flexible brake lines

Putting in Herm's front disc brake upgrade and rear 11 inch drums. Running new stainless lines. What type of flexible lines do people run? Stainless steel braided? Is there a standard length and size? I am running the black diamond 3 inch lift with daystar 1 1/2 inch shackles. Thanks. Any help is appreciated.
Paul

 

Paul,
I just got finished replacing my front and rear with Goodridge braided stainless from Quadratec. The rear fit fine, but the ones that they list for the front seem very long even running a 2.5 inch lift. Still trying to decide if I will leave them on or get a shorter set.

If you want stainless, you might measure first and then order the length that you need directly from Classic Tube, etc. If you go this way, don't forget to order the right adapters to mate the AN to inverted flare fittings of the brake lines. Might save you some time and $$.

Search on the forum for the discussions of stainless vs. rubber. Not sure that there is a real advantage to stainless...but they sure do look bling!

Rob

 

I may be wrong, but I think the older ones had safety issues and were not DOT approved. Supposedly the new ones are. But, I'm actually thinking about going back with the rubber ones in front. The new ones are just too long for comfort.

 

I was also looking at the set from Quadratec. I did find some others also. I was also concerned about the length. How much is appropriate? As far as end fittings go, I just assumed there were standard fittings. Not true? Herm mentioned using 3/4 inch brake lines. Will this size mattter for attaching flexible lines?

 

You might need to lift your jeep on one corner to simulate an offroad flex condition and measure then. KNowing how much flex you'll get will keep you from installing lines that are too short or too long.

 

The set from Quadratec comes with the fittings that you need. If you order lines individually from a place like classic tube then you'll have to order the fittings in addition to the lines. The lines come with an AN type fitting. Your brakes require an inverted flare IIRC.

 

Many factory brake hoses (rubber style) came with a spiral spring to distribute the load and keep the hose from kinking. GM particular comes to mind. Never an issue with any of those and I've had zero issues with any of the QUALITY SS braided brake hoses I've used. There are some cheap ones that have a braided cover that can cause this, but the true braided hoses will not have this issue.