All you would need to do if you went that route is using a pipe cutter and cut the fuel line, then use a flare tool and flare the end of the steel line.
Run your rubber hose over the flare, clamp it before and after the flare.
Do that on both sides, done.
However I would really recommend not doing that except as a last resort.

 

I'll probably get lit up for saying this but whatever.
The way your filter is now is halfway to never having to mess with those ridiculous fittings again. Lop off the other screw fitting leaving as much rubber hose as possible. Go to NAPA and get a generic double b-a-r-b-e-d(stupid censors) fuel filter for 35-40psi and two fuel line hose clamps. Stick b-a-r-b-s in rubber hose and clamp. (you may need to splice in a short length of rubber fuel hose to reach the new filter) Done.
The next time you want to replace your filter it will take 5 minutes.

I also installed PT Schram's b-a-r-b-e-d to compression fittings on my fuel pump after wrestling with those.

Make life easier on yourself by eliminating common Land Rover issue like these.

Not exactly pretty but it works.

 

Filter inline, no leaks, works, looks good to me

Now about all that rust! LOL!

 

I was starting to think that I was the only person who had a filter like that. I might give that a try, I think I am going to see if I can get a piece off of a newer model and try to strap it down lol But your fix may be right up my alley. Ill keep this updated as I figure something out. What I would like to know is exactly how the hose attaches to the steel line? There has to be cases where the hose dry rots or something and can be replaced. If I could just replace the upstream hose with one a normal one it would be a good fix.

 

What ever works man!! Go for it!!

 

Now here is my question, why do we need a fuel filter anyway?
New cars do not have them, the DII does not have them, so why do we need to have one?
Why couldn't we just replace the filter with fuel line and call it good?

 

That's a good question. To be honest with you I thought it would take me 10 min to get a new one in and I could move on to bigger projects with the truck. Then it turned into a whole day of driving back and forth to auto part stores and calling dealerships. lol what a day

 

It took me 3hrs replacing mine for the first time, now it only takes 15min.
But again that is because I use anti-seize on the threads and replace it every spring.

 

I ordered the replacement fuel filter kit from AB and gave it to my mechanic.

He returned it saying its the wrong one. Not sure yet what's wrong with it. I haven't looked at it yet. I'm thinking I may have the same problem.

 

mine originally was rusted so bad I couldnt get it apart, I moved it away from the splash of the rear wheel....up along the frame rail where I can get at it easier. I used a NAPA #3482 filter which has the same volume as the original one , but has a 3/8" nipple on each end, a couple hose clamps and away we go.......