2.3L ('83-'97) Sites to buy parts?

[Haywood]

Hey everyone, I’m pretty new here and I’m wondering where you go to buy your parts?

I’ve been working on my ‘96 ranger and can’t seem to find any place that sells bolts (silly I know). Ive searched the internet and can’t seem to find anywhere that sells the exhaust manifold bolts, I’ve also checked about the bolts that hold the transmission to the engine but can’t find those either. Surely there’s a website or reliable place everyone here is using to buy there replacement parts right?

 

[sgtsandman]

You could try Rock Auto for the manifold bolts.

I’m not sure on the transmission. If you have one to compare, maybe the hardware store.

 

[Blmpkn]

Ebay

 

[Josh B]

Pick-a-Part suits me, pick up a few every time you go. Some places possibly charge for them now, I don't see it listed with parts prices at my local Pickers tho

 

[ekrampitzjr]

Haywood, if you must try to match from store stock, assume unless told otherwise that fasteners on your truck are metric. Some old-time hardware and auto-parts stores still skimp on stocking metric fasteners.

I recommend you get a metric thread-pitch gauge. Those should be pretty cheap. You'll probably find the typical pitch on most is 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm. The spec will be M(diameter) x (pitch), such as M8 x 1.25 for an 8 mm bolt with 1.25 mm pitch.

As a rule, try to find the best fastener (strength) you can, not the cheapest.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The transmission bolts are 10mm, I know the bottom ones into the oil pan are 55mm long, I don't think there's a good aftermarket source for the flanged factory style bolts other than a junkyard...

 

[Josh B]

Is the bolt length measured less the head?

 

[scotts90ranger]

yes, unless a bolt has a tapered head, it is measured from the tip to the seating surface of the head (I guess if you word it that way they are all measured the same)

 

[Chapap]

The 3 I use are RA, Carid, and Summit... and of course ebay and amazon it I know the part number. RA is byfar the most likely source for the right part and occasionally the other two will have/know something that RA doesn't. OEM bolts will be tough. Right now I'm looking for 2wd front rotor dust caps for my 96 ram 2500. There seems to be absolutely zero new replacements out there.

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www.summitracing.com

 

[bilbo]

Haywood, if you must try to match from store stock, assume unless told otherwise that fasteners on your truck are metric. Some old-time hardware and auto-parts stores still skimp on stocking metric fasteners.

I recommend you get a metric thread-pitch gauge. Those should be pretty cheap. You'll probably find the typical pitch on most is 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm. The spec will be M(diameter) x (pitch), such as M8 x 1.25 for an 8 mm bolt with 1.25 mm pitch.

As a rule, try to find the best fastener (strength) you can, not the cheapest.

Higher strength bolts aren't always better. The higher strength alloys are usually more susceptible to corrosion and require higher torque to achieve the same clamping force. Obviously best is OEM, second would be to try to match the style, material, and markings on the head of the bolt. Many places are overdesigned to the point it doesn't really matter, like a dipstick tube bracket.

If you can't get OEM ones, Fastenal or McMaster might have them. They're probably not exotic material, and metric bolts should have that on the head. It would be a number like 10.9, 12.9, etc. The number is the yield strength, i.e. 10.9=1000MPa*0.9=900MPa, 12.9=1200*0.9=1080MPa, and so on.

 

[19Walt93]

You could try Rock Auto for the manifold bolts.

I’m not sure on the transmission. If you have one to compare, maybe the hardware store.

Look carefully at hardware store bolts- they're often grade 3 and automotive applications require grade 5 or grade 8. Hardware stores often stock USS washers which fit loosely on bolts. You're more apt to find SAE washers at a parts store.

 

[19Walt93]

I often but parts at the local Napa and the Ford dealer because I have friends at both. Summit Racing is absolutely my first choice of online sources, I've used them for 30+ years and in the very rare cases where I had problems, they've stepped up and taken care of me. Rock Auto is OK but you can't talk to a person.