Trying to replace the fuel filter on the 3.0 and I can't seem to get it. Are the fittings even metric? I can barely get a wrench in there. Is there some sort of trick to this? I think the one in there is the original. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

I just did this a couple weeks ago. It is definitely tough to get wrenches and hands in there, for the front connection that is. I think the two sides are 14mm and 19mm (maybe 17). I laid down under the truck, parallel with it, with my shoulders just forward of the tcase crossmember. I think the way it worked was I got the 19mm wrench on, then it took some effort to wiggle the 14mm wrench on, and I turned it until the 19mm pushed against the torsion bar. After that, I couldn;t get any leverage on the 14mm wrench, so I used a pry bar under the 14mm wrench, pivoting on the corner of the crossmember, and was able force the 14mm wrench up a few degrees to loosen the fitting. After that, it's a whole lot of tiny turns, a little at a time.

Thats what I've been trying but I can't get the thing loose. I'm gonna spray the fittings with liquid wrench for a while and see if that helps.

I had to take the front fuel line out. There is a fitting that can be accessed through the passenger side wheel well. Also check for fuel leaks when the job is done. It seems that with a clean filter there is more pressure which could lead to leaks....mine did, hope this helps

Do you have to do anything to relieve the pressure before removing the fuel filter?

Mark

I am going to give you some good news; this is straight from a Foreman at a dealership and has been a Toyota Tech for over twenty years.

At the factory they over torqued the front fitting, which caused the threads to distort. He told me that they do not even mess with it. They take it loose at the engine and replace the line. What I would do is to take it off at the engine, put it in a vise and using six-point wrenches try a break it loose. If you cannot get it loose, get a new line. He also told me that all 3.0 V-6 runners and pickups were this way it is not year specific.

Thats not good news for me, I can't even get the other nut off, lol. My truck isn't ever rusty underneath. Gonna go spray it again now.

I have never changed mine, I was going to but I pulled the gas tank to knock a big dent out of the bottom and it was clean and the sock on the fuel pump was also clean so I said the heck with it.

Spray the fittings with PB Blaster for several days. That's what I'm doing right now. And I bet getting it up on a lift will let you get more leverage on it as opposed to laying on the ground.

I have encountered this as well (darn salt) and this is my suggestion:

Anyway I just cut the fuel lines on each end then slipped on rubber fuel hose. I bought a generic fuel filter (approx. the same size with two male ends) that I pulled off the shelf at Crappy Tire ($10) and hose clamped it in place. I find this method works the best and is much cheaper and easier than an oem replacemet. I dont even have to secure it to the frame rail I just rest it on the cross member (or zip tie it). I have had no problems with this method at all.