[Droff]

Thanks for the input(s).

The fluid was like black coffee, there were indications of a leak so I replaced the wheel cylinders due to unknown age and to get a known starting point. I don't have a booster, manual drum brakes all around.
I didn't use anti-seize on any of the connections and I used the OE replacement tubes.

So add anti-seize on the threads and where the tube goes through the fitting? Any recommendation on which anti-seize? I'm going to need to go pick some up if using it.

As far as annealing, I'm not quite sure what that entails but I did tighten, loosen, tighten 3-4 times on each side. The new wheel cylinders were already installed, and have been for some time.