The Fram PH4967 is a spin-on oil filter that fits specific Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models from the 1980s through early 2000s
The Fram PH4967 is a threaded canister-style oil filter designed for older domestic vehicles, primarily those made by Chrysler Corporation. It screws directly onto the engine block where the filter head is located. If you own a vehicle from this era and your owner's manual or parts diagram lists this part number, this is the filter your engine expects.
This filter is no longer in production by Fram, though you may find NOS (new old stock) inventory at specialty retailers or used parts suppliers. Because the vehicles that used this filter are now 20 to 40 years old, sourcing replacement filters requires knowing where to look and understanding what modern alternatives might work.
Key Takeaways
- The Fram PH4967 fits specific Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models from roughly 1980 to 2005, and you should verify your exact year and engine in your owner's manual before ordering.
- Fram discontinued this filter, so you will need to search specialty vintage car parts suppliers, eBay, or used parts yards rather than standard auto parts stores.
- A cross-reference lookup using your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size will show you which modern filters from other manufacturers may fit the same threaded head.
- If no direct replacement exists, a professional mechanic familiar with older vehicles can advise whether an adapter or a different mounting approach is safe for your engine.
Which vehicles originally used the PH4967
The Fram PH4967 was fitted to Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles with specific engine configurations. Without your exact year, make, model, and engine displacement, you cannot be certain this is the right part. The same model name (for example, Dodge D-series trucks) spanned decades with different engine options, and not all of them used this filter.
Your owner's manual is the definitive source. If you no longer have the manual, you can read one free from manufacturer archives or sites like Manualzz. Alternatively, call a Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep dealership parts department with your vehicle identification number (VIN), and they will tell you the correct filter part number for your specific vehicle.
Where to find the Fram PH4967 today
Standard auto parts chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and NAPA do not stock this filter because it is obsolete. Your options are specialty suppliers that focus on vintage and classic vehicles, online marketplaces, and salvage yards.
Specialty vintage parts suppliers such as Benson Automotive, Rare Parts Inc., and similar companies maintain inventory of discontinued filters. A web search for "Fram PH4967" or "discontinued oil filters" will surface these retailers. Expect to pay more than you would for a current-production filter, sometimes $15 to $30 per unit, because inventory is limited.
eBay and Craigslist often have NOS Fram filters listed by private sellers. Verify the seller's feedback rating and confirm the part number matches exactly before purchasing. Shipping costs can be high for a single filter, so buying multiple if you find them may be economical.
Local salvage yards and junkyards that specialize in vehicles from your era may have engines with this filter still installed. Call ahead and ask whether they have donor vehicles matching your year and model. You may be able to purchase the filter already installed on an engine block for a lower total cost.
Cross-referencing to modern filter alternatives
If you cannot locate an original Fram PH4967, you can search for a modern filter that fits the same threaded mounting head on your engine. This requires knowing the thread size and pitch of your filter head, which your owner's manual should specify.
Use an online cross-reference tool such as those offered by Fram, Mobil 1, Purolator, or Bosch. Enter your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size, and the tool will show you all filters that fit that engine. Compare the thread specifications of any modern filter against your engine's filter head to confirm compatibility.
Some vehicles have multiple filter head sizes depending on the engine option, so do not assume that a filter for your model year will fit your specific vehicle. Verify before purchasing.
What to do if no direct replacement exists
If cross-referencing shows no modern filter fits your engine's filter head, you have two options: adapt the mounting, or change the filter head itself.
Adapter kits allow you to mount a modern spin-on filter to an older threaded head. These are available from specialty suppliers and cost $20 to $50. An adapter screws onto your engine's existing filter head and provides a standard spin-on mount for any modern filter. A mechanic familiar with older vehicles can install this in under an hour. This is the least invasive option if you plan to keep the vehicle original in appearance.
Filter head replacement involves removing the old threaded head and installing a modern spin-on filter head in its place. This requires some engine work and is best done by a mechanic with experience on your vehicle's year and model. The advantage is that you then have access to any modern filter at any auto parts store. The disadvantage is that it changes the engine's original configuration.
Oil viscosity and filter maintenance for older engines
Older engines that originally used the PH4967 were designed for specific oil weights and filter specifications. Check your owner's manual for the recommended oil viscosity (for example, 10W-30 or 15W-40). Do not assume that modern synthetic oils or weights are appropriate for your engine without confirming compatibility.
Change your oil and filter according to the intervals in your owner's manual, not modern recommendations. Older engines often require more frequent changes — sometimes every 3,000 miles rather than 5,000 or 7,500. Using the correct filter and oil weight helps preserve engine life on a vehicle that is already decades old.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different Fram filter number if I cannot find the PH4967?
No. Using a filter with a different thread size or mounting type can cause leaks or improper seating. Always verify the thread size and pitch against your engine's filter head before substituting any filter. If uncertain, ask a mechanic to measure your filter head.
Is it safe to use an adapter to mount a modern filter?
Yes, if the adapter is rated for your engine's oil pressure and flow requirements. Adapters are designed specifically for this purpose and are widely used on restored classic vehicles. Purchase from a reputable supplier and have a mechanic install it if you are not comfortable doing so yourself.
What if my local salvage yard has the filter but the engine is seized?
A seized engine does not affect the filter itself. The filter can be removed and reused or sold separately. Ask the yard to remove it for you, or purchase the entire engine block if the price is reasonable and you need additional parts.
How do I know if my filter head is damaged and needs replacement?
If the threaded opening is stripped, cracked, or leaking around the base, the head is damaged. A new filter will not seal properly on a damaged head. A mechanic can inspect it during an oil change and recommend repair or replacement.