So I changed the oil on my 09 5.4 today. I honestly was thinking about selling the truck. The oil filter has got to be in one of the most difficult places I've ever seen on a vehicle. I got a filter wrench on it & scratched my arms up pretty good reaching down from the top so I had leverage to turn it.

So anyone got any tips on changing out that oil filter?

I'd hate to sell this truck because of such poor engineering.

 

I change mine from underneath. The lower rad hose is in the way a little but no biggie. You could always just take it somewhere for an OC

 

Buy a remote filter kit. It will be the best money you ever spent.

 

You have a link for that kit? And for me the Fumoto valve is probably the best $$ I ever spent. Well, maybe the wifes engagement ring was...

 

Trans Dapt 1127 - Trans Dapt Performance Products Oil Filter Relocation Kits

can be found on jegs.com for less than $70. I would consider purchasing if I had difficulties with the filter, however I have the 4.6 and don't have any issues.

 

I changed my old 04 fx4 filter from underneath, messy as hell but way easier from below.

 

I tried underneath too, no angle to get my filter wrench on it. I put a KN oil filter on it which has a nut. It was a bear getting it tightened for the same reasons... no place to move the wrench, but I'll buy a 1" socket for the next OC and see how that goes.

I'm pretty hesitant about letting others do maintenance on my vehicles...
1 - I'm cheap
2 - I actually enjoy working on them
3 - I confident with the work when I'm done

The OC is one of the very last services I would pay someone to do for me... they never drain it long enough, I've fixed 2 oil pans with stripped, and had 1 where they didn't remove the old filter seal.

I recognize that there are many, many OC places and folks get their oil changed at them every day... I'm just not going to be one of them.

 

Looks like the winner to me.. I'll have to try that one out.

 

after looking at the kit i mentioned i'd probably go with a different one. There are a few for around $120 and seem to be a little better looking/built with braided lines and sturdier looking filter mounts... just a thought!

 

don't buy an eco boost OP, you about have to be a contortionist to get to it. I really like the placement of the oil filter on my 6.2 powered SD, right next to the oil pan and out in the open where it is easy to reach.

I didn't like the placement of the filter on my '05 5.4 but it wasn't too bad as long as you didn't put it on too tight. The first time I changed the oil it took me a long time to get the factory installed filter off.

My old '97 F150 had the filter mounted behind left side of the front bumper, IMO that was an accident waiting to happen but it was really easy to get at.

 

Have to say that the filter on Excursion PSD is hands down the easiest filter I've ever had to change out.

 

The winner was the idea more so than the product. More research is required before I do something like fiddle with the blood of my engine.

 

Not sure if this would come in handy for the filter removal, but here's a Form-A-Funnel.
Form-A-Funnel® Flexible Draining Tool

For the oil change part, tossing the stock drain plug and getting the EZ Oil Drain Valve is pretty nice and E-Z. That's one less thing to deal with.
USE Coupon Code: LABOR10 to get 10%OFF an EZ Oil Drain Valve! http://www.oildrainvalve.net/

 

Why? Motorcraft filter is what, $4 at Wallyworld? And I use a wrench like THIS and I have very little trouble. I hand tighten and then put a quarter to half turn on the filter with the wrench and have yet to have it leak. Agreed on paying for an OC, I prefer to do my own

 

Maybe modify a tool like this? With a bigger jaw or strap?
RIDGID Telescoping Basin Wrench-31175 at The Home Depot
I saw a "Gator Wrench" and they are $$$ for a big set of pliers.