Changing Fuel Filter

Well, I have decided to change my fuel filter.
I did some prep work and found that my filter is not in the middle of the chassis as on the
1995-1999, rather it is underneath the intake manifold. Not even a crumb from that proverbial 'piece of cake' for me to make this easy... it is going to be a real pain.

Here the arrow points to its location under the manifold



And here it is looking from the front




I may be able to go through the wheel well to get to it but with the transfer case underneath and the manifold on top of it its not the kind of place that you want to deal with a frozen bolt.
Although it does not seem overly rusty in there.

Anyone ever do this successfully and easily?

Oh, I will say a prayer before starting.

 

i've seen videos on you tube where they take the whole line, filter bracket. and filter out as a unit then swap the filter out on a bench. Thats how i did mine on my 2rz. I went through the wheel well to get the bracket off of the engine. I pulled the efi relay and ran it till it died first though, that way you dont as much gas everywhere. Good luck, its kinda a pia but it can be done.

 

For What It's Worth:
I've read several comments here on TW by people who've used the 'wheel well access method' to replace their fuel filter, seemingly without too much difficulty. My experience with this little chore differed markedly: I replaced my fuel filter a couple months ago while the engine was gutted due to cylinder head replacement. Given the amount of trouble I had replacing that filter (with almost nothing in the engine bay aside from the bare block!) there is absolutely NO way I would even consider doing it again without removing the intake manifold...
...but that's me. I have a 96 2rz -fe (2wd, so no transfer case to contend with).
What I WILL do, if/when time comes to replace it again, is re-locate it for ease of access. Someone here on TW posted a nice how-to thread complete w/pics and a materials list - it's worth a look..... a search should bring it up easily.

.......hmm, that felt like at least .02 cents' "worth"



edit: the write-up was by keakar , here's the link:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-2-4l-2-7l-fuel-filter-relocation-mod.349406/#post-9355309

 

4cyl have the fuel filter under the Air filter, v6 has it in the middle of the truck on the frame

 

"lives-to-rock"
I watched the video. It is a big help. Thanks for the link!

 

@Mulepadre

I have replaced mine and my Dad's. We both have 95 2.7Ls. I did go through the wheelwell. As others have said, it is a bit tricky, but < 30 mins work.

I recently added an entry to the thread discussing the filter relocation mod. Not sure anybody has read it. I just want to spread the word that the filter is likely located where it is in order to protect it from damage/spraying fuel in a side impact collision. Same reason on other models it is tucked inside the frame. In a crash, batteries and wiring tend to get shorted/spark and a ruptured fuel filter is no good. That LH inner fender location is very tempting, but also very vulnerable in a crash.

If you decide to move it, when you do select a new location, just suggesting you keep that in mind.

 

Very good point.

 

@Mulepadre: you're quite welcome....(but FTR the true credit belongs to keakar)

@Wsidr1: excellent point, easily overlooked. Good lookin' out.

 

I need to do this. I think I'll stick with the annoyance and not relocate it. It's gone 212K on the original (I think) so I will be good for a while after I change it.