Oil filter adapter gasket ... anyone done this on 4WD?

[ManUpOrShutUp]

While I had my truck apart to do a tstat today, I figured it was time to finally do the oil filter adapter gasket. In theory, this is an easy job. With a front differential though, I am finding it incredibly difficult to get a grip on the lower radiator hose clamp and the engine oil pressure switch electrical connector so I can remove them. Anyone have any tips?

 

[07navi]

I think that switch takes a 13/16" deep socket. What are you trying to do?

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

I think that switch takes a 13/16" deep socket. What are you trying to do?

I want to change the oil filter adapter gasket as I have a strong suspicion it's leaking. However, I can't get my hand in to disconnect the electrical connector or to squeeze the clamp on the lower radiator hose. I contemplated pulling the driver side wheel well cover and trying to go in from the side, but I don't know if that would do any good. I was hoping someone had been down this road on a 4WD and had some tips for easier access to the hard-to-reach parts.

 

[dcsang]

I had a heck of a time removing the lower radiator hose connection to the engine due to the position of the clamp. A few bruises, awkward contortions, and an hour later I finally coaxed it off with channel locks and a Robo-Grip. I later discovered the Flexible Hose Clamp Plier, which should have made the task much easier in theory. Not sure if this tool might help your situation but thought it was worth a mention.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

I had a heck of a time removing the lower radiator hose connection to the engine due to the position of the clamp. A few bruises, awkward contortions, and an hour later I finally coaxed it off with channel locks and a Robo-Grip. I later discovered the Flexible Hose Clamp Plier, which should have made the task much easier in theory. Not sure if this tool might help your situation but thought it was worth a mention.

That's what I was using, but I wasn't able to get into the proper position due to the length of the solid metal section at the end. It kept hitting pieces of the engine. I still have the plug to deal with as well. I Googled this a bit last night and found a guy that removed the power steering box to do this job. Oh heck no!

 

[Hamfisted]

You already removed the skid plate and the little black plastic drip guard under the oil filter right? I reach that oil pressure sensor plug with a long-ish flat blade screwdriver and press the clip release with it as I push plug off the sensor. If you have a power steering pump pulley removal tool it would make the job real easy.
The remote hose clamp pliers come in handy for this particular job too. Remote Hose Clamp Pliers on Amazon
They're at Harbor Freight too if you have one in your area. Or look through their long reach pliers and see if you like anything there. You'll also find a good PS pulley puller there too.

Lisle Long Reach Hose Clamp Pliers on Amazon





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[ManUpOrShutUp]

You already removed the skid plate and the little black plastic drip guard under the oil filter right? I reach that oil pressure sensor plug with a long-ish flat blade screwdriver and press the clip release with it as I push plug off the sensor. If you have a power steering pump pulley removal tool it would make the job real easy.
The remote hose clamp pliers come in handy for this particular job too. Remote Hose Clamp Pliers on Amazon
They're at Harbor Freight too if you have one in your area. Or look through their long reach pliers and see if you like anything there. You'll also find a good PS pulley puller there too.

Lisle Long Reach Hose Clamp Pliers on Amazon





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I don't have a skid plate, but I did remove the plastic drip guard first thing.

I have the remote hose clamp, but it won't fit in the area. That one from Lisle might do the trick from above. I can barely even get a finger on the electrical connector, so there's no way I can get a tool in there atm. Hopefully, if I can get that hose clamp off I'll have enough room to get slightly better access to that plug.

This is another one of those occasions where I'm cursing whoever designed this setup.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

I lost patience and can't be without the truck another day, so I buttoned her back up and will either try again another day or pay someone to do it (more likely).

 

[Mark B]

I did one on my old 07 4wd about 5 years ago. I remember the sender plug to be the real pain. 2 screwdrivers, one pressing the lock tab and one at the base to pop it loose. Also took off the radiator hose at the radiator, but I don't remember if that helped or just made more work. I ended up having to replace the entire adapter because of corrosion at the mating face. It came with with a sender installed but not the threaded pipe you screw the oil filter to.

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

Yeah, I looked at the plug, the hose clamp, the bolt locations ... Eventually, it would get done, but I don't know how many hours of cursing it would take. My blood pressure is already sky high as it is.