I replaced all the 3/8" fuel supply and the 5/16" return and evap lines on my 2000 2 door last summer. An 8 inch long universal 5/16" plastic fuel line gets cut to provide connections for return and evap at the pump assembly. I used 5/16" nylon to steel compression fittings to run new steel line. Holding the plastic line in water that's too hot for your fingers will soften it and give a better seal in the compression fitting. I also replaced the 3/8" fuel supply line and now have a leftover end in case I decide to break the one at the fuel filter. A simple tubing bender, cutter, and a double flaring tool empowers you to replace all the lines in your truck for cheap.


Yours ran with the tank down but not with it up. Could you have kinked your new rubber line lifting the tank?

 

Just an update:
The make-shift line worked great until recently. Got a misfire in cylinder 2 and parked it for a few days while I waited for some free time to do some investigating. When I finally had a few minutes to check it out, I turned the key on and waited for the fuel pump to build pressure like I always do. The sound seemed different, as though the pump was struggling...and within a second or two I heard a nice pop followed by some liquid splashing.

The line finally blew off, luckily it was parked and cool. I ordered the proper part from RockAuto (the only place I could find it without the entire metal line included) and will have it installed this weekend.

Once again, thanks to everyone here for all the assistance with this issue.