2010 F150 4WD 5.4L Supercrew

I had a Jiffy Lube type service do my oil changes up until a couple of years ago. I'm coming up on another change and really don't mind doing it myself except for the location of the oil filter. If you have this truck/engine then you know what I'm talking about. You can't get the filter off without dripping oil all along the removal path and it's a pain to put the new filter back on because you're blind if you're doing it from above. I don't have a lift so I really don't know if you can see the threads any better from below, but I'm concerned that one of these times I'm going to get it cross-threaded and possibly be in for some expensive engine repairs.

So I had the idea of relocating the filter to a location more accessible for changes and with the added bonus of using a Fram 8A filter instead of the relatively small factory filter. Might even opt for a remote double filter bracket if there is a suitable spot to mount it.

Has anybody attempted to relocate their oil filter in this or a similar model? At first glance there doesn't seem to be any obvious locations to choose from and I'm kind of surprised at how little room there is in the engine compartment. I've looked at mounting it high and forward in the front driver's side wheel well but am not passionate about that location as it seems like a good place to get damaged from road debris or something. There is some room in front of the radiator but that seems unprotected in the event of a collision.

Has anybody out there done this? Thoughts? Thanks in advance

Since I'm lacking my fluidics engineering degree this is not something I've ever considered, but this thread has potential so I'm in. My only thought is lower would be better than higher with regards to the filter functioning properly.

just buy a new truck, problem solved

Too expensive. It's not so much the price of a new truck, but rather the divorce that would soon follow

agent-maroon said:

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Too expensive. It's not so much the price of a new truck, but rather the divorce that would soon follow

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You can relocate it like some of the gen 1 navigators did on the front frame.

Seems like a lot of trouble to go through, but whatever makes you happy.

I have a 2002 5.4 and a 2013 5.4....

Is the 2010 different than these? The 2002 is a little tough the first time but after that it's all by feel and memory. The 2013 is easy peasy. I'm the only one that's ever changed oil in the trucks since new from the dealer. Ive always just left the drain on under overnight following an oil change and never had an issue.

I can't imagine relocating would be worth the money. I don't think it's possible to cross thread the filter if you do it by hand. Get it started and give it a flick and it should spin all the way on until it seats. If it doesn't then yeah something it not right.

I'd say save your money and get yourself a creeper from Harbor freight instead. After a few oil changes you'll be a pro.

Thanks for the replies.

Maybe my issue is that I'm trying to change the filter from above. I'm guessing that most of the "it's not that hard" are coming from those who change it from below. I have some back issues that (hopefully) y'all don't share as well, so the stiffness & sometimes spasms from maneuvering underneath would be with me for days. Not looking for sympathy, but it is what it is from that regard.

I also hate the inevitable dripping. Try as I may, some oil will always find it's way on to the driveway. Having a filter oriented with the open side up has value to me.

Relocating the filter is going to allow me to use a bigger, better, & cheaper filter and simultaneously increase the oil capacity.

I did some more looking and there is a spot just forward of the current spot located on the frame. It will be easy to get to from below as it will be just behind the radiator (no creeper required) and it will be possible to remove it without dripping oil all over the cross members & driveway.

Anyways, thanks again for the replies. I will try to post some pics when I have it installed.

You won't have any issues with mosquitoes if you just let the drippings run off to the low spots that hold water.

Just saying, because we used to use the drained off oil around culverts in ditches in our rural area back n the 70's to keep those buggers "down". What I don't understand is, that the crawdads had NO issue with it, as they came out after every rain in those same ditches.

I ate those "dads" a couple of times. Tasted OK. There were hundreds of them after every big rain. Mosquitos, not so much.

Quicklane does a 39.95 oil change with motorcraft synthetic blend oil and a filter with a tire rotation.

Not a bad deal and will save your back. I'm stubborn and cheap myself and like to DIY, but I hear you on the back pain thing.

Teach your kid to do it....

Hell, at least you have a can oil filter. The cartridge filters on Tundra are messy as as can be. I put down a full sheet of plywood before I change oil

JSKolache said:

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Hell, at least you have a can oil filter. The cartridge filters on Tundra are messy as as can be. I put down a full sheet of plywood before I change oil

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Do you let it drain from the spring loaded outlet?

1agswitchin4lanes said:

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Quicklane does a 39.95 oil change with motorcraft synthetic blend oil and a filter with a tire rotation.

Not a bad deal and will save your back. I'm stubborn and cheap myself and like to DIY, but I hear you on the back pain thing.

Teach your kid to do it....

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That is an unbelievable price.

The one I use even offers a deal of 5 for $125

1agswitchin4lanes said:

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JSKolache said:

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Hell, at least you have a can oil filter. The cartridge filters on Tundra are messy as as can be. I put down a full sheet of plywood before I change oil

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Do you let it drain from the spring loaded outlet?

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When i can get the small cap off, which isnt 100% anymore. That device setves zero actual purpose. Lots of extra twisting for just a few drops. Fumoto valve has been awesome, much cleaner driveway now, ha.

JSKolache said:

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1agswitchin4lanes said:

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JSKolache said:

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Hell, at least you have a can oil filter. The cartridge filters on Tundra are messy as as can be. I put down a full sheet of plywood before I change oil

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Do you let it drain from the spring loaded outlet?

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When i can get the small cap off, which isnt 100% anymore. That device setves zero actual purpose. Lots of extra twisting for just a few drops. Fumoto valve has been awesome, much cleaner driveway now, ha.

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I always use it and it makes t hings a lot cleaner.

agent-maroon said:

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Thanks for the replies.

Maybe my issue is that I'm trying to change the filter from above. I'm guessing that most of the "it's not that hard" are coming from those who change it from below. I have some back issues that (hopefully) y'all don't share as well, so the stiffness & sometimes spasms from maneuvering underneath would be with me for days. Not looking for sympathy, but it is what it is from that regard.

I also hate the inevitable dripping. Try as I may, some oil will always find it's way on to the driveway. Having a filter oriented with the open side up has value to me.

Relocating the filter is going to allow me to use a bigger, better, & cheaper filter and simultaneously increase the oil capacity.

I did some more looking and there is a spot just forward of the current spot located on the frame. It will be easy to get to from below as it will be just behind the radiator (no creeper required) and it will be possible to remove it without dripping oil all over the cross members & driveway.

Anyways, thanks again for the replies. I will try to post some pics when I have it installed.

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If it's anything close to the same as it is for the Expedition then it is not just you. It's a pita trying to get it back on. I feel like I won the lottery whenever I nail it first try.

I had a 2010 f150 fx4 with the 5.4L and always changed the oil myself. It is a pain to get to. I am 6'1" and had to use a small step to stand on to reach the filter from up top. To me it was easier that way. It does leave a bit of a mess but it only takes 30 seconds to wipe everything off underneath.

What made it hard to put the new filter on was the lower radiator hose was right there almost in the way. However, I never once cross threaded anything in the 20+ times I changed it.