2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Which Stl. Brake Line Kit Is Best/Better?

[RHestand]

I just finished R&R my rear brake shoes and whl. cylinders last night.

After I started bleeding the system, I noticed brake fluid dripping off the bottom of my fuel tank.

After a quick roll around inspection, I concluded, all the brake lines under the truck are salt rusted, and have to be replaced. Wonderfull!

I did a search on this, found the EGR Brakes takes 3-4 weeks to make up a set of SS lines, and I can't wait that long.

Another guy said he went to NAPA and bought some assorted pcs. of pre-fab stuff for a temp. fix, which for several reasons, won't work for me. (Too piecemeal and too stiff. )

Searching the web. I found a co. called Fedhill High Perf. Alloy Brake Lines(FedHill Brake Line - Where to buy brake line, fuel line, brake line flaring tools, brake line nuts and brake line fittings). In watching their on-line video, I'm thinking this might be the way to go. They sell a soft alloy brake line, by the foot, that's easy to bend and will not rust. They also have all the fittings.

Do any of you guys have any experience with this mat, or any ideas / suggestions? Inst. all new brake lines, is something I've never done before.

TIA, Ray

 

[fest3er]

12 years on OEM lines? Just replace 'em with OEM (OEM material) lines again! It's probably cheaper; those exotic material lines can be spendy. And replace the rubber hoses as well.

I'm getting close to needing to redo all the brake lines on my '98 as well. And fuel lines. And axle/trans vents. And a bunch of other stuff. And I sure won't be buying any exotic materials (unless they're cheaper than standard parts).

And I gotta remember to be sure the trans vent's tight. (Say it fast. ) I kill me!

 

[klaufer]

Had one of the lines on my 2001 2500 rot out and lost my brakes in May. Removed the line and brought it to a Dodge dealer and they could not find a replacement (stock or in their parts books). Line had a tag with what most would think is a valid part # but it did not come up in their system. The stock lines on my vehicle were made of poor quality tubing ( do a search on the subject in these forums you are not alone) so I would not recommend using OEM. I ended up in the same boat you are in. I ended up going the EGR route. You get quality, last forever( I hope), pre-bent brakes lines that install easily. If you decide to make your own lines I will forewarn you that Dodge use both Metric(bubble) and double(standard) flares and fittings so be careful (brake lines are all 3/16"). No matter what you do I'd recommend getting speed bleeders for calipers and wheel cylinders. Good Luck

 

[LAllen]

I used Fed Hill to do a buddys Race car. The kit had a fishing tackle box full of fittings and the flare tool is a high quality professionalunit and made it easy to do the flares. The tubing was easy to bend, we were able to most of it with our hands. When we were done we sent the box of fittings back to Fed Hill and they just billed us for what we had used. I would do it again if I needed a lot of brake lines. I believe they will make a brake line to you spec and send it to you. Give them a call they are really nice people.



G. L. Allen

 

[RHestand]

I dropped my fuel tank today, and was able to get the front to rear rusted, leaking, steel brake line out in one piece. That thing is almost 13ft long. They must cut it in 2 or 3 pcs. with couplings to be able to ship it.

I'll call Fedhill in the morning.

As long as my fuel tank is out, I'm thinking about installing an after market fuel vent. I installed one on my 06 2500, and loved it. But this 98 doesn't seem as hard to fill up all the way, as my 06 was. Has anybody else noticed this?

Have any of you 2nd gen. guys installed one on your truck?

If yes, where did you buy it?

TIA,Ray

 

[RHestand]

I ended up buying the plastic coated line from NAPA, renting a double flairing tool, and bending new ones to match my old ones. "A bird in your hand, is worth two in the bush. "

Dodge doesn't stock most of them anymore, Fedhill didn't have any flairing tools (all were rented), and the SS brake line guy was out of stock.

Laying the new lines along side my old ones, using a tube bender, I got them accurate enough they went right in. With just a little tweaking, here and there, I was even able to snap them back into all my stock clips. It turned out to be not as bad a job as I thought it would be. But it did beat my hands up a little bit.

I finished it up last night, took it for a drive this morning, and everything works great.

Also, regarding the fuel vent kit. I talked to the vendor, he said he doesn't make one for the 2nd gen. because they really don't need one.

Ray