Issue with lowered spindles and brake hoses...

[99-LS1-SS]

I purchased a set of brake hoses from NAPA a while back. I have since installed 2" lowered spindles. I've just replaced all of the front hard lines and when I went to hook the front hoses up to the hard lines the hoses have less play than I would like. I'm worried that it will tear the hoses when I hit a large bump if I leave them like that.

Has anyone else had this issue and if so how did you resolve it?

This is a 1972 2wd Blazer. I posted this in the Blazer section (twice by accident) but, I'm going to post it here in hopes that this section gets more traffic.


Thanks.

[cdowns]

i'd use longer hard lins and reposition the hoses for more slack to avaoid a problem

[99-LS1-SS]

The problem with that is, the location that the hard line and the hose are joined together, it's part of the cross member. I think I'm going to try brake hoses from LMC. I called them and their's seem like they might be about 3/4" to 1" longer than what I have. That would probably be enough to address it.

[stomper]

I also just installed NAPA brake hoses with ECE 2.5" drop spindles on my '71 C10. I noticed the same thing - there is no slack. Seems like they'd be too short with stock springs and spindles. However, the way the geometry works they shouldn't get much tighter. I don't have front clip or engine in yet. Was going to see what it looks like when I get all the weight on the front.

[lolife99]

Some people use 71-72 C20 brake hoses.
They are suppose to be slightly longer.

[Tony@AirRideTech]

Just measure the length of hose you want to put on there and get a hold of summit or really any halfway descent off road shop and get a set of braided brake lines.

[stomper]

Why are the brake hoses short, or appear to be? I just spend my hard earned $$ at what I thought was a reputable source for the correct brake hoses (NAPA) and and drop kit (ECE). I don't think I should be shelling out more $$ to replace something doesn't fit like it's supposed to.

Question:

Does everyone who installs the ECE 4/6 drop kit or any drop spindles replace the front brake hoses with longer ones and I just didn't know that or is my truck 'special'?

[blime81]

Originally Posted by stomper

Question:
Does everyone who installs the ECE 4/6 drop kit or any drop spindles replace the front brake hoses with longer ones and I just didn't know that or is my truck 'special'?

Once you start going low (or high), no matter how, you'll eventually be putting the hoses to their limit.

I'd return the hoses to NAPA and buy a set of extended teflon coated braided hoses. You can get them in various tints or colors.

Virtually any speed shop can just make them up for you assuming they have a decent plumber. Another option is to pm some of the vendors on this board who have hot rod shops. They should be able to whip you up a set.

[farmtrucks]

A 72 Monte Carlo are 2" longer - that is what I used.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Tony@AirRideTech

Just measure the length of hose you want to put on there and get a hold of summit or really any halfway descent off road shop and get a set of braided brake lines.

Thats what I did. Why replace rubber lines when you can have stainless lines for a few $$ more.

[kieth]

I had new napa hoses on my 66 gmc when I installed 2.5" drop spindles, they looked too short to us also, but after installing and going lock to lock we found they were just fine......Kieth

[michael bustamante]

its really not expensive to have hoses made. I did it took 20 minutes and 17.00 each

[99-LS1-SS]

Originally Posted by farmtrucks

A 72 Monte Carlo are 2" longer - that is what I used.

Are they a direct replacement?

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Thats what I did. Why replace rubber lines when you can have stainless lines for a few $$ more.

Where did you get the ends for the hoses?

[blime81]

Originally Posted by 99-LS1-SS

Where did you get the ends for the hoses?

The ends are crimped on and that's not a DIY project.

However I'll throw in another option I've been looking at for a different ride. Convert fittings to 3an and use Earls braid.
http://www.holley.com/division/Earls.asp#25

This is not gonna be as cheap as just having a custom set crimped up by a speed shop and likely more hassle than it's worth on one of these trucks. YMMV

[stomper]

Well dang I missed that - I need longer brake lines with drop spindles. I guess it makes sense. 4x4 lift kits don't generally come with longer brake lines either. Looks like I also need to clearance my lower A-arms around the ball joint to run 8" rallys up front too - and cut the bump stop if I ever get bags. Guess I'm taking it apart again. UGH.

[blime81]

A least your gonna be a pro at tearing em down! Seriously, the first tear down is always the hardest since you are busting through 40 years of rust and crud.

WellBilt Kustoms (Jimmy) is a member here and he might be able to cook you up a set of brake lines. A while back he sent me some pics of a red tinted teflon coating over steel braided hose that looked fantastic. Think they were about $25 ea http://www.wellbiltkustoms.com/ or PM him