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1969 CJ-5 Pre-Bent Brake Lines: More than 1 style?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Mike C, Nov 18, 2014.

  1. Nov 18, 2014
    Mike C

    Mike C Member

    Austin, TX
    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2007
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    743
    I'm helping a buddy work on a 69 CJ-5 and we're doing brakes. Bought all new stainless lines from Classic Tube. BUT, they don't match his exactly. Some do, but not all. Are there more than one variation of plumbing for the 67-71 brakes?

    None of the brake system appears to have been modified, but you never know. The line from the front axle distribution block back to the proportioning valve is too short by about an inch. But, it is a solid line and his has a brake light switch and is two pieces. Then on the rear line that runs from the rubber line at the housing up towards the brakelight switch by the master cylinder, it's one piece. But the jeep had a two piece line that has what I think is a residual pressure valve? But mounting appeared to be factory with a bolt hole and a second hole in the frame that an anti-rotation tab fit in on the unknown valves bracket.

    The line labeled "front master cylinder port is not at all right. The other master cylinder line matched his OEM line near perfectly. The proportioning valve has larger fittings in the top than the bottom, and the line marked "front m/c line" has the larger one but should go in the bottom and it's the only angle in the whole thing that's not close.

    Oh, and there is one extra line that doesn't seem to match up with anything else. CJ-6 extra line in same kit?

    I think I can make it work by moving the front axle junction block back about an inch, cutting the extra line apart for one of the smaller stainless fittings then re-flaring the MC line.

    But I know they make a lot of these kits, and I was really surprised at just how different it was from the OEM setup.
     
  2. Nov 18, 2014
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    Moved to proper forum.
    Yes there were running differences in the brake line configuration from '67 to '71.
     
  3. Nov 19, 2014
    dozerjim

    dozerjim Member

    western New York
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    Nov 22, 2010
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    966
    Mike,be carefull about cutting the stainless lines as they are very hard to flare with normal flare tools,I had to alter a line for a Fairlane and ended up taking it back and having them flare it.They generally do a good job but there are a lot of variables I guess.....
     
  4. Nov 19, 2014
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    I'm sure there were no proportioning valves or residual valves in CJs prior to 1974. You sure what you are looking at is not a simple junction block? Possibly something was added by a previous owner.

    If you have an extra line for the CJ-6, it should be a straight piece of tubing 20" in length. It should also come with a union to splice in with the other tubing and make the tube to the rear 20" longer.
     
  5. Nov 19, 2014
    Mike C

    Mike C Member

    Austin, TX
    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2007
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    Interesting. There are (2) brake light switches, and all of the wiring looks OEM. (He has a parts '69 he says is the same way, but I have not seen to verify). I believe it is some sort of residual pressure valve. Not positive, but it's not just a junction block. (Block is oriented vertically, line from front goes in the side of the bottom, line to rear goes out the side of the top. On the very bottom pointing down is a plug where whatever guts are inside would be inserted.) The master cylinder lines both go forward to a block. Front master cylinder goes into the bottom side of the block. Front brakes go out the top of the front part of the block. Rear line does a 180 and comes out the front of the rear. Both top fittings are larger diameter than the bottom fittings.

    None of this looks hand fabbed, it looks factory. Not sure why they made it so complicated, 12 metal lines? I'm not used to working on this late model stuff!
     
  6. Nov 19, 2014
    mortten

    mortten I can’t put my finger on it 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Peninsula, Ohio
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    69 had 2 switches and a proportioning valve according to the FSM. I count 10 lines on the diagram. What you describe is how the manual shows it.
     
  7. Nov 19, 2014
    Mike C

    Mike C Member

    Austin, TX
    Joined:
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    Cool. It looked straight up factory. No funny bends, all the hold downs, etc. But the 67-71 line kit from Classic tube not like that at all. This an off-roader for my buddy's farm so one brake light switch will be fine.

    I laid out all the lines on the floor and came up with a game plan. They are all loosely assembled right now except the rear MC line. The original is one of the few that is in good shape, and if I am unable to make the new one work, we'll use it.

    Now if the parts stores would give us the right wheel cylinders we'd be in business. The front rubber lines none of them can seem to be able to get so have ordered from a jeep place.

    Thanks for the help.
     
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