My friend and I both have 08 LBZ's and both seem to have the same problem. We are using either A/C Delco or Napa Gold (WIX) fuel filters and are not getting the life out of them that we think we should. We both fuel at different station but always a high volume station. My truck seems to ask for a new filter between 3K and 7K miles. By asking I mean that when you get into the trhottle it does not want to shift at high RPM. Change the filter and everything is great again. My DIC change meter has never gotten below 68% life left before I have had to change the filter. It is really noticable when towing our trailers as you are always heavier into the throttle up here in the mountains. The local steelership says there is nothing worng with either truck. So what are you guys getting? Is there a conversion that we can do to a better filter that will last longer and be easier to change?

Filter life is dependent on fuel quality and total flow volume. The DIC is an algorithm in the ECM monitoring operational time and distance, and not an actual measurement of filter loading. Your towing requiring greater fuel flow is likely the cause, as is fuel quality. I use the Nicktane filter ahead of the OEM filter, it reduces loading on the OEM filter, and is very easy to change. In your application looking at the AirDog, FASS or similar systems may be more appropriate, as they offer a lift pump function. Also, use of the new Delco TP 3012 filter may help. GM's hype:

The new coalescer filter provides the following benefits / improvements over the existing dual pleat design:

• 150-200% increase in service life, depending on contaminant type
• Improved fuel system protection with some premium diesel and B5 biodiesel blends
• Equivalent coarse water droplet removal efficiency of previous design
• Greatly improved removal of emulsified water - a major contributor to fuel system issues

However, your filter life expectancy is going to be less than mine as my truck is used as a daily driver near sea level and does not tow. It is better to change a filter than ruin a pump or set of injectors. The filter is most likely doing its job. I know it's a pain and expense to change them, it usually costs me busted knuckles and a band aid or two.

If you haven't already installed a filter housing spacer, I recommend doing so, as it really makes the filter change easier. www.merchant-automotive.com/fuelfilterheadspacerkit.aspx

I usually change mine every 10-15K miles. My DIC usually says 12-20%. I just changed mine yesterday and I could really tell the difference in just taking off. It didn't need near as much diesel to go. Mine is also a daily driver and every now and then used to tow 12K lbs. Also, the change takes me about 10 minutes really not working too hard... Not sure how other people do it, but I do everything from the top under the hood. The filter will barely fit between the housing that it screws on to and the freon lines along the wheel well fender. The first time I pulled the battery, air intake tube and everything... Really for no reason because now I figured out you can do it without removing a single thing. It's as simple as having a channel lock plier to remove the water sensor / Drain and putting it on the new one. Good luck!

I do mine from the top also and it does take more then 10 minutes but it isn't hard at all. For me I spend the most time making sure the gaskets are correct so it doesn't leak and having me do it all over again.

Next time cut open the filters and see how much of the media is used up.