Long Brake Hoses for Your CJ
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Short Cuts |
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By: Rick Boiros - 8/2000
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The old hoses were stretched to the max. Notice how the frame rotates over
the spring making the lines even shorter than it would at full equal droop.
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The new hoses vs the old. The 79 Ford F150 hose, Raybestos BH36931, should
fit 77-80 CJ's and it is about 20" long.
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Rick ramps his '77 CJ-7 with the new brake hoses.
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The new hose gives room to play. Also visible is in this picture is
the reversal of stock frame brake line bracket and custom ubolt reversal.
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When installing a suspension lift, among other things, proper front brake line
rubber hose length and routing must be adressed. Lifts under 4" may not need
changes, but the suspension should be fully cycled to check. A ramp is good
for this. Lifting one corner exaggerates the problem since the frame tends
to rotate over the axles.
There are different approaches to proper hose length. One approach is to use
Stainless steel lines which are sold for $50+ per pair. They are still
failure prone and some use odd threaded ends. A spare should be carried
and care must be taken that a caliper is not dropped or supported by the
line during maintenance.
Another approach is to reroute original equipment steel lines and brackets
to get the most out of the rubber hoses. On CJ's it is common to flip the
frame bracket end for end to move the hose closer to the caliper. New steel
line or an extension line is necessary to make this modification
Yet another approach is to use rubber hoses from a different application.
I have had success with Raybestos P/N BH36931 which is a 20" rubber hose
on my CJ-7 with 1977-1980 style calipers.
Owners of later CJ's and YJ's should look into lines from a 1980 C-30
Chevrolet 4x4 pickup. I am told these lines are much longer than stock
and bolt right up! I do not have this part number.
A final approach requires a bit more engineering, but offers good extension
and protection of lines. The two front lines off the proportioning valve are
combined into a brake tee to a rubber hose from a rear application. The hose
goes to another tee mounted on the differential and steel line is then
attached and run down each axle tube terminating with short rubber lines
to the calipers.
While you are doing this, check the routing carefully for interference with
shock absorbers, bump stops and particularly tire lugs. They will quickly
wear through if they rub the tire sidewall.
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