Hi blancs9410:
I've recently done mine. It's easy.
First, bleed the fuel system by removing the cap from the valve on the fuel line and pressing the little button (just like a tire valve). The valve is located almost directly over the center of the engine against the firewall. Stuff a couple of rags underneath it to catch the fuel that drips out.
Now the fun part. Under the truck, look inside the driver side frame rail almost directly beneath the driver seat. You will see the fuel filter attached to a plastic bracket bolted to the frame. You will need two different wrenches. As I recall, you need a 5/8" and 9/16" but you should check yours to make sure, because I am going from memory. Most importantly, DO NOT use an adjustable wrench or pliers or vice grips. The filter housing is aluminum and is easily rounded off. If you have access to a set of flare nut wrenches, they work best. The larger wrench goes on the hex boss on the end of the filter (either end, you'll end up doing both). The smaller wrench goes on the fitting that is screwed into the filter. Hold the filter with the big wrench while loosening the fitting with the other. I find it easiest (and least painful) to arrange the wrenches so that they can be squeezed toward each other with one hand. It shouldn't take much torque to break the fittings loose unless someone used sealant on the threads (which you are not supposed to do). Be aware that when the fittings come loose, fuel will drain from the lines. Prepare to catch that in a drip pan.
Once both fittings are removed, you are supposed to be able to push the filter out of the plastic bracket. In my case, the underside of my truck had been sprayed with some kind of undercoating, so the filter was glued to the bracket. I had to remove the bracket from the frame (and remove the other hard lines from the bracket) to get the filter out.
Assembly is the reverse of dissasembly. Be careful not to overtighten the fittings and strip them (remember, the filter housing is aluminum). Check for leaks.
Wear safety glasses because you don't want fuel to splash into your eyes. Also, all kinds of crud will fall off the bottom of your truck as you work underneath, and you don't want that in your eyes either. Keep your mouth closed for the same reasons. DO NOT work under your truck with it on a jack. Use ramps, jack stands, or a lift.
When I did a tune up on my truck, replacing the fuel filter made the biggest difference in the performance of the engine. It was almost completely plugged. It felt like I uncorked 20 HP! Good luck.
Regards,
John.
