Currently working on replacing my brake lines, and I'm currently stuck with the rear hose-not the hose itself, but the previous old rusted hose which seems to be fused to the assembly on the frame rail.

I've tried pliers and screwdrivers and little taps from the hammer to get that C-Clip off the old brake hose, but nothing's going... What should I do from here?

Obviously, I'd be MORE than nervous to try to get a cutting wheel in there-or to use a torch to heat it up, seeing as the gas tank and fuel system are inches away.

For that matter, does the rear brake hose have to be "mounted" on that bracket, or can I modify it with some sort of a makeshift setup? And... the Jeep is not lifted in any sort of way, so I'm working with stock everything in the rear and am planning on keeping it that way for now.

 

Spray it with some penetrant. Then take a pair of wire cutters... smooth side in towards clip. Grab clip and rotate it up and down.

The backside of the cutters will roll against the bracket that holds the assembly and start to walk the clip out. Then give it a good pull.

This always works for me.