What Should I Buy
 

I just purchased a 76 frame, I am in the process of ordering the brake lines, Stainless Lines, But I'm gonna put a 86 body on it. I wasnt sure what the difference in the lines would be, but I was gonna order the 86 lines thinking there isnt much difference in the frames or bodys?

Am I way off here or should I be ordering for a 76?

Sarge

Re: What Should I Buy
 

Instead of pre-bent lines, make your own out of bulk stainless steel tubing. That way YOU can route how and where YOU want it to work best for you.

Re: What Should I Buy
 

x2. if you dont have the tools summit sells a bender and flaring kit for around 20 bucks

Re: What Should I Buy
 

You cannot flare stainless with a standard flaring tool. You will crack the stainless and it will end up blowing lines. Without a hydraulic flaring tool you should not attempt to flare stainless lines.

Re: What Should I Buy
 

Hi Sarge,

I agree with Cableguy about flaring stainless with a standard tool. I'd recommend using nickel/copper alloy brake tubing if you want to bend & flare your own lines. It's rustproof and almost as easy as working with copper tubing.

If you decide to go with a set of pre-bent lines, I think you'd want to go with the 76 lines to make sure they fit the 76 frame. I know on the 4x4's there is a difference in the front brake lines. 73-80 have the front flex lines attached directly to holes in the frame rails. While 81-87 have the flex lines spaced away from the frame a little on brackets (so the steel lines connecting out to them are a little longer).

The brake lines don't attach anywhere to the cab/body itself ... just to the master cylinder. And the master cylinder position didn't change over the years. However, I believe the front/rear outlets on the master cylinders did change position. Early ones had the front brake line outlet on the front (and rear outlet on the rear). Sometime in the late 70's or early 80's they reversed positions. Using a 76 style master cylinder would be best if you use 76 brake lines. But I think there's enough extra length in those lines so they could be slightly re-bent to accomodate a newer style master cylinder.

Re: What Should I Buy
 

Thanks for the help,

I will try to look at the 87 truck I have apart and see what I can and then look at the 76 frame in the front and see if there is a difference. I may go with the 87 type lines becuase I am gonna use the newer master cylinder, and with the D44 in the front and 4" lift I may need the extra line near the axel.

Thanks again for clarifying.

Sarge