If you have a newer model truck (and own it), then you are aware that the cost of these filters is a bit expensive. You should also be aware that shopping around and buying them before you need them can save you lots of money.
Anyhow, I bring this up because in almost 200,000 miles, I have been through 3 air filters on my truck, and about to purchase the 4th. The 3rd air filter, a Baldwin, was just installed a couple weeks ago, and was immediately more restrictive than the Fleetguard that was taken out and thrown away. I literally took the filter out today just to see if they actually replaced it.
First off, I have no clue what filter was in this truck from day one. Never looked. What I do know is that the restriction was virtually non existent (per the gauge inside the truck), and even at near the 100k mark when I replaced it, the restriction was fairly low under any heavy load. I'm kicking myself for not checking to see what brand was in there, and plan on calling Fitzgerald to see if they can tell me.
Fleetguard (FA27688) was 2nd. Honestly, I thought it was a Donaldson, never checked to verify it when it was installed, but was told it was a Donaldson. Regardless, it was a decent filter. Ran it about 80k, replaced it as it was beginning to show some significant restriction on the gauge, and I could tell the engine was staving for air under a load.
Two weeks ago, in went a Baldwin filter, part# ca5500. I pulled multiple loads that were extremely light, so didn't really pay much attention. Did notice a bit of restriction on the gauge almost immediately, but didn't think too much about it. Then came the heavy pulls, and the gauge was showing more restriction than ever, on a brand new filter. My first thought was that they didn't replace the filter, and I was on the phone taking care of something else at the time it was replaced so I didn't see it go in.
I don't plan on putting another Baldwin filter in. Maybe I just got a bad filter, but not going to take that chance again.
Now, I am in the search for a filter. Fleetguard is easy enough to find, everyone carries it, can be had for under $100.00. Price, though, is not as important as performance.
I was all set to buy a Fleet Air Filter today. Everyone I have talked to has spoke very well of these filters. $450.00 initial purchase, but it's a lifetime filter, better airflow claims, and claims to filter better. I've spoken with a couple drivers who did before and after oil samples which showed cleaner results with the Fleet Air Filter, and they insisted that they had better fuel economy and performance. Didn't buy it because they are back ordered. Spoke with the guy who makes them, and they are trying to catch up from massive sales during the truck show. Still plan on buying it, but going to have to get another filter in the mean time. Checking with the Joplin44 tomorrow to see if they happen to have one in stock, and will drive up there after I get home and pick it up.
Which brings me to Donaldson. Of all big name filters, this is the one that gets the best reviews from what I have seen. Just a matter of finding somebody who has one in my neighborhood. They are a bit more expensive, so not as commonly carried.
In my searches today, I found out that Wix and Fram also make a filter for my truck. Extremely expensive, but they make them. Found them at Oreilly and Napa.
So, is there a filter that you swear by? A filter that you refuse to buy?
Anyhow, I bring this up because in almost 200,000 miles, I have been through 3 air filters on my truck, and about to purchase the 4th. The 3rd air filter, a Baldwin, was just installed a couple weeks ago, and was immediately more restrictive than the Fleetguard that was taken out and thrown away. I literally took the filter out today just to see if they actually replaced it.
First off, I have no clue what filter was in this truck from day one. Never looked. What I do know is that the restriction was virtually non existent (per the gauge inside the truck), and even at near the 100k mark when I replaced it, the restriction was fairly low under any heavy load. I'm kicking myself for not checking to see what brand was in there, and plan on calling Fitzgerald to see if they can tell me.
Fleetguard (FA27688) was 2nd. Honestly, I thought it was a Donaldson, never checked to verify it when it was installed, but was told it was a Donaldson. Regardless, it was a decent filter. Ran it about 80k, replaced it as it was beginning to show some significant restriction on the gauge, and I could tell the engine was staving for air under a load.
Two weeks ago, in went a Baldwin filter, part# ca5500. I pulled multiple loads that were extremely light, so didn't really pay much attention. Did notice a bit of restriction on the gauge almost immediately, but didn't think too much about it. Then came the heavy pulls, and the gauge was showing more restriction than ever, on a brand new filter. My first thought was that they didn't replace the filter, and I was on the phone taking care of something else at the time it was replaced so I didn't see it go in.
I don't plan on putting another Baldwin filter in. Maybe I just got a bad filter, but not going to take that chance again.
Now, I am in the search for a filter. Fleetguard is easy enough to find, everyone carries it, can be had for under $100.00. Price, though, is not as important as performance.
I was all set to buy a Fleet Air Filter today. Everyone I have talked to has spoke very well of these filters. $450.00 initial purchase, but it's a lifetime filter, better airflow claims, and claims to filter better. I've spoken with a couple drivers who did before and after oil samples which showed cleaner results with the Fleet Air Filter, and they insisted that they had better fuel economy and performance. Didn't buy it because they are back ordered. Spoke with the guy who makes them, and they are trying to catch up from massive sales during the truck show. Still plan on buying it, but going to have to get another filter in the mean time. Checking with the Joplin44 tomorrow to see if they happen to have one in stock, and will drive up there after I get home and pick it up.
Which brings me to Donaldson. Of all big name filters, this is the one that gets the best reviews from what I have seen. Just a matter of finding somebody who has one in my neighborhood. They are a bit more expensive, so not as commonly carried.
In my searches today, I found out that Wix and Fram also make a filter for my truck. Extremely expensive, but they make them. Found them at Oreilly and Napa.
So, is there a filter that you swear by? A filter that you refuse to buy?
That did not take long at all.
