I went to change my first filter. This is a tall fleetguard. I almost got it all the way spun off and ran out of clearance on the bottom. Its hitting on the lift pump. Now I have it so tight against the LP I cant get it off, or back on . Any ideas? How did they ever get this on?
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Since you say it screws off I assume you have a '96 or older truck.
Sounds like it has the wrong filter if it's hitting the pump.
On the older 12 valves with vacuum assist brakes the trick to gaining more room for filter changing is to remove the two nuts that hold the brake master cylinder to the vacuum booster.
Even though it doesn't look like it you can then swing the entire unit easily towards the fender without disconnecting or bending any lines.
Gives you a ton of room to work and may make removing the stuck filter easier.
Use this trick every time you change the filter even when you have the right sized one.

You can find the right part number for the filter mid way down this page> http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/Facts/94specs.html

 

I did Do the brake trick. I think Im going to cut the filter in half to get it off. If not, Or the lift pump will have to be removed. The previous owner must of put the filter on without the lift pump in place. Any tips on cutting the filter in half? Anyone have to do this? This fuel filters swap in turning into a nightmare.

 

I've never had to do this but what happens if you remove the valve and water sensor before unscrewing the filter?
Otherwise I'd use a sawzall.

 

I removed the drain valve and was able to get it off doing this. Thanks for everyones help. I replaced it with a shorter WIX and put back on the original water seperator drain.

 

Was it the newer upgrade FS19519 model fuel filter that gave you the install problem?

From Bill's helpful spec sheet, I noted this reference to the FS19519:

"The FS19519 is a upgrade for the FS1253. The FS19519 has the same micron rating a the FS1253, but has a larger dirt holding area and a higher flow rate. These two filters can be interchanged, but the 19519 is larger and more difficult to install. You may need to loosen the filter housing mounting bolts to install the filter."

I too went for the upgrade FS10519, however, I luckily have a Prime Loc remote mount fuel filter.

 

It's was a Fleetguard FS19608. I question if that's even thecorrect filter for this truck.

 

Loosen the bolts which hold the filter mounting bracket to the engine; should give you a little extra wiggle room. I'm guessing you have the wrong filter on it now. Can you give us a picture? cd

 

how tall was the filter you were having trouble with? oem's are about 5" long or so

 

Not sure. Its in The trash. I would guess about 10".