Part manufacturer quality differences

[doublezer6]

To date, I have been purchasing most of my parts via my local AutoZone or, if necessary, the dealership. I know there are other sites out there that offer different options when it comes to sourcing needed parts, so I'd like to get a feel from the community for which brands (Aisin, Dorman, etc) are superior to others as well as any good recommendations for trusted sites that offer up these parts for sale. I'm aware of RockAuto.com and a few others, but want to start getting a better feel as I start to do some more customization in the years to come. I'm sure that there is another thread out there with this same or similar discussion, but haven't been able to track one down myself.

I'm still pretty new to working on my '91 T4R instead of taking giving all my money to shops, so please forgive my ignorance. So far everyone on this site that I have dealt with has been nothing but encouraging and more helpful than I could ask for.

 

[89FourRunner]

If you can find "Aisin" brand parts, they produced the majority of the original mechanical parts on your truck.

I have used some cheaper parts. The clutch master and slaves, I went through three sets of Master/Slaves with autozone parts. They just never lasted the cold cold winters without leaking.

On the other hand, ball joints are sort of luck of the draw, as it is hard to tell what you are buying regardless of brand. People swear by moog, but many are finding that they are the same as other junk, just carrying the name.

Then on the other other hand, many guys will recommend the autozone idler arm over other brands that are non-oem. (despite how junky the autozone master and slave clutch cyls are).

Moral of the story? Who knows who really makes what part these days. You should just check in when the time comes to replace parts. Do some research or ask a question. To keep the Toyota reliable, rule of thumb is replace broken parts with Toyota OE. Otherwise, you are slowing building a Chinese part Toyota. Ha.

 

[youngr]

For the "important" things my first stop is Toyota. If they are discontinued or the parts arent considered "important" i usually search around between here and some other forums to see what luck people have had with said part and go from there. Im my experience though between the 4runner and all other cars ive owned NAPA has taken care of my needs fairly well.

 

[KidVermicious]

Most of my parts are OEM, from Amazon or a dealer. When I don't buy OEM, I go to NAPA. The only thing I buy from Autozone is batteries for the pavement pounders, Duralast batteries are actually pretty good. Everything else they sell is junk.

The Duralast idler is recommended because that's the arm that SDORI makes their upgrade kit for, it won't fit any other arm. It's not inherently better than anything else and could be worse, so if you're not specifically planning on running the SDORI bushings, it won't do you any good.

 

[flyinhawaiian01]

Agree with the other folks here, OEM for those really important parts, unless I can find the Denso, Aisin, Koyo, or any other Original Equipment Manufacturers brands elsewhere.

I know Kevin doesn't like RockAuto, but I do, for some stuff. Not a big fan of their "reconditioned" or "rebuilt" parts, as they get them from whoever is cheapest, but their new, brand name, parts seem to be just fine.

And even with OEM or OEM branded parts, they too can be crappy, such as a brand new Denso o2 sensor that didn't read correctly and failed emissions. It happens...

Biggest thing is to research and ask if you can't find info on specific parts. 22RE and 3VZE parts and mods have been discussed a billion times now, and I'm pretty sure if there's a mod/trick/hack/workaround, its on the web in about 50 places!

 

[HanginInUtah]

Adding my 2 cents...
As a previous employee in the parts world (Napa) I would rarely ever go to Autozone, unless I'm looking for some cool blingy hubcaps. Which O'reilly usually carries. I have become a fan of RockAuto, where you can get really good prices on the brands that you want. Advance Auto (CarQuest), and Napa are about on par. O'Reilly carries both good stuff and cheap stuff. And usually the good stuff at any of those three is about the same price. Napa carries a line (Altrom) of OEM import parts. Problem is whether they actually have the part you want on the shelf.
So... As the others have said, getting opinions on here for a brand that is good is your best first step. Then, shop around to see who has it for the best price. RockAuto and Amazon, even Ebay, has given me some good shopping. Which is really funny, since when I was managing the store I HATED it when someone mentioned prices online!

 

[Chuckles89]

I have used some cheaper parts. The clutch master and slaves, I went through three sets of Master/Slaves with autozone parts. They just never lasted the cold cold winters without leaking.

How long did they last for you? I have some (probably) cheap-o brand master and slave cylinders on my 3rd gen. I want to replace them with AISIN ones before I get stranded one day with no clutch...

 

[89FourRunner]

The Duralast idler is recommended because that's the arm that SDORI makes their upgrade kit for, it won't fit any other arm. It's not inherently better than anything else and could be worse, so if you're not specifically planning on running the SDORI bushings, it won't do you any good.

Thats good to know!

 

[KidVermicious]

How long did they last for you? I have some (probably) cheap-o brand master and slave cylinders on my 3rd gen. I want to replace them with AISIN ones before I get stranded one day with no clutch...

Learn to rev match.