Well, I just finished my first oil/oil filter change on my new-used 1999 Ford F-150, with the 4.6 Triton V8. Everything went smooth, until I tried to get the old filter (a Wix Filter) do drop out from around all of the obstructions, near the filter location.

I had the truck on my ramps, which I use for my all of my other oil changes on my cars. Since it was on the ramps and empty of oil, I couldn't move the steering wheel and move part of the steering arm, which was really in the way. After I tried about 50 different positions, with the old filter, I was finally able to coax it through, between a couple of parts. It was a little tricky to get the new Motorcraft filter back into position, also.

Any suggestions for the next filter change, to make it go smoother? Would I be better off, just crawling under the truck, while it is flat on the ground and not use the ramps?

My wheels were straight ahead, while on the ramps.

 

I did my own oil change on my 02 F150 5.4 and had a similar problem. It's just a real tight fit. I saw an oil filter wrench in the O'Reilly's Sunday ads that would probably help.

 

Ah- you have found one of Ford's better ideas! Look out when the factiry adds a dribble tray, you know you are in for it then! I've never worked on any car or truck with a worse filter placement, but after doing it a few times you learn to put the vehicle on jackstands, turn the wheels, and get either a cap wrench or a thin strap wrench with a swivel!