I'm pulling the 7.3 out of my '02 X. Was watching a YouTube video where the guy disconnected the fuel lines at the connection behind the crossmember below cylinder 6. It was an F250 with the cab off the frame, so maybe that location was convenient, but on the X, that's a difficult place to reach.

Is there any reason not to disconnect the fuel lines right up front where they connect to the block?

 

Pull the fender/wheel well liner, and you will have great access. Disconnecting up by the block doesn't allow you to get the engine out without damaging the lines that are still attached to the frame/fuel pump.

 

I agree that not damaging the lines is a good reason - but I gotta say I don't see damaging them as being a big issue if they're pulled off to the side.

I've never pulled one of these before, so I'm perfectly willing to admit I don't know what I don't know.

 

They run between the oil cooler and the block...or maybe it was the power steering bracket. You would have to remove that to keep from ripping them out.