As a temporary measure, you can cut your brake lines back a little way from where they were broken apart, then flare them, put a union in and just ad new brake line to fill the gap. I know you don't want to be harassed about how bad it is to drive that way, or how if you can't afford to fix it you shouldn't drive it. You also have to remember, there are other people on the road, and I would hate to be on the road with my three children driving around and meet someone on the road with a large heavy vehicle and less than half of the braking power it normally has. What if I was walking across a street? Just think, me carrying a 15 month old with a 4 year old and 7 year old following closely on my heels as we cross at a walk signal. Then here you come, less than half your braking power, half of your normal braking traction. The road is a little slick, I mean, it is getting to be that time of year. Oh crap, you just killed or seriously maimed a single father and his three small children.
You are in Wisconsin..... You know what winter means.... How many vehicles do you have? How many do you need? Maybe it would be better to dump one or two to make one good running vehicle? Plus, DeRocha is right, the brakes on a first gen aren't really wonderful to begin with, why would you even consider getting into a vehicle that has less than half the stopping power?
I am not trying to patronize you either. I am poor right now myself. I worked for years as a mechanic, then on a farm, and I used to make decent money. A couple years ago I went back to school, meaning I was down to working only part time. Then I got divorced, meaning I am the only one in the house to care for children limiting my schedule. I barely get anything for child support if I get it at all, and I haven't been able to find work since February. I live off my student loans and the few odd jobs I can find, but I make sure that what I do drive is safe. Right now, the kids and I walk everywhere because the engine in my 96 Continental blew and my Explorer has one bad axle shaft, it sucks, but it is better than putting my family or anyone else in danger. You know what though? I can put up with it till I can afford to buy an axle shaft, bearing, seal and oil, then I'll find myself a ride to go the 26 miles to the next town so that I can rent a bearing puller and slide hammer. You know what though? I bet you will have an easier time coming up with 50 bucks for brake lines and 5 bucks for brake fluid, so, if you try, you could be on the road before I am. If nothing else, you can do like I do, look on the bright side, gas mileage sucks in an explorer, so think of the money you would be saving.
