I've read alot of the fuel filter replacement posts in this forum, but i still have a question that i hope someone can answer.

My 96 Ranger's fuel filter has two different type connectors. The engine side looks like the "metal fingers" type that can be removed with the K-D tool or the plastic ones from AutoZone or Kragens. The back side of the filter has a different connector with just a plastic clip through it. I haven't yet attempted to remove the filter, so i don't know if a different (special tool) is needed for this side or if the fuel line is released from the filter solely by removing the plastic retainer clip?

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

If it only has the plastic clip on the one end, then by all means remove it, if that's what it takes.

Over the years, Ford used several different configurations regarding fuel filters and fuel line connectors, so there is no single way to do it. You have to look at what you have in front of you and act accordingly.

HTH, good luck.

 

I posted the original question about removing the fuel line. What I was wondering is, if anyone with a 96 Ranger might know, after the plastic clip is removed, is a special tool needed to disengage the fuel line from the fuel filter on the fuel-tank side of the filter? The fuel line/fuel filter connector on the engine-side also has a metal retaining clip that, once removed, still requires a special tool to actually disengage the line from the filter. However, the connectors on either side of the fuel filter are different.

Thanks again

 

Understood. But you will have the special tool in hand for the one side that needs it anyway, right? So if the other side needs the tool even after removing the plastic clip, then you will be ready. The tool comes with a few different sizes.

I guess what I'm really trying to suggest is that you just ought to climb under the truck and get going on it. You'll figure out what you need to do soon enough.

 

OK, my question still stands. I asked if someone with experience removing the fuel filter on a 96 Ranger could provide some insight on the tool (if at all) needed to remove the clip on the fuel-tank side of the fuel filter/fuel-line connector. I appreciate replies to my question. so don't get me wrong. So, once I have the fuel-line removed from the side that I know uses the tool that i have, then I'm kind of stuck if the other side requires a different tool. It is quite inconvenient once the truck is inoperable, to start searching for the proper tool. I have but this one vehicle at my disposal.

My thoughts were that if the side in question uses the same tool, it would likely have the same type of connector, which it doesn't. I'm trying to know what tools will be needed before proceeding.

So, my question still stands...

Thanks again

 

Anytime you see the white plastic clip it is easy. Carefully remove it, unless you have a replacement, and the line comes right off with no tools. No problem.

 

Thanks for your answer. With that knowledge, I'll go ahead and replace the fuel filter. My guess is that you can't simply replace the white plastic clip from the Ford dealer without buying a whole line assembly, so your warning to be careful is appreciated.

Thanks again for the info.

Regards...Jim

 

OK, well let's see.... unless it's not listed in his/her signature, super 6.8 does not own a '96 Ranger. Nor is there any indication that he/she has personal experience with changing out a fuel filter on a '96 Ranger.

Now to someone like me, that's not necessarily important. But to you jb8897, it's obviously gosh-darn significant, at least according to the standards that you described heretofore:
So what changed?