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Last weekend I have picked up my new '53 M38A1. I am in the process of going through the suspension and brakes. Because of the detoriation, I am looking at buying a kits. Suspension kits are around $650, brake kits are $500.00. From my math the econimical, but are there other options? Are there any particular hints and idea to look at. Brakes will need to be "replumbed" with new steel pipes. Can I use compression fittings or do I need to flare all of my fitting? Will a single flare be good? I have a short time window to get this "puppy" on the trail, (hunting season around the corner). My books are on order, but have decided to start. Thanks for help!

If you building her as a trail buggy for hunting I would thnk spending that much money on springs and brakes is a little much. You can shop around for good used springs in the $50 a piece range and rebuild the brakes standard with NAPA parts for half of that $500. The brake lines use a double flare on all tubes and inverted flare fitting. This is a safety issue and needs to be done right. Loosing half arse brakes on a dirt trail and rolling across a blacktop in front of some guys wife and kids is not my idea of operating safely with consideration for the lives of others.

Don't take me wrong here. I firmly believe we owe it to ourselves and others that share the road with us and risk their lives with us to keep the safety issues covered properly. Brakes and steering rank at the top of the list here.

If you still want to go with aftermarket upgrades then the Rancho 1.5" lift spring sets work best and 11" brakes with the dual master cylinder work best.