Hi, I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 extended cab with another brake leak. The line is behind the driver's side front wheel, with the leak being right behind the clamp (with the bolt). I've traced part of the brake line, and it looks like it follows the cross member and crosses over to the passenger side, then down the passenger side of the bed towards the back,

Before I buy replacement brake line and think about this as a DIY - how hard is it to replace this brake line? I'm pretty good with mechanical skills, but not sure if this is a job better suited in a shop where it can be put up on a lift. I'm also concerned about the possibility of having to drop the gas tank,

Thoughts? BTW - I had a brief thought of trying to just repair that section....but nah let's replace the entire line (it may be getting ready to leak in other spots).

 

Replacing brake lines is certainly in the realm of a DIY job. In my humble opinion, given the age and weight of these trucks, I firmly believe that all of the metal brake lines on the truck should be replaced. Since I plan to keep my truck for quite some time, I replaced all of the metal brake lines with stainless steel lines several years ago. The long rear brake line can be snaked down along the side of the frame rail without dropping the gas tank, if desired.

 

Thanks A-Dog. I think I will replace it myself.

Now...to see if I can find and purchase that specific shape and run in the brake line...or if I have to order a long section of brake line and custom bend it myself...

 

Just grab a length of line from the parts store, and bend it yourself. MUCH cheaper.

 

Yes, you can do the bend it yourself brake line replacement (personally, I'd grab a 25' roll of brake line to keep on hand if you go that route of DIY, since more metal brake lines will fail with time - here's an example - https://www.ebay.com/itm/364468108716), or you can purchase pre-bent lines from several vendors, such as Fine Lines, Classic Tube, Inline Tube, etc. Since I tend to be lazy, **** and retired now, I choose the pre-bent route, but over my lifetime, I've done it both ways..

 

Also make sure the fitting going on the rear is the same. The one i got from the parts store was to short and had to use the original.