I do mine about every 60,000 mi as maintenance. Once a year seems like a heck of a lot, but I only drive around 15k a year.

 

Definitely go with Toyota recommended filter changes and OEM parts. That is why you have a yota in the first place. BTW - the fuel filter is under the drivers seat. You have to remove the splash guard first. I changed mine out last year no problem, but take your time.

 

So is there a certain time you recommend to replace it?

 

I don't think it is a fair comparison between the fuel filter and the oil filter, oil recirculates through the filter over and over, fuel goes through one time and gets burnt up. That being said, if it is easy to change on the 3.4 then go for it, I drive a Runner w/ the 2.7 and the fuel filter is a huge pain to access, so mine is staying on.

 

I think Toyota says it is a lifetime part, it is never supposed to be changed...HA!

 

One yota shop said they've never seen a compromised one below 90K. I'm sticking to 60k cause that's what I'm comfortable with-yeah, the 3.4 is so easy even a girl can do it (heh heh).

 

I'd call that pretty easy on a 3.4L:

 

That is very annoying that on the 3.4 the fuel filter is so easy to change, I just don't see why Toyota would bury it on the side of the engine block for the 2.7. My truck is around 90k and I wouldn't mind changing it, but I really don't feel like removing the plenum to do it.

 

I've thought about that & finally came up with a thoery why Toyota stuck it there on my 22re's and the 2.7 - I think it's designed to pre-heat the fuel to aid in combustion, giving a cleaner more complete burn. I figure it's more $$$ for toyota to make a large, metal filter so they must have had a good reason and that's the only one I can think of.

 

The motivation for it was to be a cheap/easy update.

By attaching the fuel filter of the 22RE to an existing bolt hole on the engine, Toyota didn't have to make a new mount for it somewhere on the frame, nor rework the body fuel lines to accommodate an inline filter. The 2.7 was just a carry over, 'Hey, it worked on the 2.4, didn't it?'

 

If one were feeling creative, one could conceivably add an inline filter at a more accessible point on the 2.7L equipped vehicles perhaps? But that still wouldn't fix the OE filter if it were clogged under the plenum there. There are universal inline filters available for fuel injected vehicles with various different types of threaded fittings. Just make sure the micron rating/beta ratio of the aftermarket add-on is similar to the OE specifications. I don't know how you'd tap into the fuel line though, since it's high pressure (35-45 psi or so?)

 

It's possible to replace the fuel filter on the 2.7 engines, without removing the intake manifold.

It's a bit of a pain to access, but I've done it on my Uncles Tacoma.

 

As an Expert Toyota tech myself there is absolutely no need to change the fuel filter unless there has been a problem with the fuel or any other symtoms. I the 7 1/2 years I has replaced maybe 6 filters and those were due to some sort of contamination. Not to mention the fuel lines are very tight and easily stripped if your not careful. Hope this helps it is just a step and maintaince concern that really is not needed.