Fuel filter replaced (No broken blue clip) Pics included
 

The front side of the fuel filter comes of very easily, as long as you have the ford fuel filter replacement tool..

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...995-178251.jpg

Now as far as the blue clip goes, I searched on here and found no real answer as to how it worked, so I decided to take my time and mess around with it and get it off without breaking it.. First step is if you have a set of picks, use the 90 degree pick, and slide it in between the fuel filter, and fuel line as shown here.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...995-178252.jpg
Once you have it in between the fuel filter and fuel line slowly pull back on the pick, and the center part of the blue clip should start to pop out, once it has poped out some, remove the pick from the fuel filter and place it under the middle piece of the blue clip (piece is shown in the next pic) and pull up on it.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...995-178253.jpg

Once the middle blue pice of the blue clip looks like the picture above, you will have to push down on the two outer pieces of the blue clip, this should release the filter, and it should slide right out. If it does not release push the center piece of the blue clip back in a little, and that should get it to release.

Anyway I replaced mine at 23,000 miles, and I will say it was filthy. I will update this thread with a picture of the inside of my fuel filter as soon as I get a chance to cut it open..

i should do mine.. i just hit 28K miles..

Yes, you should. There was a post on here of one cut open after 12,000. I replace mine every 15,000. It is easy and cheap, so why not.

Thanks, nice write-up on this.

Yes, it is, but I am a little confused. I never use a pick, I just use the little pliers type thing on ***** sides and have never had a problem.

Maybe the 04's are different?

Thanks TX 150! the clearest explanation i ever found regarding fuel filters, I can't do it mine with the search i made 3 months ago, I'll try with your metod this weekend

It is a night and day difference when you change a fuel filter. My truck seems so responsive and smooth after i change mine.

You are welcome.
I also searched, and kept putting off changing my fuel filter, because I couldnt find any detailed instructions and information regarding thet blue clip. Since I had some time, I just decided to go out there, and figure it out..

azfordby4 Nice truck BTW..

Here is how the service manual says to remove the blue fule line clip. First you push on the two tab corners
to release the centerlocking tab. Then you pull the locking tab out and push the fitting towards the tube to release pressure, press the tab corners to release the fitting.
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...789-178334.jpg
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...789-178335.jpg
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...789-178336.jpg

Thanks for posting this. I just changed mine today. I have about $15.00 into the new filter and removal tool, it only took me about 10 min. That is after I check back here to see how to get that stupid blue click to come loose.

My filter had never been changed before and the truck as 37,XXX miles. Once I had the old filter off I checked to see how clogged it was. I was still able to blow through it, so it must not have been too bad.

Thanks again TXF150

Nice Post!

I changed mine yesterday. It had almost 55k miles on it and it was hard to blow through.

hmm i have 48k and never changed where is the filter?

It is on the frame rail on the driver side.