If you're choosing between those 2, go Wix. I've heard nothing but great results

 

Wix. Only cuz I don't know about Motorcraft for sure.

 

Specs on the WIX 51085 vs. 51515. Note the application years and the Height of each one.

I use the 51515 only because of its increased volume.

Part Number:
51085
UPC Number:
765809510852
Principal Application:
Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Vehicles (91-08), Mitsubishi Eclipse (95-99); Caterpillar 3 Series Excavators, 9 Series Loaders, Kubota

All Applications
Style:
Spin-On Lube Filter
Service:
Lube
Type:
Full Flow
Media:
Paper
Height:
3.836
Outer Diameter Top:
3.660
Outer Diameter Bottom:
Closed
Thread Size:
3/4-16
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI:
8-11
Anti-Drain Back Valve:
Yes
Beta Ratio:
2/20=6/20
Burst Pressure-PSI:
340
Max Flow Rate:
7-9 GPM
Nominal Micron Rating:
21



Part Number:
51515
UPC Number:
765809515154
Principal Application:
Chrysler Family of Cars/Trucks (57-70), Ford Family of Cars/Trucks (57-00), Mazda Trucks (94-00), Toyota Landcruiser (71-96), various HD applications - (Two Quart version is 51773)

All Applications
Style:
Spin-On Lube Filter
Service:
Lube
Type:
Full Flow
Media:
Paper
Height:
5.178
Outer Diameter:
3.660
Thread Size:
3/4-16
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI:
8-11
Anti-Drain Back Valve:
Yes
Ends:
Metal
Beta Ratio:
2/20=6/20
Burst Pressure-PSI:
290
Max Flow Rate:
7-9 GPM
Nominal Micron Rating:
21

 

Youtube videos about what's inside oil filters. This one is about the FL1A.
If you go to Youtube and paste 'Inside a Motorcraft oil filter' in the search window you'll find other videos.

 

I just learned my lesson

 

well i never get a fram again...

 

I run K&N in my 88. not the same filter as a 97 but they work good and you tighten it with a wrench or socket set which is nice

 

K and n and mobile one are exactly the same internally.. just k and n has a nut on the outside..

 

I've never had an issue running Fram filters on any vehicles I've owned, or any that my family runs... I don't know if I've just been lucky or what... but I guess I'll look into swapping over to another brand, and most likely the oversized version so that I don't take the chance of my luck running out and blowing my motor... I want to build myself a budget stroker motor, to replace my current 4.0, but don't want to be rushed because the oil filter blew it up..

 

Frams really rear their ugly head in applications like our Jeeps where they're mounted upside down. They still suck in other applications but you just don't know it. A pi$$-poor company to make such inferior filters in the name of mass marketing with total disregard for OEM specs.