Going to do new trucks first oil change and need to know what type of filter wrench to use. I have always had "GM's" and never had a problem, but with my new F150 none of the filter wrenches I have will work. I have a 2005 F150 KingRanch 4X4. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Thanks.......

 

Welcome to the site

I drive a 98, but hear the stories of new truck owners.
The first filter is a b!tch to get off since the factory doesn't oil the filter o-ring.

Let the dealership do it.
Our local Ford dealer does oil/filter change for a $20 bill out-the-door.
Not a special. Every day.

I change my own anyhow

 

Jim is correct.....filter was a ***** to take off After that I would go with a Mobil 1 or Amsoil filter

 

With my 4.2 L I can get at the filter either with a strap type wrench or the kind you use with a socket wrench.

 

I have found that the easiest way to get the filter off is with the cup type filter wrench. The type that fits over the end of the filter. That with a 10-12" extension and a ratchet works quite well. Oil for the most part, unless I get in a rush, drops onto the plastic channel put below the filter and drops behind the axle.
That being said, they put the original on TIGHT. I let the dealer do the first one. After that it is very easy.

 

For removing the stubborn factory filter, use a wrench that has "fingers" that clamp down on the sides of the filter when pressure is applied with a ratchet. The more pressure you apply, the more pressure the wrench puts on the filter -- it'll come off! Here is what mine looks like:




For subsequent changes, remove your filter using a cap-type wrench that just slips over the end of the filter. When installing your filters, remember to apply a thin coating of oil to the filter gasket -- this will make it a snap to remove when the time comes. Here is what mine looks like:

 

Nice photos. A old mechanic once told me that for a filter that you can't budge, and/or have bent the bottom, punch a Phillips screwdriver through it. That gives enough leverage to get it loose. Have you ever tried that?

 

Yes, I've used the ol'phil screwdriver to get a couple off. It's messy.

Punch as close to the threaded nipple as you dare. Further back and you risk just crushing the filter more.

 

I read recently, either here or a Cub Cadet (lawn/garden tractors) mailing list I belong to, that if you don't want the oil all over the place when you remove the filter punch a hole in the lowest point. After loosening it use an awl or ice pick and let it drain before taking it off. Seems like a good idea if you have to go the screwdriver route.

 

That's true, Poly, but there are/were vehicles that that technique would not work.

Back in the day, there were no special oil filter removal tools/gadgets. And to be honest, you rarely needed one. Filters weren't torqued down like some do them today. i.e. Your Quick Lubes and others. Hand tight was as good as it got. And the way it still should be.

 

This model works a little better than the fingers model. It is spring loaded to help hand on to the filter.



I personally prefer this set, especially the ones with the curved head



All new ford 5.4's are a real bizitch to get off, no matter what model. Then again, when you change oil all day, you get used to it

 

Years ago I made a filter wrench that has worked on most vehicles that I've owned. The ones it doesn't work on I use a set of filter pliers that look like channel locks with large round jaws. To make the filter wrench take about 10" of old seat belt. Make a loop and bolt it with a couple of quarter inch bolts to a piece of 1/2" conduit or pipe. At first I made a T handle out of conduit but later I cut it of just past the seatbelt loop and welded an old 3/8 socket to the end. You can then use any extention and your ratchet. The tighter you twist the tighter it grips the filter.

 

Indeed, for the first oil change, it's worth it to pay someone else to get the first filter off. The first one is always the worst. Also, when you do get it off, make sure that the seal comes with it. My ex's first seal stuck when the filter came off, and the second filter pee'd all over the place before she realized what had happened.

Also, I never recommend punching the hole in an F-150 filter. It's just too doggone tight to twist it once you have the screwdriver in it, and all you end up doing is making a mess.

-Joe