SOTP address (State Of The Parts ). oil filters

I worked in a Ford parts room for several months before going back to Mopar.
Ford isn't going to want to see or care about the filter. If you leave it with the dealer, they're just going to wait until your gone and pitch it. Especially if you didn't buy it from them.
From the looks of it, I'm guessing it's a CM-6731-FL1A?
The difference is likely because of a different FOD (Ford Outside Distributor) and not a functionality issue.
If I were guessing, I'd say it was a seal improperly installed or dirty surface area issue.
Honestly, unless he was running a higher oil pressure, or racing a Motorcraft filter would be plenty.