I know this is a dumb question, but does anybody have any idea about how to change the oil on a '03 f-150 heritage 5.4L without slicing up their arms? I had to change the oil in my truck this weekend and when I was done my arm was cut up from the cramped area around the oil filter.

 

Wish I could help out, am glad to see people getting involved with their investement. Can you give up some help as to what you have in tools and equipment. Absolutely, hated my daughters 87 Escort GT. That low riding THING (keeping it readable), was a night mare. Don't have the 5.4 myself to know the procedure, others will chime in. Good luck.

 

I feel for you here, the placement of the oil filter sucks on the 5.4. The first time I changed mine I decided to do it in the dark, that was a bad idea it took me forever to find the damn filter. I haven't cut myself but I do struggle each time I change my oil. I don't use tools to take it off I just seem to barely muster up enough leverage to get it unscrewed by hand reaching up from the bottom while dripping oil down my arm.

 

I love working on what I know how to do on my truck. I don't trust anybody to work on my truck. I don't know how to work on a lot of work on my truck, but luckly my dad does and he helps me out. For me oil changes, checking the fluids, and changeing the air filter is all I really know how to do, but I have fun doing them, they make me feel good to know I do things on my own.

I don't use any tools either since the placement leaves absolutely no room for an oil filter wrench. What I had to do was get the filter up near where I have to put it on so I can go through the wheel housing to put it on the threads. That is the only way I can do it since i have fat arms.

 

Unfortunately it doesn't get any easier on the newer 5.4s either. I've cut up my arms trying to get the filter too. It looks easy from the top of the engine but once you're under the truck it doesn't seem so easy. I don't know what to tell you as far as making it easier except for try to get it from a different angle.

 

For the oil filter I use one of those regular 5 dollar filter wrenches that tighten when you pull the handle one way. The one I have has a slot through the handle. I run a string/rope through the slot. To get up to the filter I go beside the driver front tire, and up that way, that's where there is the most room.. I get the filter wrench on the filter and let the string/rope come down by the front diff pretty much straight down from the filter. Just pull on the string to loosen the filter. Would be so much more helpful if I were doing one right now and could get pictures, but anyways, hope that kinda helps.
~Josh