There are many ways to install this two filter system, it’s a challenge. Once you think you have it, and you find out you have to run a couple of hoses, you may have to change your mind.
I was looking for an easy way to change the filters without having to crawl under the truck to do it, or drain the oil. This was an ideal space, now just to mount it securely.
When I first discovered the room for this unit, I spotted these two bolts. Bad idea.
The directions specifically say don’t mount it to the engine, well I didn’t, I just mounted it to something that was mounted to the engine. So, back to the drawing board.
I really wanted the filters to fit here, because anywhere else would mean mounting the unit lower. I would also have to drain the oil to change the filter, then pour the oil back in.
Since I liked the idea of using the flat bar, I would just have to modify it a little, as long as I changed the two bolt connection at the alternator somehow.
This is how I was able to continue the installation. The frame, directly beneath the path of the flat bar, had a hole in it I could use to mount a support bar with a bolt.
As simple as it looks, it took a lot of looking around and making sure, once I started bending another 36 inch flat bar, that it would work this time.
There are brackets that come with Amsoil’s kit but there is no way to mount it like this without two pieces of flat bar. 1/8 X 1 ¼ X 36, 6.00 a piece from the hardware store.
The flat bar is mounted to the tough plastic covering the fuse box. It is meant to hold it steady here, not support the majority of the weight.
Simply measure the width of the holes on the manifold, and mark the flat bar, then drill.
I measured the bolts from the kit to size of hole.
Now it’s time to mount the manifold to the flat bar.
You would think that after I bolted all this stuff together with the flat bar I would be done. Well, I wanted to be, I thought it was good enough. When I gave it a shake, it moved too much to be permanent.
These are 3/16 rods, measured to length and a loop bent at the end. There were already bolts underneath the hood that I could back out, place the loop and bolt it back on. When the bolts were tightened, it had the stability I’d hoped for.
It’s a bit blurry, but you can see the oil lines coming off of the 45 degree brass fittings and going down to the oil filter adapter. Careful they don’t rub on anything that moves.
I chose 90 degree adapters to meet the oil lines, there wouldn’t be an issue with any bend.
This is a preventative measure. The muffler came within 1 ½ in. of the oil lines, making it potentially too hot. So, I placed a piece of aluminum to protect it from the heat.
The final step, since I left the bar to the alternator, was to cut off the flat bar.
Happy Installing, Moddy.
