Would anyone happen to know what the color of the air filter flange is on the original factory filter (2000 Ford F-150 XLT) and what color the Ford replacement OEM air filter flanges are?

What I am attempting to determine is this - A long, long time ago, I remember someone telling me that automakers sometimes mark "original" parts with a distinct color (it was also suggested that these parts weren't designed as well as replacement parts so as to accelerate your purchase of replacement parts - but probably moot point for air filters).

Anyway, purchased an air filter from Ford parts with black flange (I will eventually get a K&N kit) to replace the filter that was supposedly replaced at 15,000 by the dealership at the 15k service, but low and behold the one in there had an orange flange. So the first thing that popped into my mind was this is the original air filter that came with the truck, they said they changed it but didn't and charged me for it.

Maybe I'm too suspicious, but I've heard too many stories, oil not changed, filter not changed, air filter banged loose of some debris and put back in, etc. etc.

 

I cant recall what color my original was however i know that the aftermarket replacement I currently have has a orange flange and it is manufactured by motorcraft and was installed at a valvoline quick lube, I watched them change it. as to why the one you have now is black I don't know, but most likely your dealer changed your filter as he said.

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98 F150 XLT Super cab s/b
Two-Tone paint: Moonlight Blue w/Light Prairie Tan Accent
4.6L Auto 4X2
3.55ls 255/70r16
Premium sound w/6Disc changer
Captains chairs

 

The original was orange here.

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2000 F-150 XL, RC, LB, 5.4L, 4R70W, 4.10LS,
Class III tow, Payload #3, & Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS, Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner w/Paintsaver & gas/wheel/spare locks,
K&N F.I.P.K. w/Outwears pre-filter, Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back w/ 3" Y-pipe,
Hellwig front & rear anti-sway bars, Rancho RS 9000s,
Pirelli Scorpion Zero 275/60/16s, Mobil 1, K&N oil filter.

 

My stock filter is orange also.

 

My stock one was orange too--I changed to a K&N(cheaper in the long run).