Abstract: A drop-in filter element assembly with axial staged treatment includes a proximal endcap configured to be positioned within a filter housing adjacent the inlet flow through the filter element, first filter media extending from the proximal endcap and configured to treat the fluid flowing therethrough, an intermediate endcap unit coupled to the first filter media and spaced from the proximal endcap, second filter media extending from the intermediate endcap unit and configured to treat the fluid flowing therethrough, wherein the second filter media is a distinct type of media from the first filter media, and a distal endcap configured to be positioned within the filter housing adjacent the outlet flow through the filter element and coupled to the second filter media and spaced from the intermediate endcap unit, wherein the first and second filter media provide axially staged treatment to the fluid.