I just finished changing my fuel filter and trans filter at 15000 miles. I have read a lot of the posts concerning the fuel filter change. I want to add my two cents worth. Most appear to be going through the fender to change the fuel filter. I changed the filter from the top in less than 30 minutes. I found the wire to be a nuisance since I have such big hands but conquered it by removing the wire from the clamp on the cylinder head. That clamp is just bend around the wire bundles including the filter water sensor wire. Once I got it out the clamp I used needle nose pliers to put just enough pressure on the connector lock and the connector separated very easily.
Next I used a PLEWS 70-719 1/2" STRAP FILTER WRENCH. I pulled the strap all the way to the top of the filter and used a ratchet and extension. After taking up the slack it took two or three short turns on the ratchet and the filter was loose and I removed it by hand from there.
I changed out the water sensor and to fix the big o-ring falling out problem that I have heard so much about I used blue Permatex gasket maker and put 4 SMALL spots on the filter and positioned the o-ring and sitted it. I then cleaned all exposed gasket maker from the filter and o-ring and installed the filter. It is somewhat awkward getting it in position but not real hard. I screwed it as far as it would go. I then put the strap wrench back on. Here is where you have to be REAL CAREFUL. After moving the stap all the way to the top I tilted the strap wrench bar slightly so that the filter housing would take the pressure and then turn the filter about 1/8 turn or less just to snug it. I could not get quite enough twist with my hand because of the awkward position. I opened the bleed screw and pump the filter full of fuel and bled the air out, cleaned up the mess and bingo it was done except for the startup leak check.
I then changed the trans filter and darn near did not see the magnetic washer. It had fuzz on it. This is just normal wear that occurs in mechanical devices. If you find chips or flakes then it is time to start being concerned.
Hope this helps someone else to ease the maintenance burden.