What a day! All I wanted to do was get #6 and 8 spark plugs replaced and change the oil. I spent roughly 5 hours doing just that. As suggested, I went to a parts store to get an offset box-end wrench. Well, AZ had them as a set, but not individually. So, I went to a local tool store and found what I thought I needed. Spent $20 for a 5/8 x 11/16 offset wrench. Well, that didn't help me at all with #6. I finally got the bugger with a 5/8 socket and 3/4" wrench.
Next, I tackled the oil change. Getting the drain plug loose was a pain. Finally got it and let the oil drain before unscrewing the filter. So, here comes the part where I spent the rest of my day driving back and forth from various stores. There's not enough space to get a tradition filter wrench with long tube headers. Back to AZ I went to get a cap socket. Got back home, got the filter old filter off and started with a new K&N HP-3002 oil filter. Well, guess what, it's too damn long! The headers are in just the right spot to prevent that filter from screwing on. So, back to the parts store. Of course, no one knew which shorty filter I needed (my fault for not doing the research before hand). So, one of the salesman suggested I use a filter meant for a P/U with 4WD. It was still long, but skinnier. Took it home and it fit fine, but it would not thread on. Plus, the mouth wasn't large enough. In the past, I had my local Wal-Mart do my oil changes and they been using a shorty Fram filter. AZ didn't carry it and Wal-Mart did, but only in their shop. They wouldn't sell it to me unless I had my truck there for an oil change. Luckily, my Dad had his smart phone with him and a quick search revealed exactly what I needed. Bought a Fram PH30 and headed home. About half an hour later, truck had new oil and filter installed. SHEESH!
Anyways, FRAM is getting used this time. I need to figure out which K&N filter I can use. The HP-3002 would have worked with shorty or stock headers. I did see where an AC-Delco 454 filter would work, but I can't seem to find it locally.
I do have a question about oil color. It seemed to have a reddish-brown color to it. I have been using Castrol GTX High Mileage 10w40 oil since I bought the truck (except for 1 time) or that's what I've been using at Wal-Mart. Anyone seen reddish-brown oil before? Engine coolant is the green stuff and I know it wasn't ATF, no drain plug for that.