Fuel Line

Same thing happened to me. I went under there to change the filter and the retaining clips are not in the fuel lines on either side of the filter... WTF... also the fittings are all dented and bent. I think the previous owner/shop where it was taken removed the filter without using the removal tool because I just pulled the fuel line out of each side and there were no clips in the fuel line where they are supposed to be.

not to hijack, but I am in a similar situation and would like to know what to do to repair the fuel lines by the filter... do I need new fuel lines from front to rear?

I am just taking a guess here but you may have to cut off the bent
part and find some fuel resistant rubber hose, attach with hose clamps,
and find a non mustang filter to fit the new size hose.