[shall36]

Darn...I did the fuel filter on my truck about 3 weeks ago. didn't think about taking pictures at the time.

Here are some real-world tips on that. You will have fuel dripping out when changing the filter, so plan accordingly. For example, have a catch can of some type at the ready. DON'T have your body or head right under the fuel filter. Bring some paper towels or rags under the truck with you.

1. The fuel filter is located on the inside, driver frame rail about at the end of the door.

2. You will see that the fuel filter is held in place by a big clamp. That clamp is bolted to the frame and snugs around the fuel filter usig a single 10mm bolt.

3. BEFORE you unclamp the filter, break the fuel lines loose. I *think* that the boss on the filter itself is 17mm and the fuel line is 14mm. In other words, don't just put a wrench on the fuel line and go to town....you will probably bend up the clamp. The fuel filter has a provision (or it should) for a large wrench so that you can keep the fuel filter from twisting while breaking the fuel lines loose.

4. Once the lines are broken loose, unclamp the filter.

5. You can now run the lines out of the filter. Both lines will drain fuel and there is a good bit of fuel in the filter itself. The filter will drain from the rear. Once disconnected, the rear line will keep dripping as it will siphon from the tank. Plan accordingly.

6. Orient the new filter properly. There should be an arrow on it or one of the ends will say "IN" or something like that. Slide it into the clamp, then thread the lines. Even though the fuel lines have rubber segments, they are super flexible. You will have to wrestle to get the lines started.

7. Thread in the lines as much as possible by hand to slow down the fuel leaking.

8. IF you removed the 10mm clamp bolt all the way, you'll probably need to get a pair of pliers to bring the clamp ends back together so you can thread the clamp bolt back in. This is especially true if you spread the clamp apart when getting the filter out or putting the new one in. I use a pair of Channel Locks to bring the clamp ends together and run the clamp bolt in with a nutdriver.

9. Make sure that the ridge in the filter is aligned with the notch in the clamp and tighten down the clamp bolt.

10. Tighten up the fuel lines making sure to use a big wrench on the fuel filter boss to keep the filter from twisting.


It's really simple, but can be a PITA...especially because you are on your back and there is fuel involved. Basic hand tools is all that is required. The Tundra filters are a snap compared to the 4-cyl. Tacoma filter, which is under the intake plenum and uses banjo fittings on the fuel lines. That's a total PITA.

Good luck!