rubber vs steel fuel lines

[1972BackInBlackC10]

im putting a new fuel tank and sending unit in my truck and will be replacing the fuel lines, my question is should i run rubber fuel lines from the sending unit to the fuel pump? or should i reuse the hard liines and replace the rubber sections

my set up has rubber fuel lines then it goes to hard lines then back to rubber then back to hard line the back to rubber to the fuel pump lol just wondering if the hard lines are needed is all

[jhngardner367]

With today's fuel,rubber(neoprene) lines degrade inside,very quickly. The new fuel lines are neoprene outside,but have a plastic lining inside,that is not affected by the ethanol/additives in the fuel.
If you use the new line,as I have,it should be OK. However,as a precaution,use quality clamps,and fittings,and put loop-clamps about every 3 ft.,on long runs,to prevent sagging. Also,make sure they are protected from heat sources.
I run steel line up to the carb,on the engine,but all the rest is the new type neoprene line.

[1972BackInBlackC10]

i think im just going to kee my hard lines and replace all the old rubber line

[78 Big10 454]

^ That has my vote.

[motornut]

Originally Posted by 1972BackInBlackC10

i think im just going to kee my hard lines and replace all the old rubber line

best idea
i use injection clamps- new
30+ years old -old

[Firebirdjones]

Keep all the steel lines where the factory intended them to be. There is no reason to replace them unless you need a larger size feed line.

If you have a kink or a questionable looking metal line, replace it with another metal line. The short rubber section you speak of are there obviously where the metal lines make a jump from the frame to a component, so the rubber is there to compensate for the flex.

Just for the record, if you like taking the vehicle to the track, NHRA and most other sanctioning bodies don't allow more than 12" of rubber lines in the entire fuel system (for good reason).

If you must replace the whole system and don't want to fool with bending and flaring steel lines, I'd recommend going with a braided flex line. Some very high quality stuff out there now from Russel and others that is very easy to work with and has more of a nylon braid. But using this stuff including all the fittings you'll need could run you more than $300 to plumb a simple fuel line front to back. If you have return lines to plumb the price goes up more obviously.