Brake lines length question

[andyj]

I recently ordered JKS quick disconnects but I didn't install them yet because I don't want to risk a broken brake line. I got a 35mm suspension lift that works fine with the TJs brake lines but I don't know if they are long enough when the front sway-bar gets disconnected. I don't even know how to measure it to be honest, other than trying it and hoping for the best.

I'm considering therefore getting extended ones, e.g. these: https://www.quadratec.com/products/12706_41X_PG.htm
(the kit has only one rear brake line - is there actually just one?)

What are your thoughts about this and what do you think about the Crown brake lines? My mechanic will do the installation, I'm not too mechanically inclined.

 

[GregBelleville]

I recently ordered JKS quick disconnects but I didn't install them yet because I don't want to risk a broken brake line. I got a 35mm suspension lift that works fine with the TJs brake lines but I don't know if they are long enough when the front sway-bar gets disconnected. I don't even know how to measure it to be honest, other than trying it and hoping for the best.

I'm considering therefore getting extended ones, e.g. these: https://www.quadratec.com/products/12706_41X_PG.htm
(the kit has only one rear brake line - is there actually just one?)

What are your thoughts about this and what do you think about the Crown brake lines? My mechanic will do the installation, I'm not too mechanically inclined.

Why not just put your Jeep on jack stands and cycle your front axle with the sway bar disconnected to see if you have enough slack?

I had to Google the mm to inch conversion and your lift is only about 1.5", I think you should be fine, but cycling your axle will confirm that.

 

[TRevs]

i have the 2.5” OME lift and used the JKS Quicker Disconnects for years. No problem with the factory brake lines.

 

[andyj]

i have the 2.5” OME lift and used the JKS Quicker Disconnects for years. No problem with the factory brake lines.

That's a lot more, good to know thanks!

 

[andyj]

Why not just put your Jeep on jack stands and cycle your front axle with the sway bar disconnected to see if you have enough slack?

I had to Google the mm to inch conversion and your lift is only about 1.5", I think you should be fine, but cycling your axle will confirm that.

How do I cycle the front axle?

 

[macleanflood]

How do I cycle the front axle?

Pull the springs and articulate the axle up and down. One side up and one side down. Etc.

Also pay attention to your shocks and bump stops. As in you should hit bump stops before crashing into something. Same with shocks.

-Mac

 

[KennethS]

How do I cycle the front axle?

 

[macleanflood]

Well if you're going there...


View: https://youtu.be/W3HlQVmNUbI?is=Ut0eyKEf0Z69m5Dz

 

[jjvw]

How do I cycle the front axle?

A quick and dirty way to see if the brake lines are long enough is to hang the axle by the shocks and turn the steering lock to lock. If the brake lines are getting tight at steering lock, then you might want to pull the coils and stuff one tire at full steering lock.

 

[mrblaine]

A quick and dirty way to see if the brake lines are long enough is to hang the axle by the shocks and turn the steering lock to lock. If the brake lines are getting tight at steering lock, then you might want to pull the coils and stuff one tire at full steering lock.

Non mechanically minded folks likely need a bit more than that.
Use a floor jack to lift the tires off of the ground by lifting at the front axle in the middle of it. Support the Jeep under the frame right behind the front lower control arm mounts with jackstands. Remove the tires and gently lower the front axle until it stops moving downward with an eye on the brake lines to ensure they don't get tight and stretched by the front axle movement.

If they have slack or are not pulled tight, then turn the tires back and forth to see if they are long enough to allow that. Again, stop if they get pulled tight. There is likely little need to check with either side up if they pass this test. Emphasis on likely which fails if someone has swapped on YJ lines.

 

[mrblaine]

(the kit has only one rear brake line - is there actually just one?)

There are several brake fluid transportation conduits. Some of them are hard metal lines and some are flexible brake hoses.
Rear drum equipped rigs have 3 flex hoses. Rear disc equipped rigs have 5. ABS equipped rigs have 2 more metal flex hoses.

 

[andyj]

Great advice, thank you!