What a terrible location for the filter. Driver's side, rear end of the block. And on it's side, so impossible to remove without spilling oil everywhere. Ford put a plastic drip pan under the filter to keep it from dripping on what, I wonder. So I can take the drip pan out and get the filter from below, or leave it in place and come from above. Trouble is, the steering shaft is in the way and I had to get on top of the engine to be able to reach down and barley get a wrench in there.

Is there something that I'm missing here? Anyone with a better method of changing this tiny little filter out?

I may have to resort to installing a filter relocation kit.

 

After struggling over the years to remove several stubborn OilFilters,
resolved to only use K&N OilFilters with the "EasyOff" 1inch HexHead.
More expensive than most Filters, but has saved much time+frustration.

 

Thanks, but that's not going to help. I have one of those large, stamped steel "sockets" that converts the standard filter to a 3/8" drive. A standard 3/8" ratchet has room for 2 clicks, a stubby has room for more. The issue is being so far a reach and my body position to reach it.

 

Your equipment in your signature would help.

I have the 04 with the 3.0L where the filter is on it's side under the head/exhaust on the driver's side. It is a bad location and I have fought it for years. A remote oil filter is not possible. I lay out 3 or 4 pig matts and put the oil tray under it and take it off and wiggling it around the steering linkage spilling oil all over everything. Once I have it out I make everything shiny and bright with brake cleaner. I add oil as the brake cleaner dries off then add a dry new oil filter. If I am lucky I can spin it on in 5 minutes. I have lost count on how many time I have walked away for a half hour after struggling for 10 to 15 minutes to spin it back on. I also use only Motorcraft filters and change the oil every 5K which for the past 2 years has been about every 14 months.

The Ranger has reverted to a parts runner. The discount I get in insurance for the multi-car discount is more than the insurance on the Ranger. Right now it is cheaper to keep the Ranger. The Ranger does get much better stop and go mileage than the F350. The F350 is a work truck and doesn't get moved unless it is making money.

 

Thanks and I made that change.

I don't see how a remote oil filter for yours is not possible. There won't be one listed for your vehicle on any website that I know of. However this is from Trans Dapt's site:


https://www.hedman.com/oil-filter-relocation-kits

Then you buy the kit, or separate components, that will fit your vehicle the best.

A kit includes a block adapter, a remote mount, plus the hoses and fittings to plumb them together. Block adapters can be straight through or 90-degrees; same with remote mounts.

For instance, T-D makes four kits for my filter size: # 1113, 1513, 1613 and 1813: all four combinations of straight-through and 90 degree fittings.

You can also use a different size remote mount for a different or larger filter.

 

I ordered a Derale 15715 kit from Summit for $48. That should fit my filter, and it comes with 10' of hose. I also ordered a Trans-Dapt 1028, to replace the remote mount in the kit. That will allow me to use a much larger filter, similar to a Motorcraft FL1A. These I buy in bulk for my antique Ford (Wix 51515).

I figure that I will mount the filter sideways, above and between the cross brace and anti-sway bar. That will allow me to loosen, let it rest there to drain, then remove it up and over the bar.

 

The Derale 15715 kit is all I need. For under $50. It fits the larger filter just fine. I'm on the road now, but will upload pics when I get back and do the job.