I was caught between a rock and a hard place. I knew that they had the stock length, but I was worried about them being too short in the back.
When I called they asked me one question, that was if my truck was lifted or not. Since I have national springs, the rear of my X sits a full 3" to 3-1/2" higher in the rear. I was told by Techna-Fit that I wanted the "L" version lines..If I had known that I could get them coated I probably would have sprung for it. However, the main concern was clearance in the rear.
I agree with Schlud, theres no reason to get a longer length in the front. (we're not talking much more than an inch or so from the stock) None that I could see anyway. I guess it won't matter much either way, I have enough to articulate, even if the wheels are turning and the lines are extended. And they are braided instead of the plain old rubber ones. And as far as the more responsive braking that I've heard some people talking about, well I can't really tell any difference at all.
As far as the distribution block? I've looked mine over, it's nothing more than the union for the rear lines. Mine was just a piece of brass, one hole for mounting it to the axle bracket, and three tapped holes with the proper shut-off angles machined into them to accept the taper of the flare on the lines.
They get that part from Nissan? At $100.00 a set I think they are a bit pricey, especially considering that the rear one alone is $25. I will add that they are well made quality parts, use the very best hardware and they are a snap to install. Only complaint is I didn't get any cool stickers with them.
Now that you ask Ian, I'm hard pressed to see why there is so much of a price difference. Like you said, the rear line is the one that they obviously have to farm out the distribution block.
I went ahead and ordered the set thinking that at least I would have the full OEM set as backups if I ever need them.
Also let me say that Techna-Fit was honest and on the up and up with me. They told me it would be awhile before they shipped, they had to get the blocks made. No one was telling me it was in the mail tommorrow and leaving me hanging until they got here. Only thing was I had to be extremely careful not to snatch the OEM's off while I waited for the new ones.