Cheaper Alternative to AN Fittings
 

JIC fittings, 37 deg flare, slightly different thread tolerance, but still works. I'm using JIC to AN on my oil cooler for the last week, and it's been leak-free so far. They only come in steel/brass (so far I've seen), so they're a bit harder to strip than the alum AN fittings. They're also uglier and heavier, but more beautiful to and lighter on my wallet. Hope it helps for those getting nickeled and dimed to death, like me.

For example, 3/4 JIC to 1/2 NPT costs $2.37 from Grainger
-8AN to 1/2 NPT (same size fitting) costs $4.85 from anplumbing.com

You can get them at Grainger, or any local hydraulic supply store.

Here is a sizing chart for AN vs JIC (same as SAE):
AN thread - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

JIC and AN fittings are nearly identical. The only real difference is sharp vs radiused threads. They both share identical thread pitch and identical 37deg flared seat. Also JIC is the industrial version while AN is approved for use in aviation by the military. Meaning that AN fittings are produced to more exacting standards.