I’m going to be putting on a fuel pressure regulator with a return line to the tank on the Maverick. I’ve never used those braided fuel lines but woul like to switch to them vs rubber hose. any advice or recommendations? Also how easy are they to attach and are they prone to leak? What kind of end piece do I need for them to attach to the barb on the regulator?
Which lines are you looking at? The ones I've worked with are a braided covering over a rubber hose. You just cut it to length and put on whatever AN type fitting is needed for what you are connecting to. All real easy to work with. Bought it all from Summit.
Attaching the stainless braided rubber hose to a barb is the same as a regular hose, it uses a hose clamp. I would do what was stated above and use the AN fittings. Remove the barb and replace it with a pipe to AN adapter then use an AN hose end. No clamps to loosen and way less chances of a leak.
Honestly, unless you have a reason to have the braided covering - I suggest the Holley/Earl's Vapor Guard rubber hose. It's what I'm running on my EFI (there is a carb version). It has an inner liner, and is considered in the same class as braided by the NHRA, but is a lot easier to work with. Make sure you buy the correct hose clamps. Nice thing about Vapor Guard is it doesn't evaporate fuel either, so my garage hardly smells at all now.
Steel Braded Hose can be a problem to fit into the Fttings. Put Ftting in a Vise and push hard. Braded Wire can get sticky , Good luck!