Extended Rear Brake Line Install

I recently replaced the leaf springs and shocks on my 1st gen with OME Dakars and Bilstein 5100s. I also bought the extended rear SS brake line from Wheeler's but I can't figure out how to remove the old line.

I've sprayed both connection points with PB blaster, and I while can tighten and loosen the lower threaded connector, it seems like I need to disconnect the upper connection first and I'm not sure how to do to it. I see a smallish (7-8mm?) nut on the inner part of that connection bracket, but I don't have the correct size wrench and wasn't sure if that's the right approach. How do I get the old line off? Thanks!

 

You need a set of metric flare nut wrenches to get that apart without ruining shit.

 

Use a 10mm flare wrench. It's located on the back side, there's a retaining clip that you need to remove as well.

 

Yep you need to pop the clip off first then it will allow you to turn things.

Flare nut wrenches (line wrench) to not round things off

 

I'll reinforce the sentiment...right tool for the job. Flare nut wrenches for all line fittings. If you jack that up, you will hate life...

 

Thanks for the advice everybody. I got a set of flare wrenches from Home Depot and was able to finish the job in an hour or so. In my first crack at it, I got the upper flare connection undone, but I couldn't get the retaining clip to move up to free the brake line from the bracket. In the original location, you don't have a great angle to push the retaining clip up, and of course everything is rusted together on my truck.

I ended up removing the whole bracket from the frame by removing the two 12mm bolts that secure the bracket. Once the bracket was free I could unscrew the lower connection and remove the retaining clip on the ground. If I had to do the job again, I would start by removing the bracket. With the bracket free you have easier access to loosen the upper flare fitting.

Here are a few pics I snapped, might help someone in the future.


Before / After


Retaining clip closeup

 

Would be easier to remove the spare tire to make room for movement. Then take a long flat and a hammer to tap the flat while angle to the clip.

But ether way, you got it done.

 

I did this job with the spare tire removed, I'm not sure it would have been possible otherwise.

 

Oh its possible, but most be on a lift.

 

I fawked up my pass side upper connector trying to get it off debating on replacing the steel line since the fitting stripped