how to change fuel filter 2001 chevy blazer

I have done this job a billion times with a couple open end wrenches and a basic socket set for the little bolt that holds the bracket to the frame. The fuel filter is mounted along the driver side frame rail. Unless it's really old and suffering corrosion it isn't hard. Put one wrench on the fitting on the line and the other on the filter and just pop it loose. I've never had a bar in the way on either 2wd or 4x4.

Watch out for fuel drainage

If by bar you mean the frame. You are probably not positioned far enough under the car to have the leverage to squeeze a wrench in there.

Did you ever figure it out?

There is a bar under mine running parallel to the frame. Black, round and just exactly positioned to make such a simple screw on- screw off job as much of a pain In the ass as having a baby with a young lady who was raised by a bitter ‘single’ mom lol