I recently had an oil change on my 3.0 liter v6 2008 Ranger with 11,800 miles. The air filter was surprisingly dirty, and the lube technician suggested changing it out. I wasn't going to spend the 21.99 knowing I can get one Wal-Mart for 12.99 or so.

Research and opinions indicate that Fram is not necessarily the best to buy. My vehicle calls for the FA 1658. www.automotivefiltersdirect.com has the equivalent for 8.72 + shipping.


The part number is E77Z9601AA-RPL (FA1658-RPL). I presume the RPL means replaces.

It says it is compatible with the Ranger - V6 182 3.0L F.I. (VIN U) (1998-2007). Also, I assume they didn't update the list of vehicles since the 08's came out. My VIN is 1FTYR44U etc.

This seems to be the correct one and does anyone have experience with this particular brand or company?? Any thoughts would be appreciated and thanks in advance.

Michael

** Edit ** I double-checked the site and they have a $25 minimum, and I do not need anything else. Any other brand besides KandN that would provide a durable longer lasting filter at an affordable price??

 

motorcraft. try oreillys

 

K&N drop in reusable FTW

 

+1 K&N....pay the high price once and then just wash it from then on out

 

The Fram air filters aren't bad at all. Its just their oil filters. I've been running a Fram air filter for a while.

 

Any of the OEM paper filters are ok, Motorcraft, Purolator, Wix, etc. ....

Stay away from the K&N's, all they pass more than the OEM paper filter is dirt and oil.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Takeda

Any of the OEM paper filters are ok, Motorcraft, Purolator, Wix, etc. ....

Stay away from the K&N's, all they pass more than the OEM paper filter is dirt and oil.

I knew you would chime in....

Quote:

Originally Posted by slyhog

K&N drop in reusable FTW

Obviously we don't all agree what the best air filter is for our trucks. I vote for K&N, but Takeda and I have had a good long conversation about the pros and cons.

 

+1 on Takeda's statement. I just saw a report on aftermarket washable filters, diesel ones but I figure they're the same as gas ones, and they showed that they are a total gimmik. They pass more air but also way more dirt no matter how well you look after them. Stock paper were the best by far. I will try to find that report again. It was in some diesel truck forum and the guy who did it went out and bought all the filters himself so no bias on his part and used some very fancy equipment he had at work to do the tests.
Kim

 

I appreciate everyone's input. I have noticed since before the oil change that my vehicle runs slightly sluggish and from a dead stop idles so low it almost feels like it is going to stall. I am surprised at the build-up because I checked after the last oil change at 8500 and the filter looked almost brand new.

I'm not 100% sure what I'll get, but I feel more confident that the paper one's are OK. To change the subject, I still can't believe how bad some of the Fram Oil Filters supposedly are. If oil change places use cheap filters along with the many do-it-yourself types I would think cars would fall apart left and right. My dad used to use Fram's all the time on multiple vehicles (unless Motorcraft was on sale). He never had a problem. Plus, one concern of oil filters is they can only catch so much -- that is why we change the oil and filter every 3K. You can't necessarily go by the looks.

Thanks again.

 

+1 Takeda. Check out this and see what you think, http://duramax-diesel.com/spicer/index.htm I know it is for diesels but I think it would be the same for gas engine filters also
Kim

 

Yes, I have seen that report before! The K&N is capable of passing more air than the OEM paper filter, all you have to do is look at the size of the holes in the filter media. However, the OEM paper filter will pass way more air than the engine will pull. So, bottom line you won't get any more air with the K&N, just more dirt and oil.

 

I use a K&N. It's cheaper than buy a new paper one all the time.

I have never had a problem in the four different cars that I have used a K&N on.

 

It may be cheaper in the short term and if you get new vehicles every few years probably won't matter to you but I plan on keeping mine for a while and I will never ever put anything but paper in mine. I had a K&N in my F-150 and I always wondered why the oil looked dirtier at 5000km than on any other vehicle I had ever done oil changes on. I took the K&N out after reading this report and went back to cheapy papers and the oil was visibly cleaner than before at the same mileage.
Kim

 

This is why K&N users report high Si levels that do UOA.

 

I have never seen my oil get "dirtier" while using a K&N air filter. I had one on my Ranger for about two years with no problems. My 93 Mazda RX7 TT had for four years with no problems up until the day I sold it. My Civic and Integra also had K&Ns installed with no problems.

Also I don't see how the oil can be sucked from the filter. My RX7's turbos running 14psi couldn't suck the oil from the filter. You have to be a complete moron if you are having problems with oil on your MAF or any other sensors.

 

Most people over oil their filters. I know my brother did when he cleaned mine. I've never had a prob as long as you don't over oil them.

 

There's been mixed reviews with the K&N. I ran one on my 99 Blazer for years, and it's still being run and doesn't have any problems. I don't have a K&N for my Ranger but I ran Purolator and was impressed by it. Had to change it after a very dusty off road meet but the filter was pretty well coated with dirty leading me to hope that it kept most out of the engine. Purolator is usually a little more expensive but I'd say worth it for air and oil filters as well.

 

I finally bought a Fram ToughGuard air filter and plan on putting in tomorrow. Thanks for all who chimed in.

 

Hey fifthranger, i have a question. This is not about your ? but since i also have an '08' ranger 3.0 auto trans let me ask this ?.

Does your truck have a rough or for lack of a better term "grinding" feel to it at around 1500rpm with the A/C on?

 

I ran the K&N it did great till it came time for me to clean it, I washed it, and let it dry, then moved on the the oiling part... either I didn't put enough on it or too much, the scangauge even showed me I was running 2-3 degrees hotter with the K&N vs. a new WICK (OEM quality) filter...

my opinion if you know what your doing go ahead by the K&N but if you want something you know won't harm your engine keep it stock...

 

K&N all the way.
And Fram Oil Filters are fine.

 

my dad has ruined three motors running a fram oil filter. the elements come apart and go throw the motor.

 

K&N all the way, have ran one in every vehicle i have owned. They pay for themselves over and over. Improve gas mileage and are reusable. I do not beileive any of that B.S about them passing more dirt for a second. These filters are world renown, used in race applications all over. And the only time i see there being aproblem with them, is when they are re-oiled... i usually just chuck mine in the garbage when its time to recharge it, and buy a new one.

Amsoil also makes a very good air filter, also re-usable. You spray it down.

 

They're complete junk, I think thats something that anyone with half a brain on this site can agree on.

 

What oil filter do you use? think is best?