I find that the oil filter on my 1999 3.0 Ranger is very difficult to remove. I bolted and welded a 11/16" nut on the end of a metal cup oil filter wrench so that I can use a box/openend wrench to remove the filter. There is not enough room to put a cup filter wrench and socket ratchet on the end of the filter, the frame is too close. I tried the band type oil filter wrench, but there really isn't enough room. I have tried Motorcraft and Fram oil filters. I see that the K&N oil filters have a "nut" welded on the end of the filter. I would assume that the K&N oil filters are easier to remove. Any pros or cons to the K&N filter? I know they cost more, but I'll live with it. I use GTX 10W30 conventional oil. I change the oil and filter every 3-4 months, never over 3,000 miles.

 

just stick your hand down there and turn it, ive never had to use a wrench, if your haveing trouble loosing it by hand then you have it on way to tight...

 

Exactly what he said. Make sure you got some good heat resistant gloves on

 

I wish some one had told me about the heat resistant gloves about six months ago. Some dummy, who I shall not name, now has a nice burn scar on the back of his hand.

 

chicks dig scars

 

I get to mine through the wheel well. When the gap guard is out of the way, it's not hard to get to -- it helps though that my truck is lifted.

 

I get mine out the same way as n3elz. I find it a lot easier then going at it from the top.

 

if its on too tight you can always stick a screwdriver through it and get it out that way... i have had to do that since i have been using amsoil oil and filters... maybe the longer use is causing them to sitck

 

Oil the gasket when you put it on. Follow the filter instructions dont overtighten
you shouldnt need much to take it off.

That being said i CRUSHED one on a 2001 chevy tracker last week..
It was STUCK.. and I am the last person who changed the oil ..
I was like WTF.

 

i find that it is easier from underneath, but that is just me

 

I find it a lot easier to get it from underneath the truck too. If it is on tight, just buy some mechanics gloves at sears or something.

 

I went in through the wheel well, and it was pretty easy. A lot of people overtighten oil filters. They don't need to be really wrenched on there.

 

with the k&n it comes with the nut

its not that hard to get off, just reach down there and turn it.......when you do this make sure the engine is not hot like you said

 

You should not change the oil on a cold engine. I drive my truck around for 20 minutes, then immediately change it so the most oil possible gets drained.

 

Like these guys said, it shouldn't be on there so tight you have to wrench it off. It does happen though. Last time mine got stuck I went after it from underneath with a pair of channel locks.....

 

I have to go underneath to get mine off because i am to short to get it from the top. but I have never had a problem getting a filter off except for some burns to my knuckles and hot oil running down my arm.