first off its on passengers side against the firewall before doin that let the pressure by unscrewing the gas cap.
2nd use flare wrenches to do this i couldnt get mine to budge so i gave it to the dealer to do u dont want to pay for new fuel lines you'll end up w/ a bigger headach then what u started with.
i dont remember what sizes off the top of my head there will be a banjo bolt on the top and bottom make sure u change the washers that come w/ the new fuel filter.
there will be a lil gas drippin from the filter once u release the lines from the filter thats ok i would put a bucket underneath it.
if u still cant find it look at the new one to verify its the right one before u do n e thing.
the lines might be hard to get off if so i suggest u dont do it and call mits for an appt. buy yur own filter it will be cheaper at least it was for me it only cost 30 bucks or so.
if this doesnt help let me know i can get the answer by lookin at mine i have a 97 too so email me if u have problems
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