Stainless Braded Brake hoses

[SHS_yota]

Hey guys,

New to this forum but have been a member at T4r.org under the name UWF. Anyway, this site is so nice being specific to our generation. Got a question?

Have any of you upgraded to SS braided hoses? How did you do it? I have been looking around the net and haven't come across any specific kit. Suggestions? I gave http://www.precisionbrakescompany.com/index.html a call. They said that they would get back to me. Seemed like a good company.

Thanks for the help.

Joe Rosal

[bulldog]

I upgraded mine a while ago. I haven't noticed too much difference between the SS and stock lines, but I probably need to bleed it again as I think I bodged it the first time. I however got longer lines in the rear and slightly longer ones in the front. This allows for more suspension flex with an upgraded suspension for offroad, but will work just fine for onroad only.

I ordered mine from sleeoffroad, just speak to Ben. He should have a kit now. I just gave him the specs for the 4R and he had them made. Their kit is really nice as it comes with all the HW required and it looks like real quality components.

I used front SS lines from wheeler's offroad (Tacoma ones), but they just didn't fit properly in the brackets and looks like lower quality units. So I had to order a front set from slee as well.

I only replaced the front part by the spindle, only rubber line on the front. I also replaced the rear part where the axle drops. Teh rear also has rubber going to the calipers, which I kept stock. Installation is a bit of a pain, especially with the front as the brake fluid keeps dripping while you change the line. It is best to remove the wheels in the front and the spare in the back when doing it. If not lifted you will need to lift the 4R on stands. I couldn't get a push bleeder for the 4R, so I had to use a vacuum unit from motive products, which doesn't work as well and you are never really sure if all the air is out. I will check again sometime and flush more fluid out, good time to flush the brake fluid while you are at it.

[Cruiserhead]

When you're doing this a couple quick tips
-open your brake fluid resivoir and flip a bottle of brake fluid into it. Just set it in there so it never empties out as you are bleeding.

-get someone to pump the brake pedal as you bleed it, makes it easy

-actual lines are very easy to install, self explanitory

I have slee ss lines in my 80 and they are nice

remember dont loop the line - as you flex it will crimp it.

[SHS_yota]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the tips. Bulldog, how much did you pay for the lines? There is another company that I am checking out and would like to the get price. You know how it is? How much did you extend the lines, by the way? I was thinking something like 2-3" up front and maybe 3" or so in the rear. Is that to much?

I will give Ben a call this week and see what he has to offer. I was also going to upgrade the fluid to a higher temp one. I figured with more rolling resistance and more towing lately, the higher temp stuff would be better. Why settle for just enough, when you can have better... At least, that's what I tell my wife. :D

Later, Joseph

[Cruiserhead]

shs,
do some research into brake fluid. I seem to remember that DOT4 or higher tend to quickly absorb water, thus needing more freqent changes. Please look into that as I'm not sure.

I would stick to DOT3 Toyota as it's fine for towing and heavier use on Tundras and Sequoias.

Good luck and post some pics of your install!

[SHS_yota]

I did some research into fluid. Upgrading fluid performance doesn't necessarily mean raising DOT ratings. I will check out the Yota stuff. I'm sure that it is good stuff. Thanks for the help.

I will get pics up when I get it installed. I just hope that it doesn't take like 10 weeks for delivery. I'll keep in touch.

Joseph

[bulldog]

More than 1" extended in the front is a waste as you only get so much out of the front suspension. Besides the IFS will not allow you to droop much more than stock. In the rear I would add 3" or so as you might want to upgrade the rear suspension in the future.

I change brake fluid every 2 years or so, so DOT4 is fine for me. DOT3 is actually fine too and it is best to change your brake fluid every 2 years. By change I mean flush the system. I prefer my fluids to always look like new, cheaper than replacement of parts in the long run.

[SHS_yota]

Cool, so I will give Ben a call and give him those specs. I have a good buddy that is a mechanic and he has said changing the fluid every one to two years is best. Leaving the original fluid in there is what causes internal rot after ten years. Plus, when the only thing stopping me from the rear end of another car is based on parts that deteriorate, I don't mind making sure the system is healthy! :)

Thanks for the tips.

Joseph