This is my 2nd Super Crew (I now have a 2003, and originally had a 2001) and decided I'd change the oil myself on this one. Anyone out there have any tips on how to change the oil filter without getting oil all over the place? I can't understand why car/truck manufacturers can put them in a more accessible place. Today I tried using an extra large ziplock back over the filter while unscrewed it but still spilt some oil. Anyone have any good suggestions?

 

I just changed my oil last week (2003 4x4) and when I was taking the filter off, I was sure oil was going to go all over the front differential and make a big mess. Well, after getting the filter off I couldn't get the darn thing back on. I looked at it up and down and found out there was a piece of plastic that catches all the oil (to keep oil form getting on the front diff) and this particular piece of plastic needs to be removed in order to screw the new filter back on. I thought to myself, that’s a really good idea Ford came up with. I just wish I knew before I started to change my oil that I had to take that piece of plastic off in order to put on the new filter on. Other than spending 10mins trying to figure out how to replace the new filter, things went great.

 

On mine I have to turn the wheels to the right before attempting to remove the filter. That gives me enough room (barely) to get the filter out, without too big of a mess. I still have to use a second oil pan under the filter though.

You might try a search on remote oil filters. Several on this forum have been swearing by them.

 

I recently bought my first ford p/u and I love the truck. Until I went to change the oil filter!! I'm not trying to insult anyone but all my chevys had the oil filter right in the back of the block in a vertical position that was a cinch to change. I think Godzilla tightened this filter and I had to come from the top back side with a very long screwdriver and beat it with a hammer to loosen it. This location on my 01 Screw with 4wd is really stupid. I didn't get much oil mess when I changed it but MAN its hard to get to.

 

My old '97 F150 had the remote filter location under the front driver's side bumper. That was standard back then. I learned on this forum that Ford went to a money-saving position in subsequent models, moving the filter back to the block. Very hard to get to and even harder to do a clean change.
I took the lazy man's approach. I stopped changing my own filter and let the dealership change it for me. 20 bucks and I get a coffee and donuts while I wait 30 minutes. No muss, no fuss, and I get to look at new Fords the whole time.

Wildcatter is correct, do a search, there is a thread that talks about getting the orginal Ford kit to relocate the filter back to the Pre-98 position.

 

That's strange...I changed my oil a couple of weeks ago and did not have to take the plastic piece off to get the filter back on. If you were able to take the filter off with the plastic piece there why would you need to remove it to reinstall?? There was a wire loom that kept getting in the way, but you just have to push it out of your way.

 

I tried for about 10 minutes to put the new filter back on. Finally, I got fed up with it and took the piece of plastic off. I thought it might be a good idea to remove it to, so you can clean up all the oil that is left behind when you remove the old filter.

 

I know exactly what you mean. My first oil change was a nightmare. I had to drive a long screwdriver though the filter and then torque the hell out of the screwdriver. Ford must air wrench those filters on. Next truck I get, I'll let the dealership do the first oil change, then I'll take it from there. I'm not going though that again.

 

I changed my own oil every time. I did prolly 9-10 changes on my '99 and have done 2 so far on my '01. Both have the plastic piece to channel the oil over the front diff into a spillway where a catch pan(bucket) should be waiting. I have never had to remove the plastic "diverter" to get the new filter on. It would be nice to have the remote filter like the '97's had, though.

I use an old oil filter wrench that is prolly 20 yrs old. it is kinda in the style of a strap wrench, only instead of a strap, it has a metal band that grips the filter tighter as you push/pull the handle. Never had a prob getting the filter off.

A humurous little side note:
I ALWAYS check my old filter to make sure the circular rubber gasket came off with the filter instead of sticking to the block. Hundreds of oil changes I have done this without fail....until once about 2 yrs ago on my '99 SCab. I was in a hurry and didn't look. after all...never has the gasket ever stuck to the block before......well...this time it did.
I hurridly twisted the new filter on and poured in the precious Mobil1. When I fired the engine, I heard a strange "spewing" sound. Yep...this one time, the gasket stuck to the block preventing a good seal. I shut down the engine, stepped out of the truck to find at least a quart of Mobil1 spewed all over my shop floor under the truck! :o What a mess!