31 spline swap brake lines

[shr3dd3r 09]

So I just finished an explorer 8.8 swap in my ranger, and the rubber line on the axle won't quite reach up to my hard line on the frame and still mount to the frame using the factory bracket.

I rigged it by bending the hard line around the bracket, but ideally I'd like to get an extension and so it right. Does anyone make a brake line extension for this purpose?

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[Denisefwd93]

Would the hose from an Explorer be longer? Trouble at the parts stores every time you go in, they only want to know which vehicle you're talking about. so you can't go look on the shelf and find one that's longer.

 

[shr3dd3r 09]

I am using the original lines that were already on the explorer axle, and it's too short. Ideally I'd just find an extension to use at the end of this soft line. Otherwise I'll have to replace more lines since the soft line is pressed in at the other end where it attaches to the distribution block.

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[lvwill]

When I did my swap I used the I used passenger side soft line on the driver's side and cut and flared the hard line on top of the pumpkin so I could use the ranger distribution block and line. Took a few minutes but looks just like the 7.5 set up.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, that, it fits well, use two passenger side soft lines and the ranger center drop line, much better setup.

 

[shr3dd3r 09]

What do you mean by passenger side soft lines? My original 28 spline 8.8 had all hard lines on the axle straight to the drums, and one soft line to reach up to the frame.

The new axle is the same setup with the exception of two very short soft lines on either side that actually connect to the brakes.

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[adsm08]

Two of these:
RAYBESTOS BH380528, https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=305036&cc=1119642&jsn=509

One of these:

RAYBESTOS BH38813, https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=305965&cc=1138047&jsn=633

That is how most of us who have done this swap have done it, and it works well.

 

[shr3dd3r 09]

Is that all that is needed? Do the two soft lines run all the way from the distribution block to the brakes? Or is there cutting and flaring of the original hard lines involved?

 

[scotts90ranger]

The stock Explorer drivers side soft line mounts to the caliper then has two soft lines, one goes to the frame then the other goes to the hard line that goes to the passenger side. Ditch that hose and use the same part that is on the passenger side going from the caliper to the hard line on the axle. Mount the Ranger "distribution block" to the top of the axle (hole is there for a 8mm bolt), cut the hard line where needed then add two new flare nuts and flare the hard line, looks near factory and works great.

 

[adsm08]

Is that all that is needed? Do the two soft lines run all the way from the distribution block to the brakes? Or is there cutting and flaring of the original hard lines involved?

They are only about 6 inches long. You will need hard lines. IIRC I did not have to cut or flare anything. My original hard lines were in bad shape, and I replaced them, but there were pre-made lengths of an appropriate size available at my local parts store. I may have had to shorten one piece, but that was almost 7 years ago, so I really don't remember all the details. I mostly remember trying to put my brake lines together in the dark, in a garage with no electricity, using my flip phone as a flashlight.

Two years ago when I did a frame off I replaced all my lines, and at that time I did but a roll and flare my own, but that is a different story.

 

[adsm08]

The stock Explorer drivers side soft line mounts to the caliper then has two soft lines, one goes to the frame then the other goes to the hard line that goes to the passenger side. Ditch that hose and use the same part that is on the passenger side going from the caliper to the hard line on the axle. Mount the Ranger "distribution block" to the top of the axle (hole is there for a 8mm bolt), cut the hard line where needed then add two new flare nuts and flare the hard line, looks near factory and works great.

Mine worked out so that I was able to drill my factory lift blocks and bolt the inner ends of the hoses, where there is a hole for a retaining bolt, down to the block so I didn't have my lines flapping around.