[farmboy]

So I'm to the point of my 300 power steering project where I need to make the decision of going with flex rubber hoses or investing in tools to make my own hard lines. I would love to have the ability to make my own rigid lines for other projects but curious how much I'll have to spend for tools that will work. I stopped by Napa on the way home tonight and noticed their tools would only cost around $40 for a tube bender and flare tool. I'm not sure if the flare tool would be worth it or not. I estimated it would cost me around $200 for all flex lines but only about $100 for rigid if their tools work. Any one use Napa tools for creating their own lines before? I'd hate to toss money at tools that let a man down.

Any advice would be appreciated

thanks!!

Rodney

 

[stevev]

I made hard lines for my 300 P/S conversion. Very happy with how it turned out. There is a thread of mine on MTF forum somewhere. Sorry, I don,t know how to post the link. Also a youtube vid.

 

[mrbacklash]

Make sure that the flare tool is the correct degree flare, i think break systems use 45* and JIC hydraulic use 37* not positive though.

 

[farmboy]

Also, what is the minimum wall thickness I should be using ... never done this so I just want to make sure I'm not using thin material.

thanks!

 

[goodine]

It don't matter what flare you use, 37 jic, 45 sae, either one will seal, in 3/8 and 3/4 sae the nut is a different thread, any these deere's I have seen all have jic, I can get you proper wall thickness tomorrow,

 

[coalminer16]

Hardlines often are more open flowing then as the fittings are a tighter spot on flex hoses. Ron at aux-hyd.com changed some of the hoses from flex to hardline for this reason.

 

[farmboy]

Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge... anyone ever try the NAPA tools for flaring and bending?

 

[mikeduwe]

Your tractor hydraulic system runs call it 1000psi, so take a look at specs of the lines (hard or soft) when purchasing and make sure they are OK.

 

[michael l.]

Rodney, I have bought NAPA brake line flaring too kits for american 45 degre flare and japanese bubble flares.
Great tools that are guaranteed for life.

 

[charms]

Some people, including me, have used 3/8 brake tubing, readily available at NAPA and other automotive places, as garden tractor hydraulic line. The fittings are wrong, but the tubing is good.