98.5 Fuel Filter retrofit

[RMHanes]

Attended roundup and rally in Columbus, IN in 1999 and during one of the discussion group meetings it was mentioned possibility of a retrofit kit for the fuel filter. This kit would make changing the fuel element more like the later models. Just unscrew the top, remove old filter, install new filter, fill, reinstall cover, prime and go. Has anyone heard anything more or this or was I just dasseled with all the other things going on?

 

[John]

If you are referring to retrofitting a '00/'01 fuel filter housing TO A '98. 5/'99 Ram you will also need different fuel lines from the lift pump to the fuel filter and the fuel filter to the injection pump. I looked at this possible "upgrade" when I removed my Prime-Loc system. I still feel the '98. 5/'99 fuel filter assembly is clearly the superior system.

 

[MikeR]

Yeh,don't bother with a retrofit. True,it is easier and faster to change the filter element on a 2000-2001 compared to the 98-99 style,but the overall construction of the 98-99 housing is stonger than the 2000-2001. I'm not particularly thrilled about having a plastic screw-on lid... we'll see how long it takes for engine heat to degrade the plastic.

Not only that,but if you ever upgrade your fuel lines on a 2000-2001 style,you will lose your fuel pressure test ports because the ports are incorperated into the banjo bolts. On the 98-99,the test ports are built into the housing lid.
The test ports are important for us to periodically check on the unreliable lift pumps.

-Mike

 

[John]

..... in addition, while changing the fuel filter on a '00/'01 is "easier" than the '98. 5/'99, there is less chance for contamination with the '98. 5/'99 design. On the earlier design you remove the bottom portion of the fuel filter assembly, dump out the filter and fuel, install a new filter and you are done... no contamination. On the later version you risk fuel contamination upon filter removal.

 

[RMHanes]

Thanks for the information. Had not thought about the fuel lines and that the plastic lid may melt or get real soft with the heat in the compartment. Think will just stay with what is there. Some times what may seem like an improvement turns out costing more.

 

[Mopar-muscle]

sorry , i have to disagree , i preferr the way the filter is on my 2000 , it is easier , the story i read on this site about a filter change, along with a few upgrades made by the factory swayed me to order a new 2000 insted of the leftover 99 i almost bought . i'll be upgrading my fuel system and swapping to larger lines along with keeping ports for fuel pressure testing , the only plus i see on the early housing is the pressure ports on top .

if you really want to keep that setup, i would suggest changing to larger lines, ditching the restrctive banjo bolts and moving the housing to a place that makes it easier to swap the filter .