Just to chuck my slice in while you're recuperating, if you Google Aeroquip or Goodridge, you'll find loads of people doing s/s braided hoses and the big difference that while a plain hose might only give a little (and under that sort of pressure, they DO give!) a braided hose wont give at all. All commercial hydraulic hoses are wire-armoured but it's an interlayer, not exposed.
On the fluid, I similarly doubt you'll see much difference with 5.1 fluid. As long as your fluid is fresh and in good condition, it's fine. What happens is over time, it absorbs water and under hard or prolonged brakikng, that water content boils. Now while you can't compress water ot oil, you most certainly can compress steam and that's why your brakes disappear when you stamp hard on old fluid. The reason I say there's not much point in changing up is that obviously any water content will still boil out at 100C, whatever your fluid is rated for!
The other thing just in case you don't know (and I bet you do) is if you do change, make sure it's 5.1 and not 5. Silicone fluid doesn't mix with others and if you want to (or have used it), it means a complete system change and flush because the mixture will make all your flexibles swell. Nice under the right circumstances but not in your truck because you'll probably find out when you hit the brakes and they won't let go!
Keep getting better mate!
JC
