450 Crawler transmission lines

[RMAC]

My steel transmissions line were badly worn so I replaced them with high pressure rubber line with a slightly larger inside diameter, basically the same as the short length ones that went from the steel lines to the tansmission and cooler, now they're just that way all the way back replacing the steel lines all together. My question is if this is okay to do or should I replace the original steel lines? The machine seems to be running fine with the exception of when I go up a steep incline, I lose the transmission, I'm assuming because I need fluid, which I plan on adding tommorw. Also the 7/8" female threads that recieve the bolts on the clutch housing are stripped and its been suggested I helicoil them and was wondering if anyone would have any suggestions as to another way of fixing the problem?

[Lavoy]

The line shouldn't have hurt a thing that I can think of.
Helicoil will work, I prefer threaded inserts if you enough meat in the casting to use them.
Lavoy

[RMAC]

Thanks Lavoy, I'll try the threaded inserts, I put in extra long bolts and caught some thread, so they're staying in for now but who knows for how long. I bought this machine at an auction(4,500.00) and the hour meter only read 837 hours, and the meter has been working since I've had it, so maybe it is accurate but I doubt it. It's seems like a strong machine and has done a lot of work in the 4 or 5 months I've had it. I get a lot of enjoyment out of working on it and operating it, and I love the fact it is made in the USA.
Rich