No, they aren't 1/2. Flare is always called out by tube size, except for stuff like power steering and master cylinder which sometimes use odd sizes to "key" the lines.
For example, I used a GM power box on my old landcruiser. The pressure fitting takes 3/8 tube, but uses what would be 7/16 inverted flare nut instead of 3/8. This is to "key" the fittings so they cannot be switched. The return was common 3/8 inverted flare.
I believe these are 5/16 what is called SAE flare. This is the common (45 degree) stuff you find in the hardware stores and much of the time is brass.
This is different than AN same as JIC (industrial / hydraulics) which is 37 degree flare. Some sizes of AN/ JIC won't screw onto SAE flare, and some will. No6 (3/8) is one size that will not.
The material it's made of does not tell you what it is. SAE can be brass or steel, but not much alloy, but it COULD be. AN is many times alloy, especially aftermarket, but can be steel or could be brass. JIC is commonly steel
So you cannot go by material. So far as I know, OEM never used AN / JIC on any common passenger car or light truck.
The transmission, after you unscrew the adapters and get right to the case, are most definately pipe, but I don't recall "without looking."
