1986 Bronco Fuel Filter

I think I have either a fuel filter or fuel pump problem with my 1986 Fuel Injected Bronco. My symptoms are sputtering and then if I don't continue to pump the gas, the car dies. I'm gonna start with changing the filter(I just recently bought the vehicle), but am not sure how to go about accessing the fuel filter. From what I can see underneath, it seems to be protected by a steel guard?...has anyone else seen this? If so, any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

Yes, it's behind that steel gaurd. Remove the gaurd, held on by 4 bolts, and you will see a canaster type filter. i used large slip joint pliers to unscrew the lower half of the filter canaster and replace the filter.