I believe the oil filter is well worth putting on. If you watch the color of the oil on the dipstick you will see the results. The filter sre cheap from salvage as many of the old cars/trucks had one. You can get a hose-fitting kit from the specialty supplyers. Do not use old hoses. Many engines have been ruined by broken hoses. These filters are not full flow but all the oil gets filtered. With modern oils, a filter, & good engine you can go 4-5 thousand mile between changes.
