By Mike DeHosse
An easy way to increase your airflow with a K&N filter is by eliminating the air box completely. The photo of Mike’s 2.9-Liter shows where he has removed the airbox and intake hose and clamped a K&N filter right to the throttle body. This is what he did:
I found a parts store that sold K&N filters. I measured the outside diameter of my throttle body where the hose attached. It’s 2-3/4-inches in diameter. I told the parts guy I wanted a cone shaped K&N filter that clamped on to a 2-3/4-inch flange. The filters that would work had a can shape. I knew that shape would interfere with the radiator hose so we found a filter that had an angled mount, K&N part number RU-1460. A K&N filter can also be mounted at the airbox end of the intake hose by inserting a small tube, and then clamping the hose, tube, and K&N filter together.
When removing the factory airbox you will also remove the hot air hose coming from the exhaust manifold and a vacuum hose. The vacuum hose should be removed and plugged at the engine. You should keep these pieces to bolt back on later if you live in an area with emissions tests / inspections.
(K&N RU-1460 Filter)
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station, one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and cross-country routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road tests contributed by owners worldwide. His work has been referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information rather than theoretical advice.
Jim’s hands-on experience includes long-distance overland travel, trail use, drivetrain and axle upgrades, suspension tuning, and platform comparisons across multiple Ranger generations. The content published on The Ranger Station is grounded in first-hand experience and community-verified data, not marketing claims or generic specifications.