Brake Help Needed

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B250

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Sep 19, 2019
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Location
Rhode Island
Ram Year
1991
Engine
5.2L V8 MFI
I just bought a 1991 Dodge B250 van. Generally in good shape, but some of the brake lines are badly rusted so I wanted to replace them. I also wanted to replace the two valve assemblies behind the drivers' side wheel on the chassis. I've spent all day trying to locate the part numbers only to find they are discontinued! There seems to be a Proportioning Valve (Part# 52004840/52004841) which has superseded model numbers and seems easy to find a new version of, and a Pressure Limiting Valve (Part# 52004016/R2004016) which I cannot find anywhere. Does anyone know where I could get the Pressure Limiting Valve from? Even if it's for a newer model, the 2500 for example, it is probably the same basic part. I am custom-making the lines so I can put a custom fitting for the PLV that is different from stock fitting.

Also, from looking at the brake lines, they seem to be SAE fittings and 3/16" dia pipe. Is that right? I've been fooled before with a GM car which turned out to be metric.....
 

crazzywolfie

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under the truck
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81 93
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5.2
just re-use the proportioning valve. they rarely go bad. all lines/fittings should be standard. i think there might be an oddball fitting or adapter here and there but they can usually be salvaged with a 3/16" drill bit.
 

PaPitt

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Stephenville TEXAS 76401
Ram Year
1989
Engine
5.9L
I used to own a parts store. For 30 years 1967 until 1995 . I sold Bunney Flex lines by Everco . You could bend them with your fingers But tools worked better . They came in 10 / 20 /30 / 40/ 50 / 60 inch lengths . & tHERE WAS A BRASS SPLICE if you needd it longer .
They worked great .
.. & There is a company In Ft Worth TEXAS .... STEWART Hose Co. internet them. They make DOT Hoses . If you can't find what you need . &They can ship them to you. & I think they have other stores across America .. Don't replace the PROPERATION VALVES .
 
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B250

B250

Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2019
Posts
37
Reaction score
13
Location
Rhode Island
Ram Year
1991
Engine
5.2L V8 MFI
UPDATE: I ended up using 3/16" CuNi pipe with a Harbor Freight flaring tool, and various domestic plumbing tools. Then I kept going and replaced the front calipers (dirt cheap from Autozone) , then the front hoses (front brakes kept pulling to one side). The hoses seem to fail internally and cause brake pressure to be out of balance on the front axle. Also, the e-brake cable was seized and frayed, so I replaced those and overhauled the rear drums while I was in there...

The proportioning valve, and the other weird valve next to it, I stripped down, cleaned with brake fluid and checked the seals were OK. If you are making your own brake lines, it would be simple enough to get a 'universal' prop valve for $50 and put the matching fittings for it on the pipes, although I re-used my old valve which seemed to be working OK (the little plug at the end comes out when braking).

It was a fairly straightforward fix and the brakes work like a dream now! I can actually stop in less than 1/4 mile at 30mph!
 
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