metalonmetal said:
good advice, thanks for chiming in. it's a 9" diameter filter, about 20 lbs. i like the idea of adding a plate. the simpler the better. another issue i have to tend to is getting a topspin or full view precleaner that is a smaller diameter than the raincap i currently have. i will have an issue if i leave it on, won't be able to lift the hood without taking the cap off. looks like you shouldn't have any problems with branches and those limb lifters you got there!
Yours is larger diameter and a little shorter than mine. The specs look like it could handle a large displacement small block V8.
Not all Donaldson filter elements are on the shelf at every truck stop so it pays to have a good precleaner in place to extend filter life on dusty trails and one or two spare filter elements on the shelf at home.
Before I decided which precleaner I wanted I made a comparison between the two types. I think the metal and glas version has a more "industrial strength" look to it vs a plastic prefilter. But ... Think about field repairs if you accidentally whack the prefilter on a limb or rock and break it. Break the glass and you are SOL for a precleaner. Break the plastic and a dab of plastic cement or a wrap of duct tape and you are functional again.
Also the plastic top spin is self cleaning. It drops dirt out as it works. The older design glass one collects the dirt and you need to periodically stop and clean the bowl if yo want it to keep working.
Prefilters use a spinny thingie to separate out the dirt. It has a minimum airflow below which the spinny thingie does not work and there is a maximum flow rate beyond which the air flow becomes restricted. If you are going to have a prefilter it should be chosen carefully to work within your engine's normal operating range.
I use the top spin #H002437. It has a 3 inch dia outlet, is 6.38 " dia and the CFM flow rate is 90-200 CFM. My Land Rover is powered by a Ford 302. What the specs mean to me is that the prefilter works in the engine's 1000 to 3000 RPM range. It will be a little restrictive at full acceleration and above 3000 RPM. My high range fourth gear puts me at 65 MPH @2750 RPM and 75 MPH at around 3000 RPM.
The next large prefilter has an operating flow range of 200-450 CFM. I would need to keep my 5L engine above 3000 RPM for it to work.
Anyway something to think about.
Just thought of something. Check the finish on the inside of the filter. The person who painted mine didn't do the best job on the inside of mine so I repainted the inside to inhibit rust formation.
Good luck with yours