Lines from Trans to Radiator

[mytmatt]

Can these lines be replaced with something like braided steel, or some other type of flexible, oil-resistant material? I would (maybe!) like to run mine out to the frame and down it, then back out to the radiator once they get to the front. I want to get them away from the exhaust and everything else that is trying to all be in one small area.

Pros/Cons?

[spartman]

I think that would work.

Just make sure they are oil-resistant (like you stated) and you can get fittings for them.

I think you might want to route them so they don't go much lower that the inputs just so the oil doesn't pool or give flow issues.

[Big D's 69]

Just buy a roll of tubing and bend your own the way you want.

[blue68]

Your local Advance Auto Parts or PepBoys sells the tubing in rolls. They also sell the fittings.

[FORDification]

I think I'd stay with steel tubing for the majority of the line, and then just use something flexible (like braided line) where it connects to the transmission.

[Fake Name]

I'm about to do the same job, and I'm going to use all steel. I've always hated the ugly short bits of soggy fuel line people use around aftermarket coolers. The PO of my truck ran the "cooler" lines right along the header pipe so the fluid could pick up plenty of heat in both directions near the cooler. Probably ended up being a heater.

fn

[mytmatt]

OK, I am convinced. I will need the roll of 3/8 tubing, a flaring tool, a bending tool, tranny fluid, a pan gasket and some fittings to match the old ones...anything else to go on the shopping list? As far as the flaring/bending tools go, any certain brand better than others? I would like to get tools I can use for a long time, but don't need Snap-On grade stuff.