One of my lines sprung a leak. It is on the drivers site furthest back and goes to the top of the rad some place. It connects to a rubber line at the bottom of the rad then switches back to steel near the top of the tranny but it is crimped while the other line has fittings that can be removed. It looks like a big job just to get at the rad connection. My question is: Can I cut the bad piece out and section in a new piece with flares and connectors?

 

pictures would help us to see what you are talking about bc i dont quite follow the words

remember a picture is worth a thousand words when explaining something like this

 

I don't have the line off because I'm trying to avoid it if possible. I think I attached a photo.

 

i would say that you COULD make the repair in the way that you described, but i would NOT recommend it, this is a transmission cooler line and if i were you i wouldnt want to take the chance that the repair would fail while i was driving down the road

IMO replace the entire unit, hard line and all

 

The dealership sells the lines as a whole unit! The line in question is a return line to the transmission. This connection leaks if not done right so be VERY careful. You can buy these set of lines at the dealer for about $50 bucks. Replace and post back.

 

If you end up replacing the lines,You will need to drop the front diff to replace the lines.