So you've added that suspension lift you've always wanted. Got those sway bar disconnects, too. Unbolted the track bar, huh? With all that extra suspension travel, you're stock brake lines are now are too short. Instead of using those cheap extension brackets that most lifts give you, here's a better idea. This one costs nothing to do and only takes a few minutes to accomplish.
Well, on the TJ and XJ, Chrysler extended the hard brake line down the side of the frame so it is closer to the brake caliper. On the YJ, they left the brake line. on top of the frame which really limits the brake line. length if you lift the suspension. So what is one to do? Well, how about copy what the Factory did on other Jeeps? Take a peak behind the frame and there will be a few plastic clips that hold the hard line in place. Carefully unclip the brake line. and let it hang for now. Now comes the messy part. You have to disconnect the rubber brake line from the hard line. It may be easier to disconnect the line at the caliper rather then try to loosen the hard line. if it hasn't been removed before. Those fasteners are easy to strip.
Once the brake line is loose, it will proceed to drain onto EVERYTHING. If you disconnected the line at the caliper, you can pinch the rubber brake line with some channel locks. Now carefully pull the brake line back into the engine compartment. There should be just enough slack to pull the line down near the bump stop The line may need to be straightened a bit so it's long enough though. Be careful not to kink the brakeline. If you kink the line it will have to be replaced. So go slow. Next comes the big decision. Should the brake line go in front of the bump stop or behind. This should only take a second since it will most likely be coating the work area with brake fluid.
When the line is bent to the right place bolt it up using the existing bolt for the bump stop This should lower the brake line about 4 to 6 inches. Once your done make sure to bleed the brakes. So what have we accomplished other then oily hands? How about a brake line long enough to use with a spring over axle suspension? This should be good for anyone with a spring under axle suspension even with the trackbar and swaybar disconnected. Now the only brake line you will have to buy is for the rear.
