Dropped Spindle/Brake Hose - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bob Moore · 10-09-2005, 08:12 PM

I'm a 67-72 guy but have upgraded to 73+ front suspension. Using ECE 2 1/2 dropped spindles with 73 1/2 ton brake calipers(SAE threads not metric). I can not get the brake hoses to fit. The hose is 73-77 1/2ton 2wd but just doesn't fit under the upper ball joint. It looks like the 90 bend should be more like 110degrees. The spindle has a strengthening boss that is cast to help support the upper ball joint. It is in the way.

I called ECE and the guy was very nice but said "maybe a little tweak" might be needed. A 30degree bend does not seem like a "little tweak".

What have you guys used for hoses or what is my problem?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks - Bob

SCOTI · 10-09-2005, 11:39 PM

I used 73-up Western Chassis 2.5" drop spindles on my 68. The swap used all the later front end & brake parts for 73-up models including the prop-valve.

I did have to 'tweak' the hard caliper fittings a little to ensure the hose portion did not come into contact w/the spindle. I also had to flip one of the a-arm fittings that secured the hose where it routed from the frame. On one side everything aligned pretty decent, but on the other side it put the hose in a bind. My solution was to cut the bracket in half & flip/re-weld it to get a better angle.

My brake lines are attached in the same position as a 73-up truck vs. the way a 67-72 trucks brakelines were run (along the crossmember). I hope this helps.

beaterC10 · 10-10-2005, 08:45 AM

There were several issues of "customizing" required to install spindles and a flip kit on my 84.

Tweaking the bend in the brake hose seems to be a common occurrence. I have 3" Bell Tech spindles on my 84 and had the exact problem you describe. I don't remember exactly how much bend was required, but it seems like it was in the range you are talking about.

I also had to trim my a-arms to get clearance between the a-arms and wheel lip.

The real fun will be when you drive it for the first time after lowering it. Side walks and parking curbs will probably jump out and get you until you get used to the reduced clearance.

Bob Moore · 10-10-2005, 10:50 AM

Thanks guys. I wondered about whether others had this problem or not. Scotti that is exactly what I am doing. Hope I dont have a problem with the bracket as you did.

Thanks again guys - Bob

Slonaker · 10-10-2005, 01:26 PM

Yep. I had to bend my brand new brake lines a little to get them to fit with my Western Chassis drop spindles.

Slonaker

10-09-2005, 08:12 PM	#1
Bob Moore Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 1,365	Dropped Spindle/Brake Hose I'm a 67-72 guy but have upgraded to 73+ front suspension. Using ECE 2 1/2 dropped spindles with 73 1/2 ton brake calipers(SAE threads not metric). I can not get the brake hoses to fit. The hose is 73-77 1/2ton 2wd but just doesn't fit under the upper ball joint. It looks like the 90 bend should be more like 110degrees. The spindle has a strengthening boss that is cast to help support the upper ball joint. It is in the way. I called ECE and the guy was very nice but said "maybe a little tweak" might be needed. A 30degree bend does not seem like a "little tweak". What have you guys used for hoses or what is my problem? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks - Bob __________________ 67 C-20 LWB, tilt, speed alert, vac, 454, T400 67 C-10 SWB, factory air with more to follow

10-09-2005, 11:39 PM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,943	I used 73-up Western Chassis 2.5" drop spindles on my 68. The swap used all the later front end & brake parts for 73-up models including the prop-valve. I did have to 'tweak' the hard caliper fittings a little to ensure the hose portion did not come into contact w/the spindle. I also had to flip one of the a-arm fittings that secured the hose where it routed from the frame. On one side everything aligned pretty decent, but on the other side it put the hose in a bind. My solution was to cut the bracket in half & flip/re-weld it to get a better angle. My brake lines are attached in the same position as a 73-up truck vs. the way a 67-72 trucks brakelines were run (along the crossmember). I hope this helps. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

10-10-2005, 10:50 AM	#4
Bob Moore Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 1,365	Thanks guys. I wondered about whether others had this problem or not. Scotti that is exactly what I am doing. Hope I dont have a problem with the bracket as you did. Thanks again guys - Bob __________________ 67 C-20 LWB, tilt, speed alert, vac, 454, T400 67 C-10 SWB, factory air with more to follow

10-10-2005, 01:26 PM	#5
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Yep. I had to bend my brand new brake lines a little to get them to fit with my Western Chassis drop spindles. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

10-10-2005, 08:45 AM	#3
beaterC10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 1,277	There were several issues of "customizing" required to install spindles and a flip kit on my 84. Tweaking the bend in the brake hose seems to be a common occurrence. I have 3" Bell Tech spindles on my 84 and had the exact problem you describe. I don't remember exactly how much bend was required, but it seems like it was in the range you are talking about. I also had to trim my a-arms to get clearance between the a-arms and wheel lip. The real fun will be when you drive it for the first time after lowering it. Side walks and parking curbs will probably jump out and get you until you get used to the reduced clearance.



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