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I removed tow hooks & installed stainless bull bar (took less than 25 minutes).
We installed 1 1/2" aluminium leveling kit (took about 55 minutes).
I changed the oil (3K miles) on 2005 King Ranch 5.4L (took over 90 minutes).

You can see the filter from underside, but no room for strap wrench and not enough grip for cup that goes over end of filter. I had to remove air dam assembly under hood just to see the filter then use 18" channel lock pliers to inch the filter off. Where did I miss the boat? By the way 2005 5.4L takes seven quarts of 5-25 grade oil.

On my old 1998 Lariet with 4.6L it took less than 20 minutes with the filter top accessible (front drivers corner under hood).

 

When I change my oil, I access the filter with a 'cap top' wrench rather than a strap wrench. I go in from the top and loosen it and then remove it below... it just seems to work better for me...I think I snared the filter cap wrench at, of all places, WallyWorld. Fits on a 3/8" socket wrench.

Also, I've installed a Fumoto valve on my plug -- it's VERY convieient -- I don't think it'd be a good choice for someone who's off road a lot but, for me, the truck is predominantly used as a pavement ride so, it's not that big of a deal... www.fumotovalve.com

Also, just FWIW, Ford calls for 5w20 X 7 quarts... Not sure I've heard of 5w25... what are you running?

RP

 

One reason why I have the good old folks at Wally Word (Wal-Mart) do my oil changes - most of the time (I still like to crawl under the truck once in a while - to see what's going on). The Wal-Mart here still carries the Ford semi synthetic 5W-20 oil and the correct Motorcraft filter. I've talked them into lubing the truck using one of those needle bearing attachments so they can lube where no zerks exist. And they take care of the KR - plastic over the seat back and bottom and those paper mats / they even use a towel then they drive it into the bay. I've been tipping them since I moved to Northern California and it's paying off.

 

The first oil change is always the worst one. I've had good results with oil filter pliers grabbing hold of the base of the filter near where it screws to the adapter; grab it just above the rear of the drip guard thingy and turn clockwise (since you're looking at it backwards - looking at it from the front would make it counter clockwise).

 

I stand corrected... the oil is 5-20 (not 5-25 as stated in my post).