I have two connecton issues; I have to convert the 3/8 fuel line coming from the fuel tank to the 5/16th fitting on the fuel pump (about a 12 inch piece of hose would have worked had I not gone with a 3/8 fuel line), and then at the top I have to go from the 5/16th OEM fuel line back to 3/8th's to connect to the edelbrock carb. I purchased the banjo nut and steel line for the carb, but I still have to use two more fittings to get to a 5/16th tube connector (the OEM steel line). Pretty sure I have the top connection figured out but I'm not sure how to reduce the bottom fuel line. Is there a better way to make these connections?

Get a good pump.Holley or Carter you use the size fitting you need.Choking the line to 5/16s gains nothing.Rocky

I believe he has 5/16 from the rear tank to the fuel pump which is fine. I'd get a fuel pump with 5/16" in and out for your application. Also go with a 5/16 fuel pickup in the tank.

Otherwise the right way would be to replace your 5/16 line with 3/8 from the tank to the fuel pump and keep your 3/8" pickup.

In either case you should only have 5/16 coming out of the pump to the carb, that's all you need, don't need 3/8 after the pump going into the carb. Not unless your motor is 500+ cubic inches turning 7500 rpms.

It's pretty hokey to use reducer fittings to make it work the way it is now.

Does the pump have changable fittings or are they permenant?

Yes Rocky, that would be a good idea, however I already purchased a brand new fuel pump and painted it, and my mistake was to listen to someone,(not on Moparts), about using a 3/8 line from the tank. I wished I had stayed with stock 5/16.
Robert that is a real slick idea, I will try it tomorrow thank you.
And no the nipples are not removable on the pump.