ryanm

So...doing my bi-monthly oil change and I have a hard time getting off the filter. Didn't think much of it because sometimes they just weld themselves on there. Got it off after some work with filter pliers. Now I can't get a new filter on to the filter thread. It is slightly pointed towards the back of the car. Not terribly but more than it should. Any ideas on how to get a new filter on my 98 GT? I've tried jacking the car at different points and can't get it close enough to catch the filter threads. The only thing that the filter hits during install is the metal for the shock tower. Please help!

Moonshine

I'm confused. Are you talking about the actual filter stud being off or are you talking about clearance?

ryanm

The filter stud is misaligned, thus causing clearance issues with the new oil filter during install. I ended up getting an oil filter that was shorter and a little more narrow that is made for ford 4x4 trucks. This one went on just fine. Seal was good and no leaks during testing.

So...is a bad transmission or motor mount to blame for the shift of the filter stud? There is no way to get the "correct" oil filter onto the filter stud with the way that it is now. How can I diagnose bad motor or transmission mounts? Thanks.

Or am I totally missing something that could throw off the filter stud alignment?

Moonshine

Call me crazy...but I'm not seeing a relationship between mounts and your stud. Maybe the filter was hit by a rock previously? Or some burly beefy mechanic bent it when getting the filter on/off.

Can you maybe take a picture or something to clear up what you mean? What is the stud misaligned with? Is it bent or not centered in the filter 'cup' ? Haha...Maybe I'm just being an idiot.