Guys,
If you take the tube from the air cleaner to turbo off you can get the filter from the top. alot easier than from the bottom.
Kinda like on the 2nd Gen trucks.
Chuck

 

Yeah but then no excuse to buy new tools!!!!! ;D

 

I don't know about taking it out from the top being easier. From the bottom you don't have to disconnect or reconnect anything. Can't be much simpler than that. My only "tip" with the filter socket is to take it slow. Put even pressure on it and let the filter turn at its own pace until it gets loose. If you push too hard the socket slips (at least mine does).

 

I got a heavy duty metal socket at Napa it was about 10 bucks. I brought a stratapore filter in so that I was sure to get the right size. My first oil change was a bear check out the photo......

 

So when you truck was assembled, you got the gorilla for an oil filter installer. I've heard others have had the same problem with the original filter.

 

I agree with badunit. The '03 was much simpler than my '02. On the 02 I removed the tube from the Air box to the turbo to get to the filter from the top. On the 03, just slide the socket on the filer and spin it off.

 

I just changed my oil on Saturday. I used the metal cup wrench I had left over from an old Chebby engine I used to own. I was amazed at how easy it was compaired to the last truck I owned. No oil on the ground and no blood lost.