I have search this site and it turns out I need to press in on the colored tabs to replace the filter. My questions is the replacement filter has a larger diameter housing than the factory one, the metal lines are the same size and have the same location, so the filter will go in. The filter will not fit in the clip that holds it to the frame, should I use the larger dia. filter or go and get a smaller one??

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2002 Ranger Edge Supercab 3.0 Auto 4x2 White
2005 VW TDI Golf

What's the part number and brand that you got?

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4.10s, 32s, Torsion crank, Gibson cat-back, 5000K 50W HIDs, Amsoil fluids throughout, external trans fluid filter

It is a WIX 33667.

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2002 Ranger Edge Supercab 3.0 Auto 4x2 White
2005 VW TDI Golf

Wow, that is a big difference in size. I'd take it back and see if you can get the more narrow one to fit in the brace. Wix 33424 is the one for the 4.0L and is narrow. Should be fine to use.

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4.10s, 32s, Torsion crank, Gibson cat-back, 5000K 50W HIDs, Amsoil fluids throughout, external trans fluid filter

Got it from Rock auto, and that is the one they listed for my Vin V code. Like you said it should work, just will not fit in the brace.

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2002 Ranger Edge Supercab 3.0 Auto 4x2 White
2005 VW TDI Golf

Maybe another 3.0L guy could chime in. I doubt any difference, other than size, is going to be the issue between the two. Must have something to do with the flex-fuel setup? Just seems odd.

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4.10s, 32s, Torsion crank, Gibson cat-back, 5000K 50W HIDs, Amsoil fluids throughout, external trans fluid filter

Companies always make them slightly different. You can use it just need to zip tie it to the brace.
That's why I always use motorcraft brand no conflicting sizes.

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He's up against a wall though, because on Rockauto, even the Motorcraft models are the larger ones. Maybe there was a mid-year switch from larger to smaller filters or something?

FG1039 & FG1061 are the motorcraft numbers showing online.

Gatordog: What is the OEM part number on the fuel filter you have (if you can read it)?

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4.10s, 32s, Torsion crank, Gibson cat-back, 5000K 50W HIDs, Amsoil fluids throughout, external trans fluid filter

Have bought from rockauto before and the filter was the same exact size.

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My filter that is on the truck is Motorcraft FG1071.

I was able to get one the correct size at Autozone, it even came with a new holder that bolts to the frame.

FYI, I took the large filter and it went in the new frame bracket from Autozone. Don't know if it will fit once bolted to the frame. Will find out.

I am still fighting the ruff idle problem, next is a new set of wires. Then the cam sensor and cam sync/oil pump drive. I have no codes.

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2002 Ranger Edge Supercab 3.0 Auto 4x2 White
2005 VW TDI Golf