unbob

Looking for best method - access from the top or bottom? I've always accessed from the bottom while laying underneath the truck and I'm really tired of doing it that way. A real pita.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

BILTIT

I do it from the top. Loosen the filter then put a large freezer bag around it and take it off, no spills.

unbob

Thx! I've never done that 'cause it requires so many parts to be removed - like air filter housing, turbo "tube", etc - just looks like too much work!

Guess I'm hoping for some sort of "trick" method that's not readily apparent!

Yeah, I also use a freezer/bread bag - that works well.

Mexstan

If you always use the filters with the flutes (or whatever you call those thingies at the bottom of the filter) then it is very easy to use a special filter wrench (from Genos) and a long extension to reach the filter from under the truck. I am careful and never spill any oil, but suppose you can still use a baggie. It may make the the wrench go on very tight as they are tight to begin with. If you change the filter with the wheels on the ground, then the long extension will hit the ground when you remove the filter, so use two shorter extensions and remove one extension as the filter comes down to avoid tipping it. Changing the filter this way means that zero parts need to be removed. Install the new filter the same way.

BILTIT

If i recall, all i remove is the tube off the turbo. Quick and easy.

johnh

it's not like it has to be done ever day,but if your'e too lazy/busy then hire it done

john40

If you have the option and time, let the truck sit over night. The filter is not hot and it allows the filter to drain slightly. It is not messy when removing from below.
John

unbob

Thx for that!
I have tried the "end cap filter wrench" but it never fits right and slips too much. So years ago I gave up on that and went with the "friction wrench" which has a metal band that loops around the filter - it works but also slips and it's very difficult to use due to the tight spot where the filter screws in the engine.

The "end cap wrench" is the obvious better choice if I could find one that fits the Donaldson ELF7349 filter tight with no slipping.

update: Just realized the ELF7349 filter does not have a fluted end! Totally smooth all around - so the "end cap" wrench will not work with that filter! Bummer - guess I'll switch to a "fluted end" filter next time! Any recommendations?

Mexstan

https://www.genosgarage.com/category/s?keyword=LF3972

unbob

Just finished the job - no problema - piece of cake!

I finally realized what made the task so miserable previously was I always had the front wheels parked on a small ramp (to level the camper sitting on my truck) - thus the engine was raised maybe 5" or so making access to the filter much harder since it was that much higher off the ground.

This time I backed off the ramps before starting the job and it was much, much easier! Thx for the replies!

Jeff in TD

I'm with Mexstan on using the metal end wrench, though I run the fleet guard stratopore https://www.genosgarage.com/product/...er/oil-filters

I've found it can be done from above with a strap type wrench
But to me it is easier and cleaner to lay down a sheet of cardboard and do it from below with a metal end cap type.

Billut

When parking the truck for oil change, I cut the wheels to the left. The passenger side wheel opens up for better acces to the oil filter. On a 4x4 truck there is plenty of room that way

Shorts

Same. I sit under there and reach up....I'm little and truck is big and high. Fleetguard stratopore filter and lisle end cap wrench. I link all my ratchet extensions and send the end cap wrench up there lol Loosen it, reach up and let it down. Reverse going back up.

Add the fumoto draining oil directly into the empty 3gal jugs and its ridiculously easy and clean to change oil

47Dodge

I always turn my front wheels clear to the right before I start and that helps access underneath. Slide under and drain the pan and then a few minutes later spin the filter off. I have done it by hand for many changes and last time I couldn't get the filter to move so I got one of those end socket tools and that made things very easy to spin off.




47

unbob

Neither the DBL7349 or ELF7349 filter has a fluted end. Totally smooth all around - so the "end cap" wrench won't work.