Can we talk about the oil filter location on the 3.0?

[pentode]

Ah yes, i should have figured the suspension would make a difference too. Good tip on the relocate kit, I’ve been wanting to do that for a while. It would make oil changes a lot more pleasant.

 

[Curious Hound]

Ah yes, i should have figured the suspension would make a difference too. Good tip on the relocate kit, I’ve been wanting to do that for a while. It would make oil changes a lot more pleasant.

There we go. That makes sense. I didn’t look at his model year.

 

[Uncle Gump]

The only thing I don't like about those relocation kits... there is at least a dozen added potential leak spots.

Usually the provided hose is barely worthy of being called oil hose.

 

[stmitch]

The only thing I don't like about those relocation kits... there is at least a dozen added potential leak spots.

Usually the provided hose is barely worthy of being called oil hose.

This is true. I threw out the rubber hose, screw clamps, and barb fittings that came with the kit and replaced them with threaded fittings and custom braided lines I made at work. I figure if it's good enough for high pressure hydraulics on heavy equipment/trucks, then it's good enough for low pressure oil on my street truck.

But not everybody has easy/cheap access to that stuff so I didn't bring it up. I'm sure most people have an industrial hose place not too far that could help them out for not too much money though.

 

[SenorNoob]

O'reilly's makes hoses like that. Just have to show them the ends you need and how long.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I figured @stmitch was on his game.

If you're gonna do it... might as well be the right way.

 

[bhgl]

Yeah this oil filter location sucks, hands down.

I thought I could do a quick oil + filter change during my 1 hour lunch break, after driving home and walking the dog. Needless to say that filter nearly got me fired as I couldn't drive the truck back to work with no filter and no oil lol.

Everything went fine until I had to put the new filter on with a hot engine you really do have to remember a pathway between all the lines and the steering column and get it in there with one hand. For that reason, I use those cheap FRAM oil filters that have the grip thing on the end so that I can AT least hold the thing while I'm being burned.

This is an oil change I DO NOT recommend doing with a hot engine.

As for the oil basically spilling everywhere, as a Canadian I actually don't mind, I just call it free undercoating haha

 

[Ranger850]

Having to remove a wheel to do an oil change is nuts. Reminds me of the Chrysler "cab forward" cars from 20 years ago that made you remove a wheel and the fender liner to change the battery. To do the same for an oil change is even worse. As a Datsun fan and owner, I had already ruled out Nissans based on the CVTs alone.

I'm curious about yuor Datsun. What is it?

 

[pentode]

I'm curious about yuor Datsun. What is it?

It's an '82 280ZX. It was headed to the scrap a few years back due to being essentially mechanically totaled (mostly blown up transmission) but I snagged it and I've brought it back to ship shape since then. Still needs some cosmetic love...

 

[Ranger850]

It's an '82 280ZX. It was headed to the scrap a few years back due to being essentially mechanically totaled (mostly blown up transmission) but I snagged it and I've brought it back to ship shape since then. Still needs some cosmetic love...

For some reason I cant see the pic . . .

 

[pentode]

Yeah this oil filter location sucks, hands down.

I thought I could do a quick oil + filter change during my 1 hour lunch break, after driving home and walking the dog. Needless to say that filter nearly got me fired as I couldn't drive the truck back to work with no filter and no oil lol.

Everything went fine until I had to put the new filter on with a hot engine you really do have to remember a pathway between all the lines and the steering column and get it in there with one hand. For that reason, I use those cheap FRAM oil filters that have the grip thing on the end so that I can AT least hold the thing while I'm being burned.

This is an oil change I DO NOT recommend doing with a hot engine.

As for the oil basically spilling everywhere, as a Canadian I actually don't mind, I just call it free undercoating haha

I’m glad I’m not the only one, based on a few of the responses I was starting to think I was crazy.
With the Ford filters, you sure better not get any oil on them or have any on your hands because it’s about as easy to hold on to as a greased eel. Doing that while getting burned just adds to the fun.

 

[pentode]

For some reason I cant see the pic . . .

There's the old girl.

 

[superj]

those are fun cars. even the automatics are a blast to drive. my brother had a few and loves them.

 

[flyin-lowe]

I bought my first Ranger for my son last week, 2004 with the 3.0. After reading this was worried about the first oil change. I let it run just long enough to pull it into my barn and then took out the drain plug. Let it drain for 10-15 minutes while I went to get a new drain plug washer. After watching a few YT videos I loosened the filter while standing by the front driver side tire. Moved the filter toward the front of the truck and there is enough room to lift it out. I did get under it and confirm mine has the build in funnel under the filter to keep it from making a mess on the starter. It sook a few seconds to get the new filter on the first time but not the worst thing I've ever had to do on a vehicle. (had a 65 barracuda that required the engine to be pulled to change the starter...) Hopefully this thing makes a good first vehicle for my 15 year old son. Overall it wasn't near as bad of a job as I was expecting.

 

[pentode]

My original intent was to vent, mostly in as humorous a way as possible, I certainly didn't want to scare anyone off.

I also must admit I never found the path from the front, which solves maybe half of my problems.

I didn't really mention the things I do that make it harder on myself. I prefer to do oil changes on warm engines... But by the time the oil is warm the manifolds are more than warm. . Also I really prefer to prefill filters before installation but that only makes this job a circus act. If the filter and your hands aren't bone dry there's hardly a way to maneuver it into position no matter which angle you take.

At any rate, sorry if my moaning caused you worry and glad yours went well!