I have the stock oil filter on my 01 5.4. Its not the easiest place to work but I will struggle along. My problem is that I have difficulty in getting the filters off. I usually put them on with one of those slip on serrated cups and a 3/8 drive rachet. I don't tighten hard, just snug. I don't feel comfortable doing it with hand pressure only because I can't judge the torque well because of the weird angle my hand is at. So generally they come off with the same cup socket but sometimes the cups strips around the filter. I don't think the filters are all the consistant from one brand to the other and sometimes I change. I am also tired of trying a bunch of crappy filter wrenches that don't work. Can someone recommend a 1st class filter removal wrench, and tell me where you found it.

 

I have a 2002 with a 5.4 but have not had to change my oil yet. I have seen where the filter is and it does look like a snug area. on my old 1998 with a 4.6 I started using the new fram filters, the ones with the black better grip surface around the filter, And did'nt have too much trouble getting them on and off. basically I made sure it was only hand tight when applied and the truck cooled down enough to bare grabbing the filter when I took it off.

If you can work with your hand around the filter enough, like I said I have not checked it myself, you could probably get rid of the filter wrench all together.

If not, I have had previous luck using those metal band type filter wrenches. Just a thought??

Good luck!!

 

I don't know how much room you have in there (I have the dealer change my oil for now) but I would suggest trying a strap wrench. You might find one in the plumbing section of the hardware store. I had one (since lost) that was plastic, had a good strong strap, had a relatively short handle (easier to work in a confined space) and was pretty cheap. I got it for work but it was pretty useless for the things it's supposed to be for. I think it would work well to remove an oil filter.

 

If you guys think your trucks are hard to get to...you should try a stock 4.6 Thunderbird/Cougar.

I've been using the same fram oil filter wrench for years...get under there...loosen it 1-2 turns and then take it off by hand....it's really not that tough once you do it once or twice you'll have a method...doesn't take me but 10-15 minutes on the truck....no front sway bar on the Bird anymore so filter change is easier now.

Seabass

 

I've had pretty good luck with a tool that I found at NAPA Auto Parts. I'm not sure what its called, but I'll try and describe it to you.

It is round and about 3" in diameter with 3 claws that grip the filter. You attach it to a 3/8 inch ratchet ( thin head and short handle works best). When you turn the ratchet counter-clockwise, the claws grip the filter and loosen it. I'm pretty sure that it cost less than $10.

When I install the filter, I tighten it by hand ( a little more than 3/4 turn after the gasket makes contact with motor).

 

I still have the same metal strap oil wrench. Got it at a Napa over 20 years ago, and still going stong.

This is the type where the metal strap is in a loop, that tightens around the filter when pressure is applied.
It slips over the end of the filter real easy, but i only get about 1/4 of a turn per time.
Yet another reason next oil change is the remote oil kit...I love being lazy about things <g>

 

Is the oil filter as difficult to remove on a 2-wheel drive F-150 as it is on a 4x4? I haven't been under a 2WD since they changed the body style and front suspension.

 

Take some 80 Grit sand paper............fold it in half....so the grit is on both sides of the paper........then fold it over the ring of a strap wrench and crank away.....the sand paper will "Grab" the filter. Works every time.

 

The filter is above the front suspension on the drivers side.
This is "hidden" to the point that Ford welded a drip pan to the memeber, with a slit cut in to drain the oil out of the drip pan.

This is how it is on the SCrew, I am not 100% sure of all the others, but the SCrew i this way.

BTW that sandpaper trick is good if you strap wrench won't grip the filter. If you don't over tighten it, it should not be bad to get off, but always nice to have a trick up your sleeve just in case.

I do the sandpaper if I have problems, I have never done the screw driver through the filter trick.

 

A strap wrench is going to be your best bet. I believe sears has them in a 2 pak, one small one and one large one. If it doesnt work the way you want it to, thats ok, it will work for many other things. Mine has come in handy several times at home or on vehicles!

 

Just for imput, K&N has a socket end on their oil filters.

 

I've got the 3" diameter metal loop strap filter wrench that has 3 sets of teeth that grab the filter as you turn it counter-clockwise. You can get it at any local parts store for about $5-$10. I have the 4.2l v6 so it's a little easier to maneuver. Also while your at the parts store, look for an adjustable filter wrench that has a rotatable handle. That could help you at an awkward angle. Just my 2 bits.

 

couple of things...

The 2wd should be easy... no differential in the way.

The 4x4 is a pain... the diff is directly underneat it... the reason they put that drip pan in there isn't for the "less-mess" factor, it's because without it, the oil would drip don on all sides of the front diff, and it would appear that the pinion seal had developed a leak. Ford was replacing a lot of pinion seals needlessly, so the drip pan eliminated 95% of the "leaky" pinion seals.

-Joe-

 

haze10,
A rubber lined strap wrench has worked for me for the last 6 years. Stay away from those fram filters...

 

Hmmm, I don't use any tool. I tighten real good by hand. Then I can also remove with a tiny bit of grunt. Never leaks. They require very little torque to seal.