This is to seperate this question from my starting thread.

First, let me say, whoever designed, or approved the fuel filter location and design of the 97-98 trucks should be sentenced to 15 years of changing them by the side of the road in the Artic Circle!

Now that I have that rant off my chest, there is NO WAY I am leaving that thing where it is, I'm too old and fat to deal with silliness anywhere approaching that.

After looking, the only real option I see is to put a Prime-Loc filter relocation setup on it, and I figured I would ask you guys to tell me the pros/cons and your experiences with the system.

Is there any other system out there better, or perhaps it would be better to go to the pre-97 setup?

As always, appreciate the help on the newb questions.

 

Con:
Unless you are done moding your engine the Prime-Loc will continually be getting in the way. Not all that easy to remove either.

Once you change stock filters a couple of times it gets easy.

 

patdaly:

Welcome to the website!

I own a 1996 Dodge CTD 12 valve which at present is highly modified! However, I ran a "Prime-Loc" Filter Relocation Unit on my truck almost from the day it was new until about a year ago! I like the unit ALOT! It is very easy, quick and clean to change the fuel filter and like you pointed out you don't have to "stand on your head" to do it! I couldn't agree with you more on how FRUSTRATING the stock fuel filters are to change! I hated mine too, but the "Prime-Loc" took away all that frustration for me!

DTR Member "infidel" does bring up a good point though about the size of the "Prime-Loc" Unit. If you plan on alot of upgrades later to the engine I would hold off. I didn't do that and every time I did work I had to take it off and kind of "set it aside" to get to some components on the engine.

But overall, I would say that when my truck was more "stock" it was one of the BEST mods I did.

Good luck to you!

--------
John_P

 

Doh!

Thanks for the advice guys. And like Lays potato chips, I cant stop at 1 mod, so I guess I need to wait until I am closer to my Mods. goals..... no, check that, I am not going to have to eat my words again, I never leave things well enough alone.

Guess I had better get it in the barn and figure out how the easiest way to get that blankety-blank filter changed.

Thanks again!

 

I use a flexible strap wrench that hooks to a 1/2" drive ratchet that I got from Advance Auto ($7.00). Only takes a few mins to change. I can do alot of other things with the $200 they want for the Prime-loc.

Good luck!

 

The one thing I see is that all you guys are running 95 or 96 models with the spin on filter. Does the 97 cannister just unthread like the 96 and earlier models?

If not, can I retrofit the 96 and older unit to mine?

I can just see myself getting a bad load of fuel somewhere with it being 0 degrees outside and me having to change the stupid thing by the side of the road. That happened to me a couple of times with my old 86 6.2, it wasnt bad at all with that setup.

 

No need for a strap wrench on a '97, different design. Don't think switching to the spin on type will help at all.
Problem was the switch from vacuum assist brakes to hydro.
On the earlier models with vacuum brakes removing the two nuts that hold the master cylinder to the booster allows you to easily swing the master way out of the way giving a ton of room to access the filter.

Biggest problem I recall with the '97 and up filter is finding a way to get it out, not loose.

 

Just take the thing loose from the top then reach in from the driver's fender, under the mastercylinder-through the wires and such- and pull it out the bottom. That's how I change mine - easiest way I've found. You will spill some fuel unless you drain it down some, but I use the spilled fuel for "Roundup". You know weed killin' in the gravel driveway. Then replace in the same manner. I use the primer pump to fill up the filter so I don't have more spilled fuel when putting it back on.

 

Hayseed, when you say just take it loose, does it unscrew, cam-lock, or what to come loose? This is my first experience with the Dodge, so what may seem like old hat to you is new to me.

LOL, I need some roundup work done!

 

The filter doesn't spin on a '97.
To remove you just loosen the center bolt on top of the housing.
Hardest part I find is disconnecting the water in fuel sensor.

 

A prime-loc came on my 96 when I bought it.
I like it, really easy to change the filter and check the water in fuel drain.
Lucky me has never had to change a filter in the stock location.

So far no complaints from me.
It's only 3 bolts to remove it and to get to the pump.
And it slides out of the way pretty well afterwards.