Brake hardlines

[68_Gladiator]

Anyone know if the 74-88 hardline kit from bj's could be adapted to a 73? Or am I better off buying tube and fabbing my own lines.

http://www.bjsoffroad.com/Brake-Line-Kit--Hardlines-1974-1988-J-truck-Shortbed-Stainless-Steel_p_1795.html

[tgreese]

Anyone know if the 74-88 hardline kit from bj's could be adapted to a 73? Or am I better off buying tube and fabbing my own lines.

http://www.bjsoffroad.com/Brake-Line...el_p_1795.html

'74 was the first year for open knuckle front axe, and had optional disk brakes. So it's not going to be the same. JMO - buy the Mastercool flaring tool, a roll of Nicopp line, rock guard and make your own. The Mastercool tool makes flares almost effortlessly, and you'll have the tool after you are finished.

[68_Gladiator]

I was looking at the Westwood tool. Watched some YouTube videos of it and it seems pretty solid.

https://www.eastwood.com/professional-brake-tubing-flaring-tool.html?SRCCODE=PLA00020&gclid=CjwKCAiA767jBRBqEiwAGdAOr70lHF2J-1k18deMP3uUrkBl_fifUzUK0_5SqqVdtQq_QtWG1vavYBoCkJUQAvD_BwE

[joe]

+1
As tim mentioned. Unlikely to be a bolt-in for a 73.
As BJ's description mentions:
"Note:1978 and Later are Direct Fit (1974-1977 May Require Minor Modifications)" For a 73 that tells me it "will" need to be modified. If ya gotta modify it, why spend $195 up front? Much cheaper to buy the tools/tubing and roll your own.

[68_Gladiator]

Is it all 3/16 line?

[tgreese]

I was looking at the Westwood tool. Watched some YouTube videos of it and it seems pretty solid.

https://www.eastwood.com/professiona...BoCkJUQAvD_BwE

What I've read, those that have that tool like it. I believe it has to be in a vise to be used - it has a long handle and uses muscle power to form the flare. The Mastercool can be used on the car, with the tubing end hanging in mid-air, and is hydraulic. More expensive.

You might look here for some owner's reviews - https://www.google.com/search?source...d+flaring+tool

If it's like my J-10, everything is 3/16" except the lines from the master cylinder to the combination valve, which are 1/4" (?) IIRC. Your '73 may not have a combination valve - should be shown in the TSM. Possible you have a distribution block with a brake failure sensor. The first lines from the MC would go there.

[68_Gladiator]

I think I'll give the Eastwood a go. I don't mind removing the line to flare it. I have a portable work table with a vise on it so I can do it right next to the truck. With the price difference between the tools I can use that towards the other 1000 things the truck needs. Looks fairly straightforward, I'll buy a bit of extra line and practice first.

[Kaiserjeeps]

I was looking at the Westwood tool. Watched some YouTube videos of it and it seems pretty solid.

https://www.eastwood.com/professiona...BoCkJUQAvD_BwE

I have that flaring tool and it makes flawless flares first time and fast. Deburr the line first and you will not be able to tell the difference from a factory flare. It was worth every penny. It will also do bubble flares for putting a clamped rubber hose on metal tubing. Comes with several sizes too,

I also bought the on car 3/16 double flare tool eastwood has. It also makes fantastic flares. But they take way longer. The turrent tool above is the last flaring tool you will ever buy.

[68_Gladiator]

You've sold me. Ordering one and their deburring tool. May as well make new fuel lines while I'm in there, get some more use out of it.

[68_Gladiator]

Got the tools, waiting on the line to come in and this snow to melt to I can drag the truck back to the house

[Mars]

cool

[Rusty76]

Nice! Keep us updated.

[KaiserMan]

Be interested to see how you like that. I was looking at one a while back but went with the Mastercool hydraulic kit instead.

[68_Gladiator]

Be interested to see how you like that. I was looking at one a while back but went with the Mastercool hydraulic kit instead.

I will let you know. As soon as I get some line in I plan to practice a bit.

[rang-a-stang]

Frieburger JUST did a Roadkill Extra on that tool. Like last week. He said it was one of his favorite tools and every garage needs one.