Brake Line Extension Help

[Koots]

I'm in the process of installing my 4" Tuff Country lift in my 83 K5 and the one thing that just doesn't seem to fit right is the brake line extension brackets.

Do i have to bend the hard lines to go underneath the frame to clear or should they just move down and out of the way?
It seems that no matter where i put the bracket, the stock line just won't match up flush with the outside of the frame. I had enough trouble getting the rubber line to screw out of the hardline and then i had this come along lol.

If anyone has any info to help me i'd be extremely happy. I have a few more things to finish up on the lift (plus paint my wheels) so i'm in no huge rush. I still got my 98 K1500 to drive around in until the K5 is ready to roll.

[beastie_3]

pics please

[Koots]

I'll try to get a lend of a digital camera ASAP as i don't have one of my own (don't own a cell either, i'm behind the times for a young guy).

[beastie_3]

Are we talking about the front or rear brake lines?

[Koots]

Front brake lines, i forgot to mention.

I had to cut the bracket that the rubber line originally mounted too that came off the frame though, but even with that in place i don't see how i would have been able to bend the line to meet up at that point again. The instructions show that the line needs to be bent to go under the frame, but as it sits i can't see that happening without using a fair bit of force.

[beastie_3]

Are you sure you need to do that? I had a 4 in lift for a long time with stock lines and didnt have a problem. Another solution would to get stainless steel braided brake lines. That way, you have the length and dont need to bend the hard lines, cut brackets plus you get 2 cool points.

[Koots]

Kinda hard to reverse the cut bracket part, but it was all i could do to remove the rubber line from brake line without the proper crescent wrenches. I almost rounded the edges off the brake line nut already, so vice grips and pure determination were all i had left to go on at that point.

If need be i can always weld it back up

I'd also like to get longer lines but being all the way up here in Labrador, my immediate options are limited. I can't wait the 5-10 days minimum it would take to get some ordered in. There's also no where around here that would sell them or be able to make any, which is the bad part about being so isolated.

BTW, thanks for taking the time to help

[beastie_3]

If you hadn't touched the lines or the brackets at all, would your lines be long enough for the street? It definitely helps to have the right tools.

[Koots]

Yeah having the right tools would definitely help, but i've just had to get by on plain ol ingenuity and blunt force to get things to work for me.

I never checked to see if the lines would be long enough, i just assumed that they weren't because the brackets came with my lift kit and were part of the instructions, but the instructions were vague as to how to mount them. I don't know if having the hydroboost system would change anything, i doubt it has an impact on the brake lines aft the master cylinder though. Seems to me that if i were to bend the brake line down under the frame like in their vague illustration, i would risk it chaffing on the frame, but i guess i'll just go ahead and do as they say for the time being.

[beastie_3]

Use large sockets to help bend the lines so you don't kink them. If they can rub on the frame or other surface, you can split some fuel line and wrap the brake lines as you would convoluted tubing on wires.

[Koots]

Did what you suggested and everything is hooked up Thanks   

I've still got the rear suspension to take care of and paint my rear wheels (i've only got 2 jackstands so i can only do one end at a time). then i'll be able to give it a proper test.