Dorman 926-959 OE FIX Aluminum Oil Filter Housing Review

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Introduction

If you’ve dealt with oil filter housing failures in Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicles equipped with Pentastar V6 engines, you know how problematic these plastic OEM components can be. Enter the Dorman 926‑959 aluminum oil filter housing kit—an engineered solution designed for improved durability and worry‑free performance. In this review, we’ll delve into every critical aspect—from build and features to pros, cons, and the types of users who stand to benefit most from this upgrade.

Product Overview & Key Specs

The Dorman 926‑959 OE FIX kit is a comprehensive replacement for the original plastic oil filter housing known for warping and leaking. It’s crafted entirely from high‑pressure, die‑cast aluminum, offering a much more robust and reliable alternative O’Reilly Auto Parts+10dormanproducts.com+10Amazon+10.

Included in the package:

Material: Aluminum
Thickness: ~0.065 in
Maximum filter diameter: ~2.2 in
Minimum filter diameter: ~1.9 in
Oil cooler ports: Yes
Oil bypass valve included
State-of-origin: Engineered in the U.S., manufactured in Malaysia Amazon+8dormanproducts.com+8Advance Auto Parts+8Amazon.

Design and Build Quality

One of the most compelling upgrades is the full-aluminum construction, a marked improvement over the fragile plastic used in OEM parts. Plastic can warp due to exposure to engine heat and harsh chemicals, eventually cracking during something as routine as tightening the filter cap. The aluminum housing from Dorman resists warping and cracking, offering greatly enhanced longevity AutoZone.com+2Advance Auto Parts+2.

The kit is thoughtfully packaged as a one-stop complete assembly—no additional components required for installation. With all essential hardware and seals provided, the risk of incomplete repairs due to missing parts is virtually eliminated dormanproducts.comAmazon.

Performance & Reliability

In field use, the aluminum housing has proven much less prone to leaks and failure compared to its plastic predecessor. On automotive forums, a mechanic notes that the 926‑959 “appears to have done the job for model year compatibility, and I personally would trust the aluminum housing over the MOPAR plastic” O’Reilly Auto Parts+9pacificaforums.com+9Amazon+9.

The inclusion of upgraded seals and gaskets contributes significantly to leak prevention. Users frequently mention the improved build quality and fit, with many noting a “perfect fit” or saying it “dropped right in” during install AmazonAdvance Auto Parts.

Pros & Strengths

  • Durable aluminum construction—resists warping and cracking far better than plastic.
  • Complete installation kit—includes housing, cooler, filter, cap, bolts, gaskets.
  • OEM fit and compatibility—designed for 2011‑onward Pentastar V6 engines in Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram.
  • Repair-once mentality—crafted to prevent repeated failures typical of OEM parts pacificaforums.com+4dormanproducts.com+4Amazon+4.
  • Improved reliability—gaskets and seals engineered to reduce leakage risk.
  • U.S. engineered, enhancing confidence in design integrity Amazon+1O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Cons & Limitations

  • Installation complexity—some users report that installing the housing requires removing intake components, making it somewhat involved AutoZone.com+3Amazon+3Advance Auto Parts+3.
  • Sensor transfer required—oil pressure and temp sensors must be moved from the old housing, which may trip up less experienced DIYers Amazonchryslerminivan.net.
  • Mixed results on sealing—while many see excellent results, others report persistent leaks even after following instructions carefully Amazon.
  • Premium price—more expensive than OEM plastic, though many users find the extra cost justified given the added durability and included parts Amazon+1.

Installing the 926-959: What to Expect

The kit delivers everything needed for a direct replacement—but there are a few important installation considerations:

  1. Sensor migration: Transfer existing sensors (oil pressure, coolant temperature, etc.) to the new housing.
  2. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the block’s surface, paying special attention to threaded holes, which may seize or strip if contaminated Amazon.
  3. Gasket alignment: Ensure all gaskets and seals are properly seated—some users attribute leaks to skipped or misaligned gaskets Amazon.
  4. Torque specs: Use correct bolt torques according to instructions to avoid distortion or improper sealing.
  5. Oil pressure priming: One technique used by users involves cranking the engine with the gas pedal held down to build oil pressure before regular startup Amazon.

Who Should Consider This Kit?

  • Owners of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicles with 3.6L Pentastar V6 engines (2011+) experiencing oil filter housing leaks or anticipating proactive maintenance.
  • DIY enthusiasts and mechanics who want a one-time, reliable fix, not a temporary patch.
  • Users tired of repeated plastic housing failures and seeking long-term peace of mind.
  • Technically savvy owners comfortable with transferring sensors and dealing with installation complexity, or willing to pay a professional for installation.

Final Thoughts

The Dorman 926-959 OE FIX Aluminum Oil Filter Housing stands out as a thoughtful, feature-rich, and long-lasting solution for a particularly Achilles-heel issue in Pentastar V6 engines. With an all-aluminum build, complete kit components, and a design focused on lasting reliability, it addresses core shortcomings of the OEM plastic housing head-on.

While installation isn’t trivial and requires care—particularly with sensor transfers and gasket alignment—the payoff is a dramatically more durable and dependable setup. For many owners, especially those who’ve endured oil-leak headaches or repeated part failures, this upgrade is more than worth it.

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