What size socket do I need, to change filter?

 

Use a 1 1/8".

 

it is also recommended to be a 6 point socket....

 

And don't get too carried away with tightening it up again. Fully seated and firm is fine then check for leaks. Some get turned in way too hard.

The O-ring makes it turn out slow and resistive, its normal. Lube the O-ring (diesel fuel will work) when you replace it.

 

If you don't have a socket, use a crescent wrench (that's what I use).

Also, take some paint or fingernail polish and make a vertical mark down across the lid and onto the canister and let dry. Then after you remove the lid and replace the filter, you'll know to stop tightening when the paint mark on the lid lines back up with the mark on the canister.

 

Make sure you use a filter that is 7 micron or smaller as Dodge and Fleetguard no longer want the 2003 an newer engines to use a 10 micron fuel filters that are still sold by many after market company's. Also make sure the filter you use can strip out water from diesel as not all filters claim in writing to do so. Many like my self use the 5 micron Baldwin PF7977, Donaldson P550800 or the 7 micron Fleet Guard FS19856.