Ford 5.4 3v Wix Air Filter — Old vs New

[TXCarGeek]

Changed out the air filter on my brother’s 08 Navigator this afternoon and thought it was worth taking some pics to share with you all to compare this older filter put in back in 2022.

Certainly seems interesting that the filter is no longer wire mesh backed. Pleating may have been thinner as well but was hard to discern with much certainty. Both made in Mexico.

Unsure if I’ll be sticking with this filter anymore.

 

[ripcord]

All you can do is go by the efficiency ratings.

 

[tasch72]

I'd personally rather have the new one with the plastic grid. The wire backing seems overkill for a naturally aspirated daily driver. Media density looks like it could be attributed to the new media not being "broken in".

 

[dnewton3]

The wire backing is very important if you're in a rodent-prone area. Mice would EASILY get past the newer diamond-shaped design.
Yet more cheaping of the overall filtration market; not unlike what's happening in the oil filter designs.

 

[Kruse]

The wire backing is very important if you're in a rodent-prone area. Mice would EASILY get past the newer diamond-shaped design.
Yet more cheaping of the overall filtration market; not unlike what's happening in the oil filter designs.

I can agree with that. I live out in the country with the nearest neighbor 3/4 of a mile from me.
I'm surrounded by soybean and corn fields on all sides. About a month ago, I inspected the underhood of a vehicle and mice had chewed through the air filter and filled up the tube between the air filter and the mass airflow sensor. I was lucky to have inspected it before I started it.

 

[ka9mnx]

delete...

 

[bdcardinal]

I know people like to hate on Motorcraft, but they still use the metal wire backing. I stock the B7 version of the FA-1883 to save on box waste.

 

[TXCarGeek]

I know people like to hate on Motorcraft, but they still use the metal wire backing. I stock the B7 version of the FA-1883 to save on box waste.

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I’ve used the motorcraft air filter in the past without issue!

Only reason I was using the Wix was because of the additional length of the pleating

 

[TXCarGeek]

The wire backing is very important if you're in a rodent-prone area. Mice would EASILY get past the newer diamond-shaped design.
Yet more cheaping of the overall filtration market; not unlike what's happening in the oil filter designs.

Didn’t even think of this issue! Great point.

 

[bdcardinal]

I’ve used the motorcraft air filter in the past without issue!

Only reason I was using the Wix was because of the additional length of the pleating

I seem to remember a few years ago Motorcraft changing the design, or maybe it was the FA-1754 (its been a day so far) making them shorter and people thought it was the wrong part. Even though the package said "new design, interchangeable with old filter."