Initial planning stage of rear brake overhaul – thoughts, tips and experiences?

[stever1000]

Definitely replace the rubber line at this age, hard lines you can inspect and see if those need replacement also. If you are lifted, you can use the rear rubber line part # off an older 1st gen 4Runner which is 3-4" longer. Might as well replace the front rubber lines as well since you'll be bleeding the system anyways.
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Good info on the rubber brake lines!

Anyone have the part numbers laying around? I looked at an exploded diagram and it was a headache!

 

[StreetCreeper]

As above, use the proper Toyota springs and cups. I (foolishly and uncharacteristically) used non Toyota parts and the cups didn't have the cross hatch to latch on and twist, making it an absolute PITA job (I'm disks at the back now, but that part of the job is the same as the parking brake is still drum)

I didn't get a proper tool, instead I improvised, I clamped a set of needle nose pliers over something (old injector o ring form memory lol) and taped it in place. worked perfectly.

I'd also be tempted to replace the bell crank, I didn't inspect mind that thoroughly, but the Landcruiser one I replaced with had a fair bit of lateral play, making the brake much less effective... of course I only discovered this after the event.. so I have another to fit another day.

Also, standard, get 4x more brake cleaner than you think you'll possibly need.

One of the great things about living in CA is the lack of rust, so the bellcranks just look dusty – hell, I'm pretty damn sure the spare tire is even original and is just a bit dusty. "Brand new", never been driven on 20 year old tire. It's being replaced though soon. Still holds air just fine but not sure I'd ever want to drive on it even just to get to a tire shop.

Yeah I don't skimp on the brake cleaner either.

My brake lines were so corroded and rusty and were leaking where the line is run by the driver's rear upper shock mount. It's best to cut out the old and replace with all new in that situation than to try and fix a small spot. I used an inline flaring tool behind the driver's side tire where the line is and put a union there for my new line. I routed the line in a different spot that way I have easier access to them in the future. That's just some of the stuff I have to put up with in MN with rusty vehicles.

I don't think I've ever seen even a speck of rust on my truck anywhere. I would shit a brick if I had the kind of rust some of the guys have posted about on here. I'm going to really examine the lines though when I'm under there.