I change oil filter from bottom and always spark it on the starter.

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Robert

I get to it thru the wheel well easy enuff.

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1999 Ranger 3.0FFV-ExtCab-4x4-My 99 Build
1998 Ranger 3.0-ExtCab-4x4-PROJECT TRUCK-My 98 Build

I always unscrew it, let the majority of the oil weep out, then i stick my finger in the threaded hole and bring it around back of the steering shaft up and out of the engine bay. My finger plugs the hole so i avoid spilling any oil.

I permanently removed the fender dust liner thing recently though so ill try the fender well next time.

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'00 Ranger, supercab, flareside, 2wd, 3.0, auto, 3.73 open, Bilstein 4600s, 31x10.5x15 BFGs, 15x8 procomp 152s

Oil filter drove me nuts when I got my 01 3.0 Ranger.

Watch out for that exhaust manifold!
I burned myself on it badly first time.
I know....duh
But it will bite u fast and leave a mark.

I loosen oil filter from top, but remove from underneath. I slide on back under front bumper and use left hand. I generally find rethreading a bit tricky. Maybe PO's have,bunged up the threads a bit -dont know....but it takes finagling every time

I don't understand all the fuss. One of the easiest rigs to change oil on ever.

I can grab mine from the top of my engine standing on the drivers side... I've never done an easier oil change. I 100% agree.

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1997 Ranger XLT Single Cab 3.0L 2WD
-Straight Pipe Cat Back, Future 302 or 4bt swap, 2006 Mirrors, 1992 Wheels, 6000K HIDs, Color Match Toolbox-

Worst I ever had. Steering column makes it a PIA. Filter difficult to rethread.
I had a mechanically inclined friend help me first time after I went to hell and back. To this day he is convinced I had wrong filter because it refused to spin on.
I have used motocraft, purolator, all the same issue.
When I do it now, I just work with it until I get it. PIA.
my 95 3.0 Ranger was a snap. Different filter location

It aint that terrible. I think most people have trouble with it because the threads are angled and they assume its straight across horizontal. Just feel the threads before you thread it on so you can determine at what angle the filter is.

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'00 Ranger, supercab, flareside, 2wd, 3.0, auto, 3.73 open, Bilstein 4600s, 31x10.5x15 BFGs, 15x8 procomp 152s

Thanks4the tip

i go in from the wheel well. kind of peel that cover back

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1999 Ford Ranger 3.0 auto 4r44e 4x4 XLT Off-road package 4.10 open extended cab pioneer head unit. 12" Crossfire sub with Alpine amp. 16x8 DC2 Rims -12 offset. Gibson dual catback exhaust. Engine swapped from 2005 Taurus with 140K

On my 2000 3.0 I find it pretty quick and easy. I think the easiest one I've ever done. Just lean over the fender on the drivers side and reach down and grab it. it's easier to do when the motor is cold so you don't chance burning your arm on the exhaust. Just look at the angle before you take it off and put it back down there at the same angle and you'll feel it grab the threads. Easy as pie.

I agree, except the angle that it sits at is weird. The only easier one is my current truck. The worst is my BMW, you need two people or else oil will go everywhere.

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Considering 2.9 --> 4.0 conversion? Shoot me a PM.

Ive always had better luck and ease from the bottom, theres a nice space past the starter(not sure about 4wd) to rotate it gasket up and lower it down. Same with installing the new one, less risk of bumping the gasket and mating surfaces against road/engine grime.

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2001 Medium Wedgewood blue XLT 4 door

3.0 Vulcan totally stock 220,460 miles. Automatic
Unfortunately no longer with me