Oil filter housing gasket

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Hello folks,

I'm trying to help my friend with his 97 Expo with the 5.4 liter. My question is how should I go about replacing the oil filter housing gasket as there are many hoses and the front diff in the way. I've done hundreds of these on the 4.6, but not on the 5.4 with 4 wheel drive. I also need to mention the oil filter is located in the bumper. I've been told that I need to drop the front diff and others say all you need is a long extension and a swivel.

Appreciate any support as I would rather do this at home on my back than at work with a lift. (Long story lol)

Please advise,

Bryan
 

Jim Brown

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Here are some instructions, it says front axle has to be removed, not differential. I guess I would definitely try that long extension and swivel first. The axle is easy to remove if needed.
 

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Here are some instructions, it says front axle has to be removed, not differential. I guess I would definitely try that long extension and swivel first. The axle is easy to remove if needed.

Morning Jim,

Thank you for the info. Since I have the oil filter extension into the bumper, I'm betting that the axle is in the way of un-bolting those lines. I'll crawl under it to see what I can do and go from there.

Have you done one of these before?

Bryan
 

Jim Brown

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You may be able to just unbolt the axle from the diff and swing it out of the way to get a little room. You will need a 12 pt socket for the bolts. I haven't needed to replace the oil filter adapter gasket, so no I haven't. I had the axle off on my expedition last month redoing the suspension. Let me know if you want the instructions to remove the axle I can post it.
 
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You may be able to just unbolt the axle from the diff and swing it out of the way to get a little room. You will need a 12 pt socket for the bolts. I haven't needed to replace the oil filter adapter gasket, so no I haven't. I had the axle off on my expedition last month redoing the suspension. Let me know if you want the instructions to remove the axle I can post it.

Sure, why not, Id rather have what I need just in case.

Bryan
 

Jim Brown

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Here are the torque specs. Otherwise it's same as any other AWD IFS with torsion bars.

Torque specs1.PNG Torque specs2.PNG
Outer tie rod torque is 56-75ft lb.
 
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Hey Jim,

I just watched the only YouTube video on removing the lines and replacing the adapter gasket. In his video, he has a 98 Expo 4wh drive. He didn't drop the diff or take out the axle. However, I got a diagram from the dealership for my 97. In his picture, it shows the lines going straight into the adapter housing, where as in the video, they turn to the left and into the housing.

Any clue if Ford changed the design for the 98 year and maybe thats why I might have to remove the axle?

Thanks in advance,

Bryan

Heres the video, if I could post the pic from dealership I would, but I don't have a place to put them online to share the URL.
 
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Jim Brown

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Looking at rockauto there are two choices, with or without pressure sensor port. The with pressure sensor port hoses have a bend. Without pressure sensor port looks more straight. I suppose that would be the difference.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,1998,expedition,5.4l+v8,1304402,engine,oil+cooler+line,5516

Scrolling thru the pics on rockauto, You can see where the pressure sensor would screw into a drilled tapped hole on the hoses with bent end.

The hoses fit '97 to '04 Expeditions (and others).
 
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Not sure if this will help or not. I just did my 99 5.4L. I ended up taking out the driver side fender well to get to everything. I still had to do a lot of searching with my hands to find all the adaptor bolts, but I was able to reach everything while sitting beside the truck, with long extensions, patience, and a LOT of cursing. GOOD LUCK !!!!
 
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