Tranny lines

[gottagettamopar]

I just removed my PS Steering box to replace with a reman unit and I had to disconnect the two rubber trans lines that had been routed over the top of the steering box, along the inner fender and down to the lower radiator connections. Not an elegant solution.
I'm looking at making up some hard lines and running them along the bottom of the oil pan and up to the radiator.
What is the normal diameter tubing to use and what stops the lines twisting up if they're made up in hard line from the trans to the radiator?
Do I need to include anything in the shape of the line to take up movement?
Running hipo 383 and 727.
thanks

 

[ZombiePopper]

When I replaced my cooler lines I just bought them, $39 free shipping (eBag) pre-bent and they ran under the pan/above the K, to the rad. (67 b body BB with headers, fit great!) there's a clip on the two lines that keep them from twisting but in the past I've just used zip ties.

 

[Garys1969RR]

I usually make up my own lines with a combination of 5/16 metal tubing that came with the trans, and rubber hose and hose clamps. The rubber hose allows for ease of installation and for some flexing of the lines, although metal lines have enough flex in them due to the long length.

 

[idrivemopar]

If you have headers, you may have to do custom lines as the stock ones may not fit. This was the case for me with my 340 and headers. Local shop here made me some custom ones from my mockup. As far as twisting, they should be long enough as Gary said, but make sure you use a clip at the front where they come together and at the back just before they separate.

 

[Moparsmitty]

If you have headers, you may have to do custom lines as the stock ones may not fit. This was the case for me with my 340 and headers. Local shop here made me some custom ones from my mockup. As far as twisting, they should be long enough as Gary said, but make sure you use a clip at the front where they come together and at the back just before they separate.

X2. Like Idrivemopar said, if the car had headers installed by a previous owner the stock lines probably no longer fit and the easy fix was the rubber hoses. When you install your new lines make sure that they are clamped to the frame and not rubbing or bouncing around. Lots of vendors make clamps and separators for steel lines. Good luck.

 

[gottagettamopar]

Thanks all. I can't see anything online for pre made lines with headers. I'll just bend some up myself I think, shouldn't be too difficult and I'll incorporate the little semi circle loop like on the stock lines for allowance of movement.

 

[67 B-body]

Use a GOOD bender!!!! Some of them will just cause you heartache trying to make smaller radius bends...

 

[gottagettamopar]

Well, I managed to get the new lines in but I had to compromise slightly on the connections to the radiator.
I got 1/8" NPT to 1/2" x 20 flare adapters for the trans case and I thought that the radiator connections were 1/2" x 20 male but the female pipe nuts I bought were very loose on the thread. I think they must be male NPT fittings.
Anyway, I couldn't wait to track down whatever fittings they were so I reused the hose barb fittings that were already there and joined the hard lines with a short length of 3/8" hose.