guywm25,
I too had the same problems as you and everyone else with the welded on fuel filter, I used an adjustable wrench on the line nut and a very small pipe wrench with a 16" piece of pipe on the handle for leverage on the filter nut. (HINT) When installing the New Fuel Filter, I coat all the threads with Anti Seize compound first, then put it all back together. It now takes mea breezy 10 min to completely changeit out oncea year...
Good luck and be patient......

 

Yesterday, I finally got up the ambition to once again try to replace the fuel filter. TMALSS (to make a long story short), this was by far the most UNPLEASANT, MISERABLE auto job that I have ever had the displeasure to do. Hell, I've changed transverse mounted transmissions that were easier than replacing this stupid fuel filter. Arrghhhhh!, BUT I finally did get it out WITHOUT cutting anything. All it took was a combination of Vise grip pliers, 5/8" wrenches, 19MM flare wrench and lots of cursing and placing a "hex" on the designer who put the filter where it is. Anyway, she eventually came out and a brand new one is in, with lots of "anti-sieze" compound slathered on the threads. A future replacement will hopefully be a lot easier, although I doubt I'll ever change it again. My advise to all you Blazer heads is to change that filter -->before<-- she welds herself in there. If your ride isn't that old, change the filter NOW and spare yourself the grief later (assuming you are going to keep her). What a PITA.

BTW, I never did get the brass fitting on the outlet side of the filter to release fron its gas line. I chose not to try to force it off, instead I did get he inlet side to break free, so I spun the filter off the outlet side by holding the gas line fitting steady and turned the filter off it. Installation was just the reverse. Still, a major PITA.

Now, on to the fuel pump. Oh joy!

PS::Pray for me today, as my son is taking his road test for his license. God help us all!