Well, I can tell you from personal experience that it isn't an issue. As I said before, it is very easy to remove and service the filter. I don't know how the design of the top nut works to hold on the filter, but I have only seen them on solid case, disposable filters. The Trufilter and its competitors have three peices. The base, the case, and the filter. I don't know if the nut design would work with a filter that comes apart, although I'm sure it could be designed to function with one.
You can get a strap wrench at any auto parts store or hardware store for less than $5. They are a good thing to have in your tool box regardless of the filter you use. You are only supposed to tighten the filter on using your hands anyhow, so it shouldn't be so tight you'd have troubble removing it. If you overtighten your filter, you'll crush the o-ring that makes the seal and you'll get leaks. I don't know about the nut design, so I can't speak on it, but I assure you that the Trufilter doesn't desperately need one because it works just fine as is. I've now changed the oil and cleaned the filter 5 times and it has been a breeze every time and I haven't had any leaks. DEWFPO pointed this post out to me about Royal Purple plugging the TruFilter. Check out post # 39 in this link :
http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj-cruiser/2...ml#post3324280
I know this doesn't provide any data, but the fact that Royal Purple suggests using Trufilter is one more peice of circumstancial evidence for their quality and effectiveness. I should be able to get through to Trufilter and or Pure Power today to get some real data.
I don't doubt that the top nut is a good design that makes things easier, but IMO making something that is already very easy, even easier isn't a huge improvement. Don't take that the wrong way... I agree that the top nut is a superior design for the type of filter you use. I just don't know if it would be applicable on these filters.
