Upgraded replacement parts

[J_giles51]

Starting the process of replacing parts on my 96 3.0L 5-speed to get ready for a road trip next October. Need suggestions for sites where I can get higher quality parts than the ones I'm replacing. Starting with the radiator since it has a crack, then the air intake cuz it got gouged on the serpentine belt pulley. Regarding the radiator, I'd like to find one that has metal tanks rather than plastic. For the air intake, I'd like a steel pipe rather than the stock plastic intake.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Starting the process of replacing parts on my 96 3.0L 5-speed to get ready for a road trip next October. Need suggestions for sites where I can get higher quality parts than the ones I'm replacing. Starting with the radiator since it has a crack, then the air intake cuz it got gouged on the serpentine belt pulley. Regarding the radiator, I'd like to find one that has metal tanks rather than plastic. For the air intake, I'd like a steel pipe rather than the stock plastic intake.

Replace them with motorcraft stuff.

Aftermarket stuff, assuming you can find it for a almost 30 year old, use it and forget (to most people) type vehicle, are hit and miss at best

 

[RobbieD]

Motorcraft brand for replacements. Many different sources for Motorcraft, so you can shop price. Counterfit parts are out there; so beware of shady sources with "too good to be real" prices.

After years of driving these older model trucks, I've come to strongly feel that the original "born with" parts are the best, and I won't replace an original part unless it is well and truly broken.

 

[Angry Possum]

You can check www.rockauto.com. They have low end parts and high end parts too.

 

[O No 3.0!]

As far as the rad goes, you can get an all aluminum 3 core from ebay for about the same price as a factory replacement. I think i paid $150 for mine shipped.