Went ahead and did the first oil change yesterday (1993 ford ranger 4.0l V6) ran into a huge issue. I had gotten the FL-1a ahead of time, however when we got the old one off realized its way to wide to fit. It looks like there is a factory 90 degree filter relocate (I am guessing it is Ford Part # F77Z6881AA), added a photo below. The problem is I cannot find it listed anywhere at to what filter actually fits (and according to everything I've read the 90 degree adapter is only for 1997+) due to the width needing to be narrower since there's a conflict with the exhaust and transmission lines. We went ahead and got the same one it had on it (R58816), But I'm concerned its not the correct one and don't want to damage the engine.

 

Did you try cross referencing that filter # that was on it?

 

Numbers are stamped on parts for a reason.
What you've got in your pic is CarQuest# R85516, SpinOnThread 3/4"-16tpi, OutsideDiam 2.984", Height 4.922"
Google is your friend.
https://www.google.ca/search?source=...4dUDCAg&uact=5

 

When I look up my 460 in my F350 which also takes a FL-1A, Advance says it takes an R85515?

So I searched for the filter you have (R85516), and then plugged in your specific vehicle info and it says that filter does not fit your vehicle. So you probably need the R85515 and either grabbed or were given the wrong filter. I'm not sure why you had this filter on the truck in the first place other than maybe somebody before you was given the wrong filter and didn't notice.

 

Beware, forum threads on oil\filters tend to raise strong opinions, akin to religion\politics.
MotorCraft# FL1A is the OE spec filter for your year\engine; it has a 3/4"~16tpi SpinOnThread.
If for some reason it does not fit, possibly due to a custom\modified exhaust manifold,
other narrower filters with a 3/4"~16tpi SpinOnThread will fit the filter mount male threads,
though be sure the narrower filter has
the same or slightly higher Flow\GPM rating compared to the FL1A,
and same or slightly lower Bypass\PSI rating compared to the FL1A.
I prefer K&N filters with a longer narrower body & easy-off hex nut, though they are more expensive.
For specs, google your filter part# & "outside diameter" & "height".

 

Thanks for the replies. I went to the local Ford dealership and luckily there are a couple of guys there who have been there since the 80's. They said for some reason the manuals/books never updated since they had to start putting the 90 degree extension, and that the FL-400 used for the 3.0L V6 is the correct one.

 

Cross reference. I started to say the number on the other filter crosses to M/C FL400S