I know this is a stupid question, but where on earth is my oil filter?

I've recently purchace a 1997 F-150 4x4 with a 4.6L engine. It's my first truck and though I've wrenched all my life, I'm recovering from back surgery and I'd rather spend as little time crawling around as possible.

I've ordered a Maintenace Manual, but I'd rather not wait for it to change the oil.

I can't see it any where on the engine. Is the filter remote mounted on the 4x4's and if so where.

Feeling like an idiot in Wisconsin,
Doug

 

Check behind the front bumper- drivers side (I think). It a remote, and if you ever get into a minor fender bender in that area, make sure the truck is shut off- till you make sure that you havn't severed an oil line. (thats what killed my 98- drained the engine of oil, after I got whacked by an old timer backing out of his parking space.)

 

Don't feel bad about not finding the filter, I too bought a used 97 with the 4.6. I drained the oil and crawled all over that thing looking for the filter, I finally called the guys at the local Auto Zone and told the guys to go ahead and laugh but where the heck is the filter!!
Super easy to change, driver side inside the bumper, lift the fender liner and there it is.
Good luck with the back, I've had back surgery before also, mine worked, hope yours does too.

 

Thank you both for the answers, it's much appreciated.

As far as the back goes. It seems to be healing up fine this time. It's my secound surgery for a bulging disk in 4 months. Got the first one fixed and a second one went to hell. Now they are both fixed and (cross my fingers and knock on wood) I should be good in a little over a month.

Thank you again, Have a Great Day!!