Oil Filter Access Modification

[Skit hjälm]

Presently I replaced with plastic "christmas tree" fasteners.
They're good for at least a couple removal cycles.
My oilchanges basically twice per year, it's no bother when a new fastener is needed.

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[Ian]

I'm considering a filter relocate kit (to the firewall somewhere). Any suggestions?

 

[Msfitoy]

Lots of folks hate those stupid little plastic screw inserts that hold the cover on to access the oil filter, and for good reason, they suck.

If you're not opposed to opening up the 3 holes very slightly with a step drill, you can install these GM Style fasteners:

On my 2wd truck, there is nothing behind the holes to get in the way, but if you choose to go this route, double check. I'm not responsible if you chew up a wire harness. Folks in the salt belt would probably want to put a little paint on the metal afterwards, or some form of protectant.

Now it's just a simple twist to take the rubber shield off.

Link to the fasteners I purchased:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BD8DWG5C?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Thanks for the link...already unavailable...I actually removed the first attachment + flap altogether...

 

[RedDakooter05]

I'm considering a filter relocate kit (to the firewall somewhere). Any suggestions?

If you're going to go through that much trouble, I would look for frame mounted options since you have to access the drain plug anyway.

 

[brroberts]

I use the really crappy cheap white zip ties. I’ll never run out from one package, so using 9 -12 a year is no big deal.

 

[JesseS]

I also did the rivet nuts and thumbscrew mod, MUCH better than the junk Ford used. If you prefer magnets try these, they will hold thru anything. I use them for various things like door and tarp holders.

 

[dinosplace]

I've replaced mine with rivnuts and thumb screws. I believe Ford did this on later model years.

I’m looking to modify my oil filter access as well and I prefer your method. Can you provide me the link or rivet nut size and fastener type you used. Thanks!

 

[Big Blue]

I’m looking to modify my oil filter access as well and I prefer your method. Can you provide me the link or rivet nut size and fastener type you used. Thanks!

I just bought some 5mm x 10mm stainless thumb screws with plastic knows off of Amazon along with a cheap rivnut kit. I did have to drill the holes in the inner fender out a little to fit the nuts. If I was to do it again I'd borrow or rent a rivnut tool to set the rivnuts. Other than that it works great. The thumb screws seat against the flap and haven't come loose between oil changes.

 

[dinosplace]

I just bought some 5mm x 10mm stainless thumb screws with plastic knows off of Amazon along with a cheap rivnut kit. I did have to drill the holes in the inner fender out a little to fit the nuts. If I was to do it again I'd borrow or rent a rivnut tool to set the rivnuts. Other than that it works great. The thumb screws seat against the flap and haven't come loose between oil changes.

Thanks, I’m going to do it as well. One broke trying to remove it. Not worth the hassle trying to save them. The inserts are a great idea.

 

[Big Blue]

Thanks, I’m going to do it as well. One broke trying to remove it. Not worth the hassle trying to save them. The inserts are a great idea.

Some people have just epoxyed the nuts in place, I decided to actually set them like their designed to be. Saves the need for the setting tool, but you may need longer thumb screws.

 

[seasprite]

I may not have those fancy hood struts but the one thing the newer Rangers got deleted that the older Rangers complain about bolted flap

 

[dinosplace]

Some people have just epoxyed the nuts in place, I decided to actually set them like their designed to be. Saves the need for the setting tool, but you may need longer thumb screws.

I’ll set it with a bolt, nut and washer. Poor man’s tool. Place larger nut over a bolt that fits the insert with a washer and tighten with the insert is in place. It compress the insert just as the tool would do. A bit of a pain and I’ll have to remove the tire anyhow for easy access.

 

[dinosplace]

Finally installed nut inserts for oil filter access. Three at top is all that’s required for filter access. I lost the original at bottom so I installed an insert. I purchased a cheap insert tool from Amazon with SS M4x0.7 inserts. It was quicker than I thought and I didn’t have to remove the tire. The SS fasteners are M4x0.7 x 10mm long. All from Amazon.

 

[JohnnyO]

What keeps the magnets attached to the liner?

I sandwich the flap between two magnets and add a drop of Gorilla Glue. No issues.

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