Drop spindle/brake line problem
 

I spent the last few days rebuilding the frontend of my truck. Tonight I was trying to install the brakes on the new Western Chassis 2.5" drop spindles, but I can't get the caliper to go onto the spindle. Before the caliper is completely in place, the metal end of my brake line hits the top of the spindle. Hopefully you can see what I am talking about in this picture.

http://slonaker.net/images/truck/spindle.jpg

I installed the new brake lines a couple of months ago, and had no clearance problems with the old spindles.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Did I put something together wrong?

Could I have the wrong parts? I have 1" rotors, and asked for the appropriate spindles.

Could it be that these brake lines are bent differently than the stock ones? They were an enormous pain to install, and I would rather not do it again. :(

BTW, it has been 37 degrees while I was working tonight out in the driveway, but was around 80 degrees late last week. :eek: :confused:

Thanks,

Slonaker

At first I was going to say to loosen the brake hose & move it to clear, but looking at the pic again it almost looks like you could slip the top of the caliper in first & slip the hose fitting up under the spindle & the slip the lower side in...corn

I have tried it every way I can think of, and it just won't clear the top of the spindle. The rubber portion of the brake hose is touching the top of the spindle in the picture, but the caliper is nowhere close to being in place.

I'm really hoping that I have just made a stupid mistake, and have something in the wrong position. It wouldn't be the first time... :D

Slonaker

I don't remember that problem w/the WC 2.5" spindles on my 68, but I did have to 'tweak' the hard line for the 3" spindles on my 74.

I bolted the banjo fitting into place & it was in a bind against the back of the spindle so I put a large screwdriver behind & very gently pryed it away until it had enough clearance. Don't get carried away because you don't want to 'pinch' the hard line. I also had to flip (invert) one of the tabs that connects to the front a-arm so the rubber flex line had a better angle to the caliper & reduced the amount of bind. I just cut the end off, inverted it, then re-welded it back together.

Mine is in such a bind that I can't even get the holes to line up on the caliper and the spindle. It looks like I will have to do more than "tweak" it. I am concerned that that much bend may kink the line.

Slonaker

Its happened on both my trucks, with 3" DJM and belltech spindles. I just loosen the hose and move it as far to one side as I can, then shove it in there :D Seriously, they can take a little bending at the 90* metal part. Be carefull and don't use a large blunt object to do it. Its always a tight fit and I have to re-think how to do it every time I install a pair of spindles, but its not too difficult.

Snug the banjo fitting to the caliper off the spindle & 'tweak' it out slightly. Try to install the caliper again. You should be able to tweak it enough that it will bolt up. Once the caliper is properly mounted & tightend completely, pry the line out so nothing rubs on the spindle.

when we lowered my truck we had the same problem on both sides. with teh same spindles. we just used a small rubber sledge hammer to hammer the caliper in:) worked great

I am surprised that I have never heard anyone mention this...

I guess it is time to start bending. :)

Thanks,

Slonaker

jon and i posted lots a bout it when we lowered my truck. but it was over a year ago and the thread is gone

I remember when you guys lowered your truck, but I don't remember that. I have been planning this for a couple of years, and always try to read what I can about other people's experiences with lowering their trucks. I try to benefit from the lessons they have learned the hard way.

I probably killed the brain cells that information was stored in one of the times I was doing this :banghead: while working on the truck. :)

Slonaker

same problem with my Chassis Crap spindles, was a lot worse than it was with the WC spindles when i mocked the calipers up to them. both were 2.5" spindles.

Same problem here. Nothing a little bending won't fix. I guess we all just took it for granted and forget to ever mention it since we didn't like having to do it either.

Maybe we can Jeff to write a article on this and stick it on 73-87.com

One thing I'm sure we've all figured out is whenever you change anything from stock on these trucks, there's always some things that need a little TLC. :D

http://slonaker.net/images/truck/hammer.gif

I have a 3 lb. "TLC" that often needs to be used on my truck. :)

Slonaker

Nothing like 3lbs of PURE LOVE......:D

Apply heat so it wont break

great idea. while we're at it why dont we just go ahead and remove the brake fluid altogether, rather than just breaking it down with heat. we dont really need all that liquid crap in there anyways, do we!

Yuo know, I had the same prob, but i just ordered the Russell braided hose set (all 3 ) from Jegs for about $90. They worked better than the rubber, feeling so much better, but the main reason i got them was when i asked my dad (He bought it new in '77) when the hoses were replaced, he said "the what?". 'Nuff said.

Well i assumed They would Bleed The Brakes And since there didnt seem to be anyway to have it held under the truck perhaps they could remove it and put it in a vise ever thought of that?>

The metal part of those brake lines are kinda crappy when they get bent they tend to kink

A. it only needs to be moved a very small amount, so you can do it with the hose still attached to t he truck and hooked to the line and the caliper.

B. ever thought of stating removing it when using heat? good way for someone who doesnt know what they're doing to get hurt.

It looks like mine will need to be bent quite a bit.. It is a real PIA to remove (It is new, I know how much work it is...) so I plan to bend it while it is hooked up. I'll just take my chances with it tomorrow, and see what happens.

Oh, and be nice, Jeremy... :)

Slonaker

not trying to be mean, but not all of us think on the same level. just trying to make sure that someone doesnt do something that is going to adversely affect their truck, especially when it involves the brake system. not only could that mess them up, that could mess me up too.

I dont see any reason to get so derogitive over it .

I was just tryin to Give the advice Of heating the part so it doesnt fattigue and break off I assumed Common Sense Would Come Into Play

Re: Drop spindle/brake line problem
 

Bringing this post back to life! I myself am having the same issue. What was ever done to fix this problem? I see this was originally from 2004 but still hoping for some help

Re: Drop spindle/brake line problem
 

Just tweak the steel end of the rubber brake hose.
It's been this way since the 80's.