Just changed it on the wifes 03 Nav. Not a horrible job but a bit of a PITA if you have big hands. Front dif makes things a little tight. 1/2 universal with some extension and you can get to that back bolt. I removed the catch tray they have under the filter to create another hole I could wiggle a had into. After draining Oil and coolant. Just remove the electrical connector, lower Radiator hose, and four bolts. I cleaned the surfaces good and reversed everything from there. Hopefully that takes care of the problems.
Glad to answer some questions if there is any. I know I have got a lot of help from here and the 7.3 forums.
thanks guys

 

Did you happen to take pictures that you can post of the procedure as you progressed?

 

My bad I did not. I am always forgetting that part. It is pretty self explanatory though. I found a read somewhere that went step by step but not much to it.

 

Which seal is it that goes bad? I can't find a write up anywhere. I've found a seal between the adapter and block that I'm guessing is the culprit. Funny shaped with three holes in it. Just purchased an 00 expy and haven't cleaned the mess away to see what's leaking. Want to pick up parts to fix at next oil change.

 

yep that is the one I changed I havent really looked yet but have not noticed any oil dripping since. Other than the tight quarters it is a fairly easy job. Smaller hands would be much better.
If you cant find a decent deal on the seal let me know. When I was getting ready to change mine I could not find the one that I had bought for it months ago off the net and had to go buy one in town. So I have a brand new one in the sealed package. I dont remember what the cost but if it is too much I am sure we can work something out.
Not sure if it has a drip tray on the Expy but it helped a lot to remove it from the Nav. I just left it off. I will try to find that read and post a link for ya. Let me know if you have anything I might be able to help with.
OUT

 

OK here you go msw244 explains the process very well I still need to give him some props.
02 Navigator Oil Filter Adapter Leak - HELP! - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars
Only thing I disagree on is which bolt he says is the hardest to get to. The back one is by far the hardest for me. The only thing I can think of is that he might have had a two wheel drive. That front diff makes things pretty tight.

 

Mine's 2WD so the process seems easier. I'll remove the wheel and inner fender. I do not have small hands, but I have extensions and knuckles. I don't know if the parts are different between SOHC and DOHC. I'll take it off your hands if you can't return it.

 

I wouldnt know either. They are not even $20 I dont think so probably better make sure you get the right one.
The one I have is a Victor Reinz B31584
If yours is 2WD I would imagine it would be a lot easier to get to that back bolt. I did not remove wheel or inner fender
Let me know how it goes. I am off to find the thread about running board motor Maintenance/repair.

 

Same part number. $11.29 at the local part store.