Hey guys long time no post. Living in waking distance to work I don't drive the truck much anymore, even though it's still my dd. I have been having issues with battery drain and having to use a jumper box to get it running. Sometimes it doesn't want to stay running and I gotta hold my foot on the gas a while to keep it running.
Today I go to the fire house have to jump it to leave the house, get there and hang out for a while. Go to leave and have to jump it. It ends up being one of the times I have to fight it to stay running. I get it to stay running and I push the brake and it goes to the floor. I look over at my wife who is in her van next to me and say "hmmm I don't like that, that's odd" I go to pull off and I have about no brakes. She says "hey you have something pouring out of the back of your truck" I'm like "yup brake fluid I think I blew a line."
It is coming from the frame up behind the gas tank. I'm assuming it's the metal line but can't see it to be sure. Has anyone else had this line blow? I'm guessing once I drop the tank it should be easy access, is that correct? Also could you give me an idea on a price for a new line. On a very tight budget now days.

Damn truck also needs a new header gasket and I will only buy Remflex.


Thanks for any help you can give me

 

Yep it's the metal line, likes to rot behind the tank. If memory serves me correct its one really long line. Best bet would a junk yard one that isn't rusty if you can find one.

 

Take some of the broken line, (disconnect from the rear block where it hits the soft line to the axle) to the parts store, get a length of line that is longer than you think you will need (go looking for the other end of the line.....) and just route that. Line will be less than 5 bucks, and it will be new. Don't forget a quart of brake fluid for when you bleed it out.

Also, drown the rear bleeders in the penetrent of your choice NOW. Soak 'em good. They like to break....

 

with how many vehicles you have you may be better off to get a roll of brake lines/some fittings and a double flaring tool if you don't have one. it is common for the steel line behind the tank to blow. since you have to replace that line i also recommend replacing all the other steel lines. you will usually blow one of the other lines when you go to bleed the brakes. you may also need new rear wheel cylinders. you need to be able to open the bleeder screws which are usually rusted shut.

 

Yes, the rear brake line rusting out and leaking massive amounts of brake fluid is very common. If you plan to keep the truck for a long time, you can buy pre-made stainless steel (or mild steel) brake lines from www.classictube.com or buy a roll of 3/16" mild steel brake line from your local auto parts store and cut/double flare new lines yourself.

 

Need to figure out what is draining the battery, or the battery itself may be no good. Without a fully charged battery the truck will run just as you described. Have the battery charged and checked. You are going to ruin the alternator too if you don't. I'm thinking bad battery.

And welcome back btw.

 

Yeah I was coming down a mountain and a guy slammed on the brakes in front of me, and that's when mine went out.

I had to get that line replaced and another 4ft line that was about to go.

I also need new header gaskets since the driver side one is leaky. I'll either go Gibson or remflex.

 

I found my bad brake line the hard way too, luckily I was close to the house.
When replacing brake lines, always double flare.

 

+1... I believe you can get the whole full lenght prebent line still from the dealer, pretty cheap too. And to replace it correctly back into the clips along the frame rail, one does not need to remove the gas tank. You can simply loosen the tank straps, disconnect gas fill tube from tank, and push the tank toward the driveshaft. Gives you just enough room to get your hands up there.

 

Glad I got emails for all these posts....

I was gonna have our work mechanic call the dealer and get me a price. I think he gets a small discount. Thanks for the heads up Z on not having to totally remove the tank.
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As far as the draining issue, with as much **** as I have it could be anything lol. I didn't really have an issue till I installed my one set of air horns but that shouldn't cause a drain. Unless I just never noticed it before that