Additional info.. Last time I just poured new diesel into the fuel bowl until it was about 2/3 full, then put in the new filter.

 

Your research was probably about a SuperDuty ('99-later) truck, which has a completely different fuel system. They have an electric fuel pump that runs when you turn the key. It's important to focus your research on the OBS generation. For our trucks, to prime the bowl, you have to crank the engine to run the fuel pump. The risk of pouring fuel into the bowl without the filter in is that it will then go into the injectors unfiltered. You could pour in a clean substance such as a diesel additive or ATF in.

 

I just pull mine out, and put the new one in slowly so it absorbs the fuel in the bowl and doesn't spill. No draining or filling required.

 

That makes sense! Any recommendations on diesel additives? Also, how full of the additive should the bowl be prior to me pressing in the new filter? Basically, should I do my best to ensure there is NO air in the bowl by the time I seal it?

 

Just whatever additive you use, if you use any. It's just a safer way than unfiltered fuel to fill the bowl. And no, you don't need to be completely free of air. After cranking enough, the fuel system will bleed itself. That's why you don't need to put anything in the bowl if you don't want to.

As said, you don't even have to drain the fuel; I would only do that if you suspect you have water in the bowl.

 

When I do a filter change on mine, I drain the bowl with a line attached to the end of the drain tube on the front of the engine. I also like to take the time to remove the black plastic standpipe (7/8" crows foot wrench and LEFTHAND threads) and fuel heater and clean any junk in the bottom of the bowl. I just put in a new filter, install the new lid gasket with a little fuel for lube (and in the correct orientation). I don't fill the bowl at all. Starts up like normal every time. Cheers!