Hey folks. I went to change my fuel filter this week and noticed there are no good guides on it. This guide should cover all fuel injected trucks from 1987 1992 to 1996 and 1997 HD trucks. I do not believe it applies to diesel or carb'd trucks, but I may be wrong.
Ford recommends changing your fuel filter every 30k miles with normal use or 15k miles in severe/heavy use, unless your truck has Cali emissions then you only need to change it if it's clogged.

BEFORE STARTING, DEPRESSURIZE YOUR FUEL SYSTEM. The easiest way to do this is to start the truck, then pull the fuel pump relay and let the truck die. Turn off the key afterwards.

So, pictured below is a Fuel Pump Replacement tool kit from autozone. They're holding $100 of mine while I use it. All we need to complete this repair is the little black thing in the middle. The long arm sadly are too bulky to be used on the fuel filter. However, if you're using them on a fuel tank, you want the red 5/16" tool.


This is what the tool looks like when you go to use it. I took the rubber bands off of the red and blue tools and wrapped them around each end to make it easier to handle. You want to use the small side.


Your fuel filter is located under the driver side of the cab, behind the transmission cross member, just ahead of the front fuel tank. First, push the metal safety clip off. Then, you'll put the tool on the filter as pictured below and push the plastic under the hose. Start with the line heading towards the motor. Once you've pushed the plastic under the metal, the hose should pull off.
For the rear line, it's a massive PITA. What I found was easiest was to get the tool under the line first, then, use a 10mm deep socket to unbolt the bracket from the frame rail, and remove the entire clip and pump. If you can get it out without doing that, more power to you. You will also need to remove the safety clip here. It does come off completely, unlike the front one which is attached to the fuel line.


To install the new filter, simply push the lines back on. You don't need any special tools to reinstall. Turn your key and cycle the pump 3 - 4 times before trying to start your truck, and check for leaks.

 

FYI 85 (first EFI in trucks was 85 on the 302) to 91 do not need the tool.

 

Yep. I use a pocket screwdriver to remove the retaining clips on the ‘87 & ‘89. For years I have used the ~$8 disconnects from Lisle on my fuel and air conditioning lines.

 

Noted! I appreciate it. I'll adjust the text above. I never changed the filter on my 87 but I remembered it being very similar to this one.

 

I have both styles of removal tools as shown above.
I bought the Lisle set for AC connections and it works great for that and gives you more options on sizing.
The scissor types aren't that expensive and I would rather pay the $8 or 10 dollars to own it than go through the hassle and potential risk of the $100 "FREE" rental from the parts house.

Glad to see that you did it right instead of just ripping it apart as I've seen others do.

 

I like the fact you get the Dead blow, BFH, in case it's rusted on.