I was asked this after my website update, so I will dig in deeper on the subject here. Because of the way I am lifting my X, I have decided to lengthen the brake lines. In so doing, I could easily have accomplished the task simply by lengthening the factory rubber lines. But after owning three 4WD trucks with oversized tires on them and dealing with the resultant brake power loss, I decided to go stainless steel. I know some of you will say that it is overkill, but it is my choice from previous experience and I am going to make it happen in spite of the naysayers.

I am currently working with a company out of Torrance CA called Technafit (www.techna-fit.com). I haven't ironed out all the details yet, but as soon as I have I will let you guys know.

As for the cross-drilled rotors. I have heard one of you found a new place that now offers them cheaper than Stillen and I say go for it. At highway speed, Project X stops on a dime with them in place with 32" tires. I now have to look behind me before braking to insure some idiot isn't riding too close to my new CalMini bumper when I stop. I recommend replacing your pads when you put the new rotors on so the pads wear in correctly to the new rotors. At the cost of the factory pads, you can get a good set of performance pads from Stillen for about the same amount ($65.00).

As soon as Technafit and I get all the math completed, there is a possibility they will go into production with the lines if there is a solid demand. Mine will have to be custom-built since my rear has to be lengthened 6" and the front lengthened 1". If you are interested in stainless steel lines, contact Stuart Trotter and tell him I sent you and you are interested in lines for your X. Maybe we can make this work.

Gordon? How about posting a pic of your CalMini bumper for us? Interesting thought on the lines.....would you run them the length of the vehicle all braided all the way from the brake reservour to each hub?

SS lines are already out, I've had mine for over a year. Forgot the name, but I could track it down if ya want. You can request different lenghts too.

let me know!

Ned,

Let me know. How long did you have to wait and did you have to tear down your truck for them?

A photo of the CalMini bumper is in that section on my mods page of my website.

Can't find em anywhere.
Please do share.

Two ways to find out
1. They guy that makes them is a friend of the Parts guy(manager I think) of Mossy Nissan in Oceanside. Contact Greg Vogel in parts for Mossy Nissan in Oceanside California and tell 'em Ned with the "rock crushing silver Xterra" referred ya (that's his description of my X)! He can hook ya up for a good price. He's really trying to attract SCCX parts buyers and offers a discount to SCCX members (HINT, HINT!). Greg has slightly lengthened lines sitting at his parts counter, ready to go!

2. I can contact another guy in SCCX and get the contact info that way. Steve in SCCX races and the guy builds lines for Steve...the first one to get SS lines.

If you want to research it yourself, go ahead. But, I'll try on Monday to get more specific info by one of the above options..

I'll try to call Monday and get the "info"... I'm the friggin boss here, somebody throw me a friggin bone

OK, here is the deal. Technafit is going to begin mass producing Xterra braided brake lines with the info I am giving them. I am sending them a complete set of brake lines with the line specifications for Project X. They are going to buy the lines from me and keep them to copy for mass production. From what they tell me, they are looking at making lines for lifted X's as well as stock. The amazing thing is the cost guesstimate they gave me as it stands right now. The fronts at this moment will cost $15 each and the rear $12. Obviously this doesn't include shipping. If you live near Torrance, you can probably save in that area as well. As soon as I have everything together I will let you guys know. This info will make it on my website also when I do the braided stainless line update. At last this monster is finally getting ready to roar! Keep after these folks guys and if you push hard enough, you will be surprised at what can get done.

I just did my part to "push hard". Called them up and added my name to the list of those interested. Hurry up and get them those lines!
That's a great price (is that cheaper than OEM?).

Thanks again dude.

My cost on the factory ones was $10 each (I work for a dealer, so that is wholesale). I had to order the fronts, they should be in tomorrow. As soon as they arrive, I will ship them out to Technafit. After that it is a matter of time.

I got a message from Ned asking about the SS line for X.
Anyhow, I have a race only SE-R and Steve at SMC Products (also the owner) set up the whole Nismo brake system for me. He's a cool guy, and make tons of other SS line for many different cars. From Audi S4 to X. He can also make custom line for us. He use all factory fitting, so it will be a sure fit. He use to work with Nissan Motorsport with the off road trucks, too. He know lots about SS line, what's good and what's bad. He can tell you all.

Just let him know Steve from Alhambra with a white SE-R and a Yellow X, and he should give you guys a good deal.

Here is his contact number:
Tel: (949) 369-5223
Fax: (949)369-5229
;)

You can probably answer this War, ...there are differences in SS lines, right? I somehow recall that if the SS line is not made properly (ie coated) that the braids can become, well, unbraided. I though that in some instances an improperly made line can be MORE dangerous than a rubber line? :eek:

I guess I would be a little concerned about a line with such a 'reasonable' price?!?!? :(

I have no info to doubt who your workin with, just wondering if there is more info available? ie- specs and grade etc? :confused: :bloated:

Originally posted by ned946
You can probably answer this War, ...there are differences in SS lines, right? I somehow recall that if the SS line is not made properly (ie coated) that the braids can become, well, unbraided. I though that in some instances an improperly made line can be MORE dangerous than a rubber line? :eek:

I guess I would be a little concerned about a line with such a 'reasonable' price?!?!? :(

I have no info to doubt who your workin with, just wondering if there is more info available? ie- specs and grade etc? :confused: :bloated:

Visit http://www.techna-fit.com/dot.html for the DOT Certifications page. Obviously if they are DOT Certified I am not concerned.

Originally posted by warmonger

. Obviously if they are DOT Certified I am not concerned.

Well, there ya go! :)

BTW Ned,

You don't have to worry about asking me questions like that. I want to know the same things. My life is worth more than a few bucks, believe me. I have this nasty habit about doing my homework. :)

I seem to recall a discussion about how dirt and grit can work into the braid and wear on the rubber hose inside. Ring a bell?

Brent

Nope... Won't happen.
They consist of the brake line...
The SS braiding of the brake line to "prevent bulging"...
And a soft rubber overlay similar to "plasti-dip" that seals out the dirt.

You can even customize the color of the external coating. I personally will be installing the "clear" type.

Originally posted by OffroadX
I seem to recall a discussion about how dirt and grit can work into the braid and wear on the rubber hose inside. Ring a bell?

Brent

I remember a discussion, I think on Voy, in which Ian Firth had a theory as to why steel braded lines shouldn't be used offroad. Maybe he will chime in, or maybe my memory is failing me.:bloated:

I think I paid close to $100 for steel braided lines a couple of years ago when I put them on a Jeep. It sounds like you guys are getting a good deal. I don't really see the need for them on the Xterra. Maybe I will think about it when the rubber lines wear out. But that will probably be years from now.

You might find that the tension in the brake line at full articulation is unacceptable... especially if you've lifted.

I'm getting "extended" brake lines that happen to be stainless steel braided.

I think Philo almost broke his rear brake line loose due to the tension in the lines at droop.

You should consider extending your ABS and diff breather tube too.

Just something to consider.

Originally posted by ScottG


I remember a discussion, I think on Voy, in which Ian Firth had a theory as to why steel braded lines shouldn't be used offroad. Maybe he will chime in, or maybe my memory is failing me.:bloated:

I have had two Jeeps, one of which was a mud racer (can you say dirt out the @#$). Both had braided stainless steel lines, neither had problems. Theories are great, but practical application says that most off-roaders prefer the braided lines because of the loss of braking power when larger tires are factored in. It really is a matter of deciding what you prefer. But make sure you have facts rather than theory before you decide. I know some pretty hard core off-roaders and every one of them use them. I know I lost some braking power with the new tires and wheels, I can tell. So I am just trying to improve it enough that it isn't so bad. If you are happy with your braking system, that is fine. But before you make a decision like this, educate yourself the same way I did, check with those who use them and those who don't. Find out why for each, get the facts on the item you are researching and make an educated decision. Forget theories, they are opinions in most cases and you have to trust implicitly the person theorizing. I rarely take for gospel someones opinion until I have verified their stance first.

Originally posted by warmonger


I have had two Jeeps, one of which was a mud racer (can you say dirt out the @#$). Both had braided stainless steel lines, neither had problems. Theories are great, but practical application says that most off-roaders prefer the braided lines because of the loss of braking power when larger tires are factored in. It really is a matter of deciding what you prefer. But make sure you have facts rather than theory before you decide. I know some pretty hard core off-roaders and every one of them use them. I know I lost some braking power with the new tires and wheels, I can tell. So I am just trying to improve it enough that it isn't so bad. If you are happy with your braking system, that is fine. But before you make a decision like this, educate yourself the same way I did, check with those who use them and those who don't. Find out why for each, get the facts on the item you are researching and make an educated decision. Forget theories, they are opinions in most cases and you have to trust implicitly the person theorizing. I rarely take for gospel someones opinion until I have verified their stance first.

I don't have a theory. Like Brent, I was commenting that this subject has been covered before. As for my practical experience with braided stainless steel brake lines, I have them on my Jeep and I can't tell any difference except that they look cool. The only reason I used them was that I needed extra brake line length. My Xterra stops on a dime, and in every comparison test I have read the Xterra was at the top of the field in braking performance. Thus, I don't see the need to start jacking with the brakes. If you want to put stainless steel brake lines on your Xterra; go ahead, knock yourself out!

My SS lines made the pedal feel more firm. Probably (theory!) less expansion compared to the rubber line so more of the pressure goes directly to the pads. I like 'em. My Xterra with its 3K worth of extra weight (....yeah, a bit exagerated) still takes a block and a half to stop but hey, the pedal feels firm!

Originally posted by Kennedy

I think Philo almost broke his rear brake line loose due to the tension in the lines at droop.

Wasn't me. I worried about it a bit when I installed the shackles and then the AAl's, but haven't had problems. Still have just enough ...

Just so you guys who are interested know, I received the brake lines today and they will go out in the mail either tonight or tomorrow. How long it will take Techna-fit will depend on how long it takes the lines to get to them.

For an update on the lines. Technafit has the lines and they indicated they expected to have trouble with the front lines. Come to find out, the front lines were a cake walk, it was the back line that was the redheaded step child. When I spoke with Stuart yesterday the line was in cad for the new distribution block. It looks like it should come out and be shipped to me by Friday. As soon as I have further info I will let everyone know.

I now have the braided stainless steel lines from Techna-Fit on my truck. They now have them in-stock for those who are interested in lengthening their brake lines. I noticed a definite pedal difference after the install. Right now I only have the front ones on since the rear one I received was factory length and needed to be 5" longer than factory. They are shipping me a new one now, so I chould have it on within a week or two.

The pedal with the new lines feels a lot stiffer. Braking seems almost crisp compared to what it was. Between that and the cross-drilled rotors and new pads, Project X will stop on a dime and give you back five cents change. The bad side to it is that I have to watch who is behind me now. I already received a customizing job on the rearend from one idiot and now have to watch even harder when I stomp the brake. The Xs brakes are phenomenal to begin with, now they are a monster. If you have installed over-sized tires, I highly recommend making the brake changes I have, it is worth it in my opinion.

I know they were making the rear, but they are making the fronts as well? Where the fronts any longer than factory?

Thanks
Richard

I extended them 1" to offset the extra travel. Probably overkill, but better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Especially when it comes to brakes. You are welcome to take a look at them when we get to Windrock next week. With the lift in place, the rear is so close that I won't be really comfortable until I have the extended line in place. That probably won't occur until after Windrock though.