hydraulic lines

[TRACY.M.FINNEGAN@monsanto.com]

     I have a few questions concerning the repair of a leaking hydraulic 
     system.  I an thinking about going to a truck shop to have my own 
     hoses made for a fraction of the cost of original equipment 
     replacement.  It's time to stop the green stuff from hitting the 
     garage floor.
     
     1.  Why are the lines rigid and insulated?
     2.  What is the max pressure the lines will see?
     3.  Ant concerns using replacement hoses that are flexible?
     4.  Which hoses are the most likely leakers, the rack looks bone dry 
     and the spot on the floor appears to be directly beneath the 
     reservoir?
     5.  The hose the attaches to the bomb, any concerns with depressuring 
     before removing?
     
     Thanks, I hope to save some money here.  I really like the car but am 
     getting tires of the high priced parts, if this keeps up I may have to 
     buy a Honda.
     
     Tracy M Finnegan
     tmfinn@monsanto.com
     89 200 (187K miles)