I own a Dakota with the 3.9L v6 and I was hopoing to find a long filter to add some extra filter media. I contaceted Wix filters and asked for a long filter for my application. The guy told me that due to the severe burst pressures associated with this engine they couldn't recomend anything other than the standard filter. I went to Baldwin's site and they actually list long versions. THe long version given by them looks like it will be a tight fit so I cross refrenced the Baldwin to a Purolator on sale at Meijer. Do you think the guy at Wix had a legitimate arguement, I find it hard to believe that a stock engine would produce einough psi to cause me problems? ANy thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Long Filter
- Thread starter lobo11
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I have a hard time believing that too. The rec'd filter for your 3.9 L Dakota is the Fram PH-16, AC-Delco PF-13, Wix 51085. There's a slightly longer version, same diameter, you could cross reference from the Fram PH-43(sort of the old "std Chrysler product filter" of long ago), probably room for it, I'd guess a small increase in filter media area, but not much.
*IF THERE'S ROOM*- the std long Ford filter will match the threads & gskt perfectly. That's the Motorcraft FL-1A, Fram Ph-8A, etc. It's been a long time since I had my 3.9 Dakota, & don't remember if there's room for the big filter or not. When you check, be sure to allow for the engine "rocking" from side to side when under load(those motor mounts *do* give a little
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*IF THERE'S ROOM*- the std long Ford filter will match the threads & gskt perfectly. That's the Motorcraft FL-1A, Fram Ph-8A, etc. It's been a long time since I had my 3.9 Dakota, & don't remember if there's room for the big filter or not. When you check, be sure to allow for the engine "rocking" from side to side when under load(those motor mounts *do* give a little
Stuart-
I have another stock filter for just that reason. Any recommendations on how much room I should make sure I have for motor and chasis movement?
I have another stock filter for just that reason. Any recommendations on how much room I should make sure I have for motor and chasis movement?
You didn't mention the year of your truck.
Although the Wix 51085 is probably the correct OEM size, pre 91 Dakotas used the 51348 size.
The gasket diameters are slightly different, although probably not enough to matter.
Although the Wix 51085 is probably the correct OEM size, pre 91 Dakotas used the 51348 size.
The gasket diameters are slightly different, although probably not enough to matter.
woah, that's wrong info. It's FL-1a and PF2
I have owned a 3.9l Dakota for the past 12 years. My first one an 89 called for a 3614 size filter. I always used a PH43A size filter. That is about 1/2 longer than the PH16 size filter currently spec'd and a lot larger than the 3614. I put 256,000 miles on this truck and replaced it with a new one when the body started to disolve around the power train (engine & transmission still solid).
Most of my other vehicles I have had, had room for the PH8A/FL1 size filter but there is just not quite enough room to fit it onto the block fitting.
The 3.9l v6 is a LA block motor with 2 cylinders removed it goes back to the early 60's for chrysler. Some of the high performance engines in certain bodies styles with limited space from the late 60's early 70's came with a 90 degree adapter to allow the use of the PH8A size filter. This adapter is still available from Mopar Performance and will fit the 3.9 if you desire the use of the big filter.
On my current Dakota I have been using the Motorocraft FL-300 filter which is the equivalent to the PH43. Less than $3 at Wal-Mart.
Most of my other vehicles I have had, had room for the PH8A/FL1 size filter but there is just not quite enough room to fit it onto the block fitting.
The 3.9l v6 is a LA block motor with 2 cylinders removed it goes back to the early 60's for chrysler. Some of the high performance engines in certain bodies styles with limited space from the late 60's early 70's came with a 90 degree adapter to allow the use of the PH8A size filter. This adapter is still available from Mopar Performance and will fit the 3.9 if you desire the use of the big filter.
On my current Dakota I have been using the Motorocraft FL-300 filter which is the equivalent to the PH43. Less than $3 at Wal-Mart.
Sounds to me like dgc333 is experienced & current on this. I'd say just follow his advice, use the FL-300 or another PH-43 equiv & be good to go. If I understand correctly, he's found that the big Mtcft FL-1A needs more room than his Dakota offers. Since it won't fit his, probably won't have room in yours either. I'd assume the same advice would hold for 1st gen Durangos w/the 3.9 & 5.2 also.
Thanks dgc333 and all others, sorry about leaving out the year , it is a genIII (2000). I tried to fit the B2 equivalent and I thought there just wasn't enough clearance. To be honest I was worried if I hit a big bump or pot hole the potential for filter damage was present. I put the stock filter on, but will try the recomended filter by dgc333 if all diameters, threads and gaskets appear to match up. Thanks for all the help.
I would never use an oversize Fram. A big can with greater chance for mechanical damage and tiny filter element.
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