Thanks all.  I was able to lower one side of the rear suspension
without disconnecting  the strut or gas tank and I think I can pretty
much duplicate the  approx. route from the factory.  Myright
side  line is like 6" too long, but shouldn't be a problem burying
that up inside the rear suspension frame.  Then I'll rebolt  the
pass. side and then loosen the drivers side hopefully using this
technique I won't screw up the rear wheel alignment.

DM&FS

At 05:33 PM 10/10/2008, Mike S wrote:
>At 05:35 PM 10/10/2008, Max Wellhouse wrote...
>>My question is, Mercury took a "circuitous" route with these factory
>>lines and I don't see the logic behind it...I guess my other
>>question is why are  the factory lines mounted in
>>the little plastic holders?  Is this a safety thing?
>
>The routing may have been partially determined by manufacturing
>efficiency. The plastic clips keep the lines in place, and from
>vibrating, to keep them from "work hardening," and getting brittle.
>If the clips are broken, at least figure a way to tie-wrap them in place.
>
>If you have to ask the question, then it's best to follow the
>factory routing, in the absence of expert advice from someone
>familiar with that car. A beer bottle works great for bending brake
>lines to shape.