I was thinking that I need the solid brake lines for sure. I think I will take it to a mechanic.

Another question. The PO wife busted out the rear window in a fit of rage (I got this truck pretty cheap) Luckly all she got to was the rear window and the drivers side window. How hard is the glass to replace? Should I try this or leave this to the pro's as well?

Thanks again!

Jerem0621

 

Rear window is pretty easy because it is held in with a gasket, there is a rope method and it just takes two people. Drivers window is supposed to be easy but I have never done it. To be honest for the price I just let a shop do my rear window, had a slider put in and it wasn't really worth it to do it myself. So guess it depends on how cheap you can get a window as to whether or not it is worth it to do it yourself.

 

I only helped put in a rear slider, but that was along time ago, like 1977, I don't remember it being that hard to do. I am going to do one in my truck this summer for sure.

About two weeks ago I replaced the window felt on the driver's side and it was a breeze. Very intuitive. Just take off the door crank, and handle (inside), start in a corner and "gently" pry off the door panel.

there should be a brown grocery bag type paper behind the door panel. Peel that off and you will see three 7/16 bolts that hold the window regulator in place. Run the window up and down a few times and you will see how it works. Loosen the regulator and you will be able to get it out of the track, if it already isn't due to that wife of his!

There is another 7/16" bolt below there that holds the wing glass frame inplace. Don't forget the screws that hold the wing to the door, next to A post on door frame just back those out. On the back side of the door jam near the vin plate is another 7/16" bolt that holds that track that goes down near the bottom of the door. You may have to loosen that as well.

If you need a new door glass, I would look at the bone yard, Bronco gravey yard I believes has them too.

Don't for get to clean out the bottom inside of the door, there may be pieces of the windoe felt, and leaves etc. Make sure the three drain holes are cleaned out. Have a look at the felt, and wing window gasket, it would be a perfect time to replace them. I bought my set from LMC and I am happy with the product.

Others on here got theirs from other vendors, and they were happy with those, I guess price would be your decission maker here. Good luck, and let us know how you made out and we ALWAYS love to see pictures.

I agree on the brakes, DON'T mess with them if you are not versed in this area. It's not worth a couple of bucks, to get hurt, or someone else, of have your dentside get crushed!!

PS: Don't forget to lub the teeth on the regulator gear, and a little lub in the window channel where the regulator roll back and forth (white roller wheel). It should work like new when your done!