Engine AirIntake Filter

The stock AirIntake FilterHousing is in the RightFore corner of the engine compartment. Shown & listed below are several PanelStyle PaperElement Filters, Width * Length * Height noted, that fit in this housing.


 * Wix# wa6734.........9i055W*7i598L*2i441H = Largest Paper Element + Hi Availability
 * Fram# ca10354.....9i055W*7i598L*2i441H = Largest Paper Element
 * Mahle# Lx742........9i094W*7i598L*2i441H = Largest Paper Element
 * Wix# 46253............8i791W*7i575L*2i295H
 * Fram# ca9563.......9i062W*7i880L*2i285H
 * Mann# c24123.......9i094W*7i638L*2i283H
 * Ford# fa1658.........8i790W*7i580L*2i280H = FactoryOE
 * Ford# fa1744.........8i970W*7i740L*2i260H
 * SuperTech# 1355...8i970W*7i740L*2i185H = Lo Cost + Hi Availability

Tools are not required to open the FilterHousing; Filter should be removed+inspected about every 6mths & replaced if dirty, more often for high usage or when road conditions are notably dusty\muddy\snowy:
 * Shutoff Engine, then disconnect MAssFlowSensor & PositiveCaseVentTube from the AirIntake Duct.
 * Open the 2 QuickLatches on the inboard side of Filter Housing UpperCover.
 * Slide UpperCover ~1inch sideways to release it, slightly compressing the Duct accordion.
 * Lift UpperCover to reveal the Filter; a BungyCord is handy to hold the UpperCover out of the way.
 * Remove+inspect the Filter; replace with a new Filter if visibly dirty.
 * CompressedAir <60psi BackBlow is a temporary fix for a dirty Filter until a new Filter is available.
 * Remove any dirt or debris from the Filter Housing LowerBody; RodentNests are often found here.
 * Reverse above procedures for reassembly; don't forget to reconnect both MAFSensor & PCVTube.

Housing LowerBody Modification
In 2020May, I began experimenting with the FilterHousing LowerBody, as pictured below, removing the InletRestrictor & eventually cutting away most of the box, leaving only mounting pins & basic frame. An "Extreme CheeseBox Mod", it removes a potential RodentNest, maximizes AirFlow, stays compatible with factory Filters, & costs $0. If unsatisfactory after a few months running, I'll revert to a JunkYard original. Update 2021Nov: after using this modification over a year, conclusion is that it actually created problems: IntakeAir Temp ran ~10f hotter, IntakeAir Noise was much louder above 3500rpms, & Power\Mileage was not improved. An unmodified FilterHousing from a JunkYard for ~$30 is now re-installed; lesson learned.



Links To Related Info
Thanks go to the brave souls who've preceded me in similar adventures & freely shared their experience:
 * http://youtu.be/pxXr6W5bZtg?t=0
 * http://youtu.be/mBn5a__c-yI?t=39
 * http://youtu.be/RdXVxbd59es?t=36
 * http://youtu.be/C9RYoL0mLyw?t=1
 * http://youtu.be/MSjQPDT-C8s?t=1
 * http://youtu.be/BDV7MyqQvSA?t=2
 * http://youtu.be/Z8FaQQ4Tww8?t=6
 * http://youtu.be/CpxHe7sZwsE?t=0
 * http://www.ranger-forums.com/engine-drivetrain-122/how-airbox-mod-132753
 * http://www.ranger-forums.com/engine-drivetrain-122/how-air-silencer-removal-10455
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/3rd-gen-air-box-mod.278734
 * https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/some-mods-today-swiss-cheese-silencer-silencer-panel-and-k-n-sotp-yes.434780/page-2