We're getting ready for a trip to Denver in early August and I want to get some things taken care of before we go. I'm getting the tranny serviced, oil change, new air filter.... and I was thinking this would be a good time to replace the fuel filter also. My question is how difficult is this? Is it something my mechanic should do, is it in the gas tank, or is it easily accessible? I'm ignorant about this I admit, but this is the place for answers like I'm looking for. Thanks guys in advance.

Well crap. If brains were apples I'd be a couple of bushels short. I forgot to mention my truck is a 98 Ranger XLT 4x4.

 

It is fairly easily accessible. It's up in the frame rail on the driver's side, forward of the midpoint of the truck. You don't need to be a mechanic. It is a little bit of a pain because you need a special little tool to release the lines off the filter. It is available for cheap at Autozone.

Just remember to release the fuel pressure if you try this. There are many threads here that go into detail about the whole thing. Just do a search on fuel filter in this forum.

-Jim

 

Thanks Jim. I'll do a search tomorrow. Glad it isn't a complicated cluster. I've heard horror stories about other vehicles that required removing the gas tank, etc..... I often wished that automotive engineers had to work on what they design.

 

Access to the filter is fine. Its the connectors that cause all the migraines.

 

Even with the tool, it's a royal pain in the butt to get that thing off. Makes me mad every time I think about having to do it.

 

I spoke with my mechanic today regarding getting the tranny serviced and all that next week. About $29 labor, $20 for the filter. I'll just buy the filter and have him install it. I don't have the tools and patience I used to. Plus, if it takes a special tool it's a sure bet I'm going to have trouble.

Thanks for the input.