Stainless brake lines...

[Darrman]

I am debating buying some stainless lines from summit. I see they sell Skyjacker lines, they are listed on the sell site for a 2-4 inch lift, but on the skyjacker site they say 4-6 inch. I will call tomorrow to clear things up.
My question is, Summit also sells a full kit, made by Earls, front and back, stock supension. I have the two inch lift on my truck and the stock hoses are long enough, so could I get away with buying this kit? I dont plan on any hardcore wheelin with this truck. Thanks for any help!

 

[IZwack]

Are you having problems with your brake lines?

Cauz if your not, I would suggest keeping what you have. There really is not much of an advantage to SS brake lines. I have kevlar+SS but only because I redid the entire brake lines and removed the ABS.

Maybe save up for something else?

 

[Darrman]

Are you having problems with your brake lines?

Well, no, not really. I installed new pads, shoes, rotors recently and it brakes fine. Hoses are in decent shape, but they are originals. Main thing is that when I am on the freeway, which is not often, I have found when I have to get on the brakes, the first 1-2 seconds is weak, then it feels like a 5 ton anchor has been thrown out behind me all of a sudden. I was thinking this was because of hose expansion, but I am not sure. Everything works great, but those 1-2 seconds, I need em to be stronger. I do need to flush the system, but I was saving that for new ss lines if I got em.

 

[LBarr2002]

Darrman, My '92 does the same thing you described. When you first push the petal its weak, then a couple seconds and it throws you too the dash... If you find the answer to this, let me know.

 

[Darrman]

Has anyone bought the Earls kit?

 

[IZwack]

I have not used Earl's kit thats specifically for the Explorer so I can't tell you whether or not they're long enough. But give Earl's a call - I've called them a few times before and they were very helpful.

I have used Earl's SS braided hoses ("Speed-Flex" hoses) on the E-brake after converting it to run hydraulic and the parts are very well made. Earl's is actually a sub under Holley Performance.

Another idea is to go flex your explorer and do some measurements -- you can then call up Earl's and find out exactly how long the hoses are in the kit.

Earls Performance Plumbing technical support is availible by phone Monday through Friday 10AM to 7PM CST @ 310 609-1602.

 

[Maniak]

I haven't bought a "kit" but I picked up a set of earls lines from a local speed shop and they came with the fitting I needed so I could connect them up to my existing steel lines.

I just took in my stock lines and told him I wanted lines 5" longer and thats what I got. They were cheap enough that I bought an extra front and rear line to keep in the truck.

~Mark

 

[Jason94sport]

SS lines give you better pedal feel. I have them on my Acura, but on the X I wouldn't go out & replace them unless the stock ones were toast, or you had to disconnect them for some reason.

 

[Darrman]

Thanks for the info guys, I will take some measurements and do a closer inspection. I will also call Earls and talk to them, if their kit does not work, I will probably just forget about it for now, save ss for bigger lift someday.

 

[92 green sport]

My truck has the same 1-2 seconds of brake weakness but does anyone really know if stainless brake lines would definately fix this?????????

 

[92 green sport]

Does anyone know what caused the 1-2 seconds of weak brakes?

 

[Darrman]

I still dont know, but I will find out. Right now I am getting a seepage from the resevior cap, not overfilled so there must be some backpressure going on. Also, I called Earls tech people, they do not recommend using the kit for 2 inch lifts. They said they would be happy to make a set of custom hoses for around $25 apeice, just send em the measurements.