2004 F150 4x4 New. Best oil filter wrench?

rogersmithiii · #1 02-22-2012, 03:47 PM

Anyone have advice on choosing an oil filter wrench for a 2004 F150 New Style, V8 truck? For the last 100,000 miles, I've been using one with a sideways handle, and am sick of skinning my knuckles, and not having any room to work.

What do people use to remove the filter?

Thanks
Rog

BlackOut07 · #2 02-22-2012, 04:19 PM

I just unscrew it by hand and hand tighten. Never had any issue of leakage for 90k miles, but I have pretty good hand strength too.

If access to the filter is difficult because of your setup, you could consider a relocation kit.

kingfish51 · #3 02-22-2012, 04:26 PM

Use a cup style socket with 10" extension and ratchet. Makes it easy. Get to it from the from, up over the axle.

BlackOut07 · #4 02-22-2012, 04:50 PM

There you go^^

fsulaxer · #5 02-22-2012, 04:51 PM

I bought one for doing me and my dads trucks, it goes on the end of a racket and uses the system to clamp down on the old filter, i never use on putting the filters on tho but sometimes they tighten up. long extension on it and i have yet to skin my knuckles

BlackOut07 · #6 02-22-2012, 05:12 PM

What are you guys hitting knuckles on?

averagejoe074 · #7 02-22-2012, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackOut07

I just unscrew it by hand and hand tighten. Never had any issue of leakage for 90k miles, but I have pretty good hand strength too.

If access to the filter is difficult because of your setup, you could consider a relocation kit.

same here...unscrew it by hand and tighten it by hand...done this ever since I started driving...20 years ago...never have had a leakage problem...

fsulaxer · #8 02-22-2012, 10:12 PM

If you got big hands and try to pull the filter on the 04's you can get into some precarious positions its in a good safe spot but dang its awkward to get to

code58 · #9 02-23-2012, 03:31 AM

Pull one small bolt on the air cleaner tube and get it out of the way. I then use a K-D pivot handle strap wrench and put a 1 qt. baggie over the filter as soon as it's cracked loose. Unscrew it and catch the oil in the bag. All done from the TOP. I changed it from the bottom the 1st. time and decided that was for masochists. Went to the top and never went back!

No skinned knuckles!

Svets96 · #10 02-24-2012, 10:56 PM

Add another to the list from taking filter off from the top.

BlackOut07 · #11 02-24-2012, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fsulaxer

If you got big hands and try to pull the filter on the 04's you can get into some precarious positions its in a good safe spot but dang its awkward to get to

Gotcha.. I've never "examined" an 04, I had no idea filter access was a little different from my 07.

code58 · #12 02-25-2012, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackOut07

Gotcha.. I've never "examined" an 04, I had no idea filter access was a little different from my 07.

I don't believe it is. I have an '04 5.4 and I also change my SIL's (she's widowed). It's an '07 5.4 and is exactly like my '04.

BlackOut07 · #13 02-25-2012, 10:30 AM

If that's the case I don't know what's making it so tough to get to.. Fan shroud?

code58 · #14 02-26-2012, 03:34 AM

You do need a "flex handle" filter wrench to get to it from the top. Well, axctually you don't, there are other kinds of wrenches but I find the flex works well for me. I'm thinking he's tightening it too tight when he installs it. 1st. time is the only one that should have been a "knuckle buster". I always aproach things with a positive outlook and it makes all the difference. It is a little tight (clearance), but very doable.