Don't use petroleum jelly, I'm surprised that a manufacturuer would reccommend that. Petroleum based lubricants will cause the rubber o-ring to deteriorate. Use a food grade silicone grease.
Here is a housing wrench that works for many different systems, because it is adjustable.
AquaPure 68900-34 Adjustable Strap Wrench for Water Filter Housing Canisters and Sumps
There is no replacement for the housing.
Thank you,
WaterFilters.NET