Just called my dealer to get a price on an air filter for my '06 F150. They want $35.78 for a plain stock air filter. Are they on crack? Can get a plain jane from auto zone for $11-$12 or a K&N drop in for $45. I know the dealer is more expensive, but why so much for a dang filter? I'd expect may $20-$25, not no $35. What's so special about a motorcraft/ford filter?

 

I would give the fte parts guy a try. www.ftepartsguy.com Walmart might even sell it.

 

Murray's got motorcraps for like $15-$20

 

I would not buy the filter from the dealer. Go to any part store and get the Motorcraft for much less. It's ridiculous that our dealers and still marking parts up as much as they do.

 

It is so expensive because it is the dealer, everything is expensive there!

I really like the S&B filters and their drop in filter is a great alternative to going all out with a full intake.

S&B OE Drop In Filter F-150

 

because it got ford name on it

 

Or you could get an AEM Dry Flow Panel filter. High flow, washable, reusable and non-oil. I got mine for $34.65 from intake systems. So far, so good and seems to have helped gas mileage a little.

 

F-150 2004-2007<br>Element Cleaner Air Filter - FL3-7215-04AA

 

I paid $16 and change for my air filter from my local Ford dealer!

 

you should always get just a bit beter performance and gas mileage after changing your air filter... truck is breathing easier... but... it's all down hill from there....unless you maintain it by regularly cleaning it.....

 

Dealers Don't Set The Price. Ford Sets The Retail Price, And Most Dealers Just Use That. The Dealer I Work At Sells Most Things At Wholesale To Compete With Napa, Auto Zone Ect. We Would Sell That Filter For Like $20
You Need To Buy A Quality Filter. I Have Seen Many Filters That Don't Fit Right, And Don't Seal. I Have Also Seen Cheap Filters Break Apart, And Tear.

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, I'll look into the sources everyone has provided.

Now I do want to get an intake system, but with the purchase of a new house some of the mods I've been budgeting for have been put on hold. I know this question has been asked more times than we can count, but what is everyones preference on intakes, even though many may differ. Of course there is K&N, S&B, AEM, AFE, Airaid and Volant, but not sure what people think works best on the 5.4L 3V. Also, should I get the enclosed box like some offer or the open air filter system? I've heard the open air box can have a negative effect, being it pulls the warm air from the engine compartment while the closed box draws in less air but it's cooler air. Unsure if those are just assumptions or if there is data backing those results. I had an S&B intake on my '99 Ranger that I liked, but that was almost 7 years ago so I'm unsure what advancements have been made regarding intakes.

Until I do splurge for the intake, I prefer to keep the truck as stock as possible and is why I'm looking at the motorcraft filter. I saw this filter on the net, somewhere, listed for roughly $18-$22 and is why I was so shocked at the dealers asking price. I do know the dealers charge more due to their overhead costs, but didn't think they were that bad. Oh well, the truck will last a few hundred miles until I can get one of these filters shipped to me.

 

For a CAI, people seem to like the closed box Volant. Seems to be the best.

I don't care if the Filter is Motorcraft or not, I just go to a parts store and get one a air filter for about $12.

 

I do like the Volant, but looks to cost more than most. Wonder if that cost is associated with true R&D and quality of material or just for the name.

I've tried the local auto store filters, but haven't been impressed. Like someone stated earlier, I've found some that don't fit right, are basically paper or don't filter well. This is why if I'm going with a basic filter, I'd prefer the OEM stuff. Just my opinion though.