Ok, so when I was dropping the rear axle to put in my 3" lift blocks today -- my first time ever doing this -- I failed to realize that (looking at the axle from the back) there are two hoses and kind of a junction box on the left / drivers side of the rear differential. Of course when I dropped the axle they both broke. Can someone tell me what they are and how I know what to ask for so that I can replace them?

Thanks,

John.

Hose on the left in the picture is your differential/axle breather line. The hose on the right is your brake line. You should have another brake line in the WH brake line kit you purchased. Looks just like the one Sean and I put on the front.

If you don't have that one, let me know. I still haven't installed my rear one yet.

The one with the block on the end is the rear brake hose. The other is the rear axle vent.

Hmmm...maybe just different years, but are we talking about the same thing? Mine does not look quite the same. I will try and post a picture.

You have to rotate 90 degrees clockwise to get the right N/S perspective, but...

Same/same. The larger hose that appears to come straight out of the axle tube is your breather. The smaller, that points forward from the mounting point in your pic, is the brake line. The metal piece where the two appear to meet is actually a part of the brake line. The old front line is still under the hood on top of the firewall in your truck.

Easiest way to tell the different between the two, now that they are broken, is: the vent line is attached using a crimp style hose clamp. The brake line should be professional crimped as it is a pressure line.

Sounds like I have made a mess as they will not be the easiest things to repair?

you can just replace the little block on the axle, chances are the rubber line was probably not in the greatest shape so replace it with a new line to make sure your lines dont swell.. you just have to remove the hose that comes out of the top and there should be a nipple with a nut on it.. unscrew that nippe/nut and the block and the attached hose should just come off.. then when you get a new rear brake line it will include the block and you just put the nipple back through it and tighten it down again.. done.. easy.

Thanks guys! I forgot that I had already purchased the extended line for the rear brakes, so I have that and can replace the broken one. Now I just need to go out and purchase some simple I'm guessing 3/8 inch hose for the breather tube. Life is good again.