Brake lines/fittings- HELP/WTF??????

[desertspeed]

OK- a little rant... WTF is with all of the different sizes with brake lines/fittings, especially between hard lines and flex lines?? I have been trying to figure out how to run my new rear brake lines (I just linked my truck) and it is driving me insane!!!!!

It is on a 2001 F150- I am tying into the stock hard line, about the middle of the frame. The fitting is METRIC (female)- I still haven't been able to verify what the actual size is, but I am guessing either 10mmx1.0 or 10mmx1.25. I then need to run a hard line down the frame to the upper link mount, a short flex line, then a hard line down the upper link, a flex line at the rear axle to a "T", and then hard lines along the axles to the calipers. They make pre-made lines in varying lengths that will work.

http://www.jegs.com/p/JEGS/758028/10002/-1
http://www.jegs.com/p/Russell/764274/10002/-1

Here's the problem- all of the flex line fittings are -3AN, and all of the hard line fittings are either 7/16'-24 or 3/8"-24. Do I have to use an adapter at every single connection????? That is ridiculous! Why don't they make hard lines with -3AN fittings, or vice-versa?

Then, to top it all off, you have to use a -3AN to 1/8"-27 fitting at the caliper, which means more adapters there!!!!!!!

Does anyone have any other suggestions, or this this just a big frickin' conspiracy by Earls?

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[DSRacing]

Go here, they will have everything you need.

Industrial Liquidators

Convoy/Kearny Mesa Store:
4887 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111
Phone858)278-3455
Hours: 9 - 5:30 MON-SAT

Go buy some pre-made lengths of hard line from NAPA with the fittings already installed. Take it to I.L. and have them match the fittings. As far as the metric fitting, if you have a flaring tool, cut it off and replace it with the proper adapter.

If you do it right, you should only need four fittings, one to replace the metric fitting, one tee and two for the calipers.

[partybarge_pilot]

Can the adapters. Get a standard size hard line and pillage the fitting off of it. Cut the metric fitting off and put the standard one on and re-flare the line. Now everything is standard the rest of the way back. I have converted many Toyota's this way.

Or you could do it the other way and spend a hundy in fittings........

[Ramsey_ElWardani]

Can the adapters. Get a standard size hard line and pillage the fitting off of it. Cut the metric fitting off and put the standard one on and re-flare the line. Now everything is standard the rest of the way back. I have converted many Toyota's this way.

Or you could do it the other way and spend a hundy in fittings........

Industrial Liquidators/Earls will have everything as stated, but I'd go with PB_P's suggestion.

[desertspeed]

Go here, they will have everything you need.

Industrial Liquidators

Convoy/Kearny Mesa Store:
4887 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111
Phone858)278-3455
Hours: 9 - 5:30 MON-SAT

Go buy some pre-made lengths of hard line from NAPA with the fittings already installed. Take it to I.L. and have them match the fittings. As far as the metric fitting, if you have a flaring tool, cut it off and replace it with the proper adapter.

If you do it right, you should only need four fittings, one to replace the metric fitting, one tee and two for the calipers.

VW Paradise here in San Marcos bought the whole "Earls" stock from the Indutrial Liquidators here when they closed, so I have a local place to get fittings- thanks though.

[desertspeed]

Can the adapters. Get a standard size hard line and pillage the fitting off of it. Cut the metric fitting off and put the standard one on and re-flare the line. Now everything is standard the rest of the way back. I have converted many Toyota's this way.

Or you could do it the other way and spend a hundy in fittings........

Thats the problem- the "standard" size for hard lines and soft lines are different!!!!!! I am not so concerned about the one metric fitting- I know I can get an adapter for that to convert it to either -3 or 3/8". If I could find hard lines with -3 fittings, or flex lines with 3/8' fittings, I would be set.

[f1sleepy]

You can run hardline almost directly to -3 connecters with the proper parts. You need the an fittings and sleeves. Here are some at jegs: clicky. Unfortunately you still need a male to male straight adapter to attach to the flex line since they are female ends. Either way it is spendy. I will be re-plumbing all of my brakes from the MC out pretty soon. It beats screwing with all of the stock lines.

James

[desertspeed]

I guess that is what I am going to have to do, but seriously, why the hell are the standard fittings on hard lines and flex lines different? It makes absolutely no sense. Crown Performance is here pretty close to me- I might go and talk to them to get some lines made with all the same fittings so i don't have to carry several different spares.

[amerikanmade]

I'm having to deal with the same thing on the front end of my F-1 and eventually the back. VW Paradice was no help, just more adapters. If you find a working solution do me a favor and post it on this threat or your show and tell thread. I do like the idea of just hacking it off and making everything standard. Metric on a Ford... stupid.

[TallKewl7]

I have the capability to custom-make hard lines and rubber hose lines if anyone needs it. I have the equipment to do the good quality crimped ends to stand up to the high pressures too. Drop me a PM if I can help.

Marshall