Does anyone have any suggestions for which cabin and engine air filters to use?

In my previous vehicles I've used the K&N washable filters.

Just curious I haven't replaced them yet.

Thanks
Lenny

 

If I plan on keeping the truck more then a few years I use K&N washable. If I am not planing on keeping it more then 3 to 5 years I use Frame or Motorcraft.

 

Cabin filters I use whatever is easiest/cheapest to obtain. Amazon has a good price on the motorcraft one along with some others for around the same price. I occasionally toss them on rockauto orders to have on the shelf when needed.

The engine air filter is a trickier quection. Id suggest you figure how many paper filters you can buy for the cost of one washable filter, plus the cleaning kit you need to refresh it, and then decide if you still "need" one. The paper filter is the definition of cheap and easy; just toss a new one in a call it a day. Washable you need to wash it, wait for it to dry, etc. Its more work, but its really up to you to decide if its worth it based on how long you plan to keep the truck, how often to intend to replace the filter, etc. If you do decide to get one, I'd suggest exploring the dry washable filters. AFE, AEM, etc all should have an option. No need to worry about over-oiling the filter.

 

I have the K&N filter, which did perceptively increase the airflow.

 

I just ordered the K&N Air and Cabin filter.

 

I use motor craft, replace both once a year. I put 25,000 km a year.

 

I always use Wix or Purolator for engine filters. K&N worries me too much. Check out the below video.

 

Cheap filter. Replace once a year. Done.

 

I just did mine with 12K miles after 2 years. Cabin air filter I removed lookes quite clean. The engine air filter replaced to see if the dealer would ask me at oil change about replacing. Will see what happens at upcoming oil change. Did my wife's cabin air filter on a 2021 Jeep Cherokee, 16K miles. Not near as easy as the F-150, but definitely needed replacing.

 

I like the WIX filter for air. There is no advantage in power with a free flow air filter as the stock system flow more than the engine can use. The problem with free flow and washable filters is the amount of dust they let thru. As shown in Deadpool's post. I used to use K&N in several NA vehicles and did notice the dust collecting in the intake, after buying a 2.7 TT I wanted clean dust free air to protect the turbine blades.

As for the cabin filter, I spend most time with a window down at least part way (old school and have a base XL without the environmental comfort stuff). Figure that fairly defeats the cabin filter so it is now sitting on the shelf. No help on that topic from me! KM