I feel your pain! Changing those
6.7 powerstroke fuel filter can be a real hassle, especially the first time. Here are a few tips that might help for next time:
Drain the water separator first. This will save you a lot of mess when you loosen the lower filter.
Use the right tools. A strap wrench can be helpful for loosening the upper filter housing, and having a drain pan underneath is essential to catch any spilled fuel.
Consider aftermarket filter kits. There are kits available that replace the plastic housing with a metal one that uses a spin-on filter, making it much easier to change.
Take your time. Don't rush the process, or you might end up breaking something