OK. I have a 2000 5.3. I got the inlet and outlet lines disconnected, and the 2 nuts off of the black plastic bracket that holds the filter to the frame rail. But, I can't get the bracket off! Is there something else holding it in place? The section of fuel line that goes toward the front of the truck turns upward and is snapped into a bracket. Do I have to take it out of that bracket? It seems to really be in there, and I'm afraid of bending the fuel line. Is that black plastic section further toward the front flexible, or is that cover just a shield?

I remember having the same trouble. I took the front line out of that bracket, and then it seemed like there was enough flex somewhere to get the line out of the filter. I think I used a flat screwdriver to carefully pry a tab inward to get the line out. When you get both lines out of the filter, make sure the O-rings are still on them and o.k.--my new filter did not come with O-rings.