I'm in the middle of installing my lift and trying to replace the front brake lines with the longer ones that came with my kit. Even with a flare nut wrench, the fittings WILL NOT budge and are starting to round off. Anyone have any tips for getting them loose or suggestions for how to otherwise move forward?

 

yep, had the same problem...use vice grips and a wrench. worked for me! also throw a little bit of anti sieze on the threads (very little) to prevent corrosion. hope that helps.

 

What finally worked for me is a big azz channel lock pliers. It wasn't pretty tho.

 

im having the same problem in my 89 4.0. Only it's not for a lift. my brake line actually developed a significant leak. i have not cleaned the area yet or tried any sort of anti seize. i will be doing that as soon as possible. I first tried to use the brake line wrench. then vice grips. they just wont budge. i am hoping to not have to replace both lines going from the axle to the rear brakes as well as i may ruin them in the process. It might be too late... is heat an option? Then to get myself to work. can i just clamp the broken line shut as a band aid for 8 miles a trip or am i asking for trouble there.

 

Use heat! Worked like a charm for me

 

No go on the heat. does anyone else have any other ideas?

 

Seriously, if the brake lines are in that bad of shape, just replace everything. That thing is a nightmare waiting to happen.

 

the reason im avoiding that is that the lines are not in that bad of shape running down the axle. just from the hard line to the axle. the others look great. i just cant break loose the fitting.

 

I used a monkey wrench/pipe wrench to break my front lines free, if you haven't tried that yet.

 

Cut line at nut use six point socket.

 

This idea x2

 

^this^

If that doesn't work it's time to bust out the flare tool and just replace all the hard lines

 

:| how did you fit a monkey wrench on a 3/8" line that sits like 1/2" from the inner fender?

 

Like you said its 1/2" from the fender, it just fits. Like a 10 inch one not a two or three footer. Admittedly not the best way but if you round off the nut with a flare wrench it does work.

 

Also works pretty well if you don't have the right size torx wrench in a pinch.