Ford F-150/F-250: Braided Steel Line Reviews
Braided steel brake lines are solid, rugged, and great looking. They add so much to your Ford F-150 or Super Duty by improving the brake pedal feel, the braking performance, and the looks of your truck. Which brand should you pick? Here are some reviews on the most popular brands. Enjoy.
This article applies to the Ford F-150 (2004-2014) and F-250 Super Duty (2005-2014).
Anytime you modify your suspension, tires, or exhaust, it’s a good idea to consider modifying your brake lines. Raising or lowering a vehicle can alter the distance and direction of travel that the brake line must traverse. Exhaust heat can cause brake lines to fail so routing is critical. Your lines can also get worn out when you off-road due to rocks and dirt making contact with it.
Braided steel lines offer more protection by encasing the normal synthetic rubber line in a braided steel outer casing. Braiding creates a tough steel shield while allowing lines to flex. The steel can withstand more impact while repelling and dissipating exhaust heat more evenly. Some claim the steel allows the line to flex less thus offering a firmer feel. The silvery chrome appearance adds a shiny flare that looks much better than the dull aesthetics of normal factory hoses.
Braided steel hoses can be sold with just the lines or as a kit that includes several components. The brake lines can replace various combinations of the flexible lines at the front disk brakes, rear axle junction block, and rear brakes depending on the manufacturer and vehicle. Additional hardware can include clips, brackets, and ties for holding the line in a desired position.
Prices for braided steel brake lines range from $136 to $230.
 | Russel | Goodridge | Skyjacker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $136 | $201 | $230 |
| Warranty | 90 Days | Lifetime | Limited |
| Feel | Firm | Firm | Firm |
| Fitment | Drop in | Drop in | Custom |
Best quality: Skyjacker
Best Value: Goodridge
Russel
- Price: $136
- Warranty: 90 Days
- Feel: Firm
- Fitment: Drop in
Russel makes a nice kit that offers firmer, more responsive braking, and a 90-day warranty for $136. The Online community were glad to have the Russel kit for extending the length of the line in order to accommodate the increased suspension travel after installing a lift.
Goodridge
- Price: $201
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Feel: Firm
- Fitment: Drop in
The midrange option is the Goodridge kit that will set you back about a $201. The Goodridge kit offers a corrosion resistant design, quicker brake response, and a firmer feel.
Skyjacker
- Price: $230
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- Feel: Firm
- Fitment: Custom
The Skyjacker kit comes in at the highest price of $230. However, you do get fully-customized sizes, which gives you the freedom to make your own size. Skyjacker also claims their product is safe for off-road and highway commutes while offering a factory-style fitting that delivers a tight feel. The Skyjacker kit doesn’t come with retaining clips to the line hold from rattling. You may have to reuse your original line or buy the parts separately. One forum contributor indicated the Skyjacker parts did not flake or fade as did those from Superlift (not reviewed in this article).
Overall Opinion
The Goodridge comes on top with a lifetime warranty and a decent price. Online community experts have said that it is durable, looks good, and is very flexible when installing. It is definitely the best quality you can get for your money. Some experts believe Russel is the top brand, the only negative being that it comes with a shorter 90-day warranty.
Related Discussion
- Opinions - Ford-trucks.com
- Recommendation - Ford-trucks.com
- Braided Steel Lines - F150online.com
