Went to the parts store to get a new fuel filter. Guy said there are 2 different ones and he needed to know my production date. Prior to 5/13 or after 5/14 they are different.

I have a 01 4.0 4x4. I just guessed and went with the one that is longer and skinny. Went to change it and looks like a shorter fat fuel filter is already on there? Are they really different? Does it matter?

Thanks

 

2001 was the model year the Ranger's previous 4.0l OHV engine(160HP, VIN X) was changed to a 4.0l SOHC engine (207HP, VIN E).

The 4.0l SOHC having 47 more horse power probably needed a higher flow rating than the 4.0l OHV engine's filter.
Would either work for the other when new, probably, but specs for flow in a fuel filter are done the same as an air filter, they are expected to trap(filter) debris so over time the flow will decrease, usually flow rating is 150% to 200% above actual flow needed at full throttle.
So a 4.0l OHV filter used on a 4.0l SOHC engine wouldn't last as long as it trapped debris(clogged up).

They may also have different fittings, can't speak to that part.

If you open the hood you will see if you have a 4.0l SOHC engine, because it will be right across the top of the engine.
Or look at the 8th number on the VIN plate(windshield), X = OHV, E = SOHC

 

I have the SOHC engine. So it needs the bigger fuel filter???

 

I have never seen the SOHC filter so can't say about the size, my point was that might be why there were 2 different filters listed.

 

Last fall I changed the fuel filter on my '03 4.0, so SOHC, and the superceeded Motorcarft filter was more skinny and longer than the older fuel filter that was on there (I'd changed it once before, and I don't remember remembering that when I did that that the filters then looked different). I'm wondering now if I am really running the right fuel filter? Everything hooked back up as far as connections go...