When I was pricing out all the fittings and hose to build my own oil cooler lines (the OEM ones were leaking), I couldn't get the cost under what it ended up costing me to have the lines rebuilt locally. IIRC, the parts were $63 and that didn't include S/H (priced through Summit or Jegs). Locally it was at or under $60 and it was a quality rebuild.

 

Resurrecting yet another dead thread. Anyone with experience using the Trailhead oil cooler lines? On the one hand it looks more robust than stock; then again, my stock lines have lasted 14 years. Think it's worth a 40% premium?

 

Can you provide us with a link?
Based on the info at hand I'd say go with the OEM lines again.
Honestly do you expect the truck to last another 14 years?

 

re: Honestly do you expect the truck to last another 14 years?

not if it looks like the pix of Spike's truck's bottom side... road salt has no mercy.

 

Sorry, should have included the links:
Lucky8 Llc. - Take the road less traveled...
Trailhead 4X4 & Offroad

With regard to longevity...realistically I don't expect another 14 years out of this car. In that time I see myself sitting in a Defender project at some stage of restoration. But I'm really not into this truck for very much and it's actually structurally pretty solid. Even if I had to do an engine rebuild or a tranny swap, I think I'd still hold onto it for the fun of it.

From a practical standpoint, I'm looking at like $250 for OEM lines; this kit is only a few bones more, so I ordered it. I'll try to take some pictures during the install next weekend. Gonna try to swap the lines and install my snorkel in an afternoon.

 

hh65flyer only paid $300 for his truck. It was sitting outside a self storage place. I hear ya on the Defender project, I imagine the same thing.....

 

My truck wont rust out in 14 years, but at some point between now and then it will cost more to fix than its worth.
Just like the MB you just got rid of, all it needed was head gasket right?
Under $1,000 right?
But yet you sold it because it was not worth it, every car reaches that point in its life.
There are Chevy's and Fords on the road 30 years old and their frame is not as sturdy as the Rovers and they are still on the road.
My truck will be structurally sound for decades to come.

 

4 fittings, 3' of low pressure hydraulic hose, 3' of heat reflective sleeve, 4 all stainless HD hose clamps. Permanent repair for under $60.
Yeah, I could have bought posh braided stainless lines (I looked at them) but there are other things I'd rather spend $240 on.
I did want something better than just sliding hose on a plain tube end though.

 

Ended up getting the trailhead braided oil cooler lines for some underhood bling. I've got the old oil cooler lines soaking in PB blaster overnight, so I took a look in the engine bay. Any tips on getting the lower oil cooler line off the radiator? Lots of open air in there, but doesn't look like a lot of room to wrench it back and forth. :beer:

 

Can we get some pics of the different solutions you guys came up with?