Oil filter wrench

[Mike8623]

What type of oil filter wrench do you guys find works the best for removal of the oil filter on a 04 expedition?

I grew up changing my own oil and filters. I'm now 74.

I did the first oil and filter change on my 04 new to me expedition yesterday. It was hard to crawl under there and the filter was very hard.

 

[GlennSullivan]

I have every possible oil filter wrench on the planet and at the end of the day I end up using the same steel band wrenches - larger one for my 2011 and smaller one for my 2017. Can post some pics later if wanted.

 

[Mike8623]

Thanks I'm thinking of one of the cup type. I have to crawl under the car and isn't much room. I used a band wrench yesterday......there has to be an easier way without using a hoist.

 

[Yupster Dog]

Remember some idiot at jiffy lube probably tightened the hell out of it.
It should be easier now that you have changed it.
I use this

 

[jr1under]

On my 1999 Exp, I use the generic steel band wrench like everyone has. But for my 2005 F150, I had to get the pliers type to get a better angle onto the filter. Unless you've got an extra joint in your wrist, changing that one is a pita.

 

[whtbronco]

I use a strap style with a ratchet and 3" extension. I think the cup style that grips the end would be the easiest though. It's not super easy to get to by any means, but certainly not the worst I've dealt with either.

 

[Yupster Dog]

I think the cup style that grips the end would be the easiest though

you would think,
but when you click in the ratchet to the cup it pushes it off the filter just enough not to grab.

 

[whtbronco]

you would think,
but when you click in the ratchet to the cup it pushes it off the filter just enough not to grab.

Well isn't that interesting. Clearly I have never used one, but it sure looks right. Sounds like they need a slight redesign where the ratchet/extension connects. Glad I didn't waste money to find out. Sometimes being too cheap to replace a functional tool can be a good think.

 

[BigRed2004]

I also use a steel band wrench style similar to this one. It fits just well enough between the fan shroud and frame that I can get the filter to break loose. Once the filter has broken loose I remove the wrench and hand spin out. I think the design and placement isn’t the best for the space to work with, but we get what we get and make do.

 

[Profkanz]

As I have aged and gained girth I find that the ramps that you drive onto (not over-never over) raise the vehicle enough to get under for oil and filter changes.

 

[texasscot]

I use a steel band type when I can’t move it by hand. However, the degree of freedom is very small. Once I get it to “bite” in the right position I can only move it like a quarter of an inch. This is usually enough to loosen it or allow hand removal.

 

[Mike8623]

Is there a size to buy when you use a band?

I've used fram filters for the last 20+ years

Do they make a piece of ramp you can drive up on to change your oil.....like maybe one for each wheel. I also have a 03 4runner with almost 300 hundred thousand on it and been changing oil and filters on it since new.

 

[texasscot]

Is there a size to buy when you use a band?

I've used fram filters for the last 20+ years

Do they make a piece of ramp you can drive up on to change your oil.....like maybe one for each wheel. I also have a 03 4runner with almost 300 hundred thousand on it and been changing oil and filters on it since new.

I guess there must be different sizes because the one I have doesn’t fit many narrower filters like Miata or a Lexus I helped do, but it works for the expy. If possible, I guess testing it in the store on a new filter is the way to go.

 

[Mike8623]

Thanks, anyone know the band size or the size of wrench to buy for the Expe?

 

[texasscot]

Thanks, anyone know the band size or the size of wrench to buy for the Expe?

The FL-820s filter has a diameter of 3 3/4”. Some of the smaller wrenches like the Lisle 57020 won’t be big enough. Mine is unbranded so I don’t know the model number.

 

[Mike8623]

Thanks

 

[ccssid]

Is there a size to buy when you use a band?

I've used fram filters for the last 20+ years

Do they make a piece of ramp you can drive up on to change your oil.....like maybe one for each wheel. I also have a 03 4runner with almost 300 hundred thousand on it and been changing oil and filters on it since new.

Harbor freight sells a nice set. Wait for a sale or a coupon

 

[GlennSullivan]

Here are my filter wrenches. The 2 metal strap wrenches get used 95% of the time, while the others are for situations - mostly with friends cars where some azzhat at a shop tried to see how tight he could get the filter.

 

[Mike8623]

Thanks

 

[GlennSullivan]

FYI Here is another beneficial item I found. It screws into the oil fill point, has a rubber O Ring to prevent leaks, so you can put a 5 quart jug up on it and go about other things until the jug is completely empty without any spillage.