Spring lock couplers

[adsm08]

Does anybody know where to buy the end pieces to make spring-lock coupler lines?

I have my 4.0 almost ready to drop in, just need to button up some details like the paint, the front cover, the rear main, etc.

One of the details is the fuel connection. My donor engine's fuel lines were cut off near the rear of the block, so I only have the last 10 inches of line to the engine. Now that is plenty for what I want to do, which is to crimp some sping-lock ends into them and make it so I can just plug right in to the exisiting fuel lines. Problem is I can't find just the ends. Anyone know where to get them?

 

[Andy D]

Pardon my ignorance, these are the ends on the fuel filter connections? Mine were boogered up on the Rat, so I just used 8x13 mm fuel injection hose from my car parts and hose clamps. A little hack but it doesn't leak

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

When I attempted a 4.0 swap in my 88, I went to a local independent parts store and told them what I was looking for. They pulled out a greasy book and thumbed through it till they found the right sizes and ordered them in for me.....

Of course, that was like 8 years ago....

I know that Autozone has a fuel line repair kit that they have for selling to commercial garages (I've never seen one actually be sold) that has an assortment of every kind of end.... only thing is, they only sell it as a whole kit and it's over $100, IIRC.

That said....

I hate those stupid springlock connectors. I've always wondered if it would be possible to do something like convert to AN fittings. They'd be readily available, standardized, and a LOT easier to connect/disconnect than those springlocks....

 

[adsm08]

Pardon my ignorance, these are the ends on the fuel filter connections? Mine were boogered up on the Rat, so I just used 8x13 mm fuel injection hose from my car parts and hose clamps. A little hack but it doesn't leak

No this is the end at the engine. Kinda.

I am missing the filter end, but want to be able to just plug in at the engine connection.

I hate those stupid springlock connectors. I've always wondered if it would be possible to do something like convert to AN fittings. They'd be readily available, standardized, and a LOT easier to connect/disconnect than those springlocks....

Well I have always been an odd duck, but I have my reasons for wanting to do it this way. My biggest side goal in this swap is to do it with a minimum of permanent modification to the truck. Basically, if something goes wrong in the first year of the swap I want to be able to put a 2.9 back in it without going and buying anything more than oil and a filter.

 

[PanamaExpat]

Head to the JY with your cutting pliers and whack a set off of a junker. When I pulled my engine the smaller return line spring connector wouldn't separate. After much tugging and pulling it did come off where the connector hooks into the stainless braided line. When I put everything back together I put the hose I cut a half inch off the braided and put the connector back on the line with a small hose clamp. It has worked without an issue so far. I suppose I could have taken the line to the guys that do hydraulic lines here and had them collar and crimp it. If it becomes an issue that is what I will most likely do.

 

[Andy D]

What is the operating fuel pressure for a 94 4.0? I am guessing it is about 45 psi. Hose clamps should be fine. I can understand keeping things stock, But when Ford cheaps out on something and I can do better..

 

[kunar]

i agree, hit the junk yard. also those nylon lines dont need any type of clamp as long as you push the barb all the way into the line. a little boiling water helps soften the nylon enough to get things together. thats how i did my truck, probably 3 or 4 years ago. no problems at all.

 

[adsm08]

What is the operating fuel pressure for a 94 4.0? I am guessing it is about 45 psi. Hose clamps should be fine.

I think you missed my point by a lot.


Anyway, I still haven't had any luck, but the local NAPA makes custom hydro lines. I'm gonna take my spare 2.9 fuel rail down there after work tomorrow and see what they can hook me up with.

 

[adsm08]

i agree, hit the junk yard. also those nylon lines dont need any type of clamp as long as you push the barb all the way into the line. a little boiling water helps soften the nylon enough to get things together. thats how i did my truck, probably 3 or 4 years ago. no problems at all.

Oh, I am not at all worried about securing the fittings in the lines. We have the universal line crimper kit at work. If we had the raw materials around we could make our own fuel lines on site. My problem is that I need the fittings themselves.

I have a pile of spare 2.9 parts, but the fittings don't match up side to side because the lines are different diameters. If I went with the stuff I have sitting in the garage I'd end up trying to push the fuel in through the regulator.

 

[LIMA BEAN]

Oh, I am not at all worried about securing the fittings in the lines. We have the universal line crimper kit at work. If we had the raw materials around we could make our own fuel lines on site. My problem is that I need the fittings themselves.

I have a pile of spare 2.9 parts, but the fittings don't match up side to side because the lines are different diameters. If I went with the stuff I have sitting in the garage I'd end up trying to push the fuel in through the regulator.

DORMAN makes those and if you come up with the dorman # napa can cross it to Balkamp or whatever in their system if they carry it. Sift around here with your application.

http://www.dormanproducts.com/c-386-fuel-line-connectors-retainers.aspx

Also I have used billet aluminum spring lock girdle to ang, I will scope where I found those.

 

[LIMA BEAN]

Here are the billet ones down abit on this page.

http://www.ronmorrisperformance.com/04fuel/fittings.htm

Also I thought EARLS makes them too, our PARKER STORE sells EARLS and so does SUMMIT and JEGS.

 

[LIMA BEAN]

Did you find a legit source for the fittings yet?

 

[adsm08]

I checked around with my most likely local sources and came up empty handed so I ordered the female end from Ron Morris. The male end I plan to cut out of my old fuel pressure regulator.

 

[RangerSVT]

I don't know if you can wait a few days, but if you tell me what size and end (ie 3/8 male) I can send then to you. I have quite a few rails in my collection with several flex lines...

SVT