Getting 171 174 on 1997 expedition found fuel filter clogged installed new one vehicle accelerates better but studders while driving

Possible clogged fuel filter. Also clean the throttle body (inside) and check the air filter.

Next step is to check fuel pressure. May be clogged filter or weak pump.

As a vehicle ages, the timing gets off, and the Octane of fuel will compensate for an out of timing vehicle.
Bad gas is main culprit, also dirty/clogged fuel filter, or clogged carberetor or injectors!
Use a "GOOD" fuel system cleaner for the next 3 tankfuls, and use a higher octane fuel at the same time!!! This is important. After 3 tankfuls and 3 additions of a Fuel System Cleaner, go back to a lower octane fuel. Drive up a hill and see if the problem is gone. If not, then either take it to a mechanic and check timing, hopefully you replaced the fuel filter by then.

You didn't state the YEAR, MAKE, or MODEL of your car, so I have to answer generally:

1. Fuel delivery problem (clogged fuel filter, defective fuel pressure regulator);
2. Bad Throttle Position Sensor (if the vehicle is fuel-injected);
3. Clogged metering rod (if the vehicle is carbureted);
4. Vacuum leak;
5. Clogged air filter or air intake obstruction;
6. Contaminated fuel or water/moisture mixed in the fuel;
7. Bad or misadjusted throttle linkage

Couple of things....fuel filter could be pretty clogged....fuel pressure regulator is bad....
To make a better fix for you, can I get the info about your vehicle? Year/model/engine size?
Thank you.

Check owners manual or manually check to see if there is another fuel filter. Sometimes vehicles have more than one fuel filters which are overlooked until they have problems with them. Most have a filter right along the frame.

it is possible to have trash in the lines with the filter off turn the ignition on a few times to pump out the line

undo mass air flow sensor start moter multiple times if it starts to run fairly normal drive it and see if it comes together then if it does then by a mass air flow light may come on during this but no harm will go out eventually after new piece installed

Engine performance problem causes are many. Try this first.
1. Disconnect the battery cables (both of them)
2. Touch/connect the postive and negative battery cables together for 30 seconds.
3. Reconnect the cables to the battery.
4. Drive vehicle to see if this solved the problem. Let me know what happens.

when was the last time you replaced the plugs and wires? also check the fuel filter as it may be clogged.