List of quality parts.

[Dirtman]

We all know how much absolute garbage is out there these days. Thought it might be helpful to start a list of aftermarket brands/parts that are known to be of good quality.

Obviously Motorcraft/OEM Ford parts are the best but sometimes you just need to go aftermarket. So what brands for parts have you found dependable?

For me -

Autolite spark plugs though they are essentially the same as motorcraft.

Bosch o2 sensors and fuel injectors.

Dana Spicer U-joints.

Bendix brake parts.

National seals.

EBC brake pads.

Hitachi maf sensors.

Walker exhaust parts

What else? And any brands you've found to absolutely avoid like the plague.

 

[RonD]

LUK Clutch parts

Hitachi IAC Valves

 

[Dirtman]

Airtex and spectra fuel pumps are horrible from experience I've heard from others. (Never used them myself).

 

[RonD]

I would agree, if you don't use a Motorcraft fuel pump then you should cut an access panel in the bed so you can pull out and replace 3rd party fuel pumps, under warranty, easily
They usually don't last the year so you will get a free replacement, but its just a pain to lift the bed again

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Great, I heard Spectra was bad so I got an Airtex instead...

 

[sheep herder]

And any brands you've found to absolutely avoid like the plague.

GM

 

[gaz]

When I replaced my fuel pump I learned that they were Bosch from the factory. So Bosch is a solid fuel pump.

Borla makes incredible exhaust components.

James Duff LLC only makes suspension parts for RBV, Big Bronco and original Bronco's. They are AEESOME!

I like Accel ignition products.

I have had good experience with both Hypertech and JET (Jones Electronic Tech) computer CHiPs.

Flexilite makes a durable electric fan.

Helwig makes solid anti sway bars.

Mickey Thompson makes affordable rubber that lasts forever.

Energy Suspension makes very long lasting polyurethane bushings.

Soft-Ride springs are the best I've used.

There are many stock Ford parts that can be massaged just right to yield incredible performance improvements, with a little passion, research and the right amount of experience to execute the plan.

 

[JohnnyO]

NAPA's Ultra Premium rotors and their ceramic pads. The rotors are noticeably heavier than anything else if you pick one up and coated so they don't rust. I swear by them. The pads have good feel and leave virtually no dust.
NAPA's top shelf plug wires.
WIX fuel filters. Made in USA.

 

[Dirtman]

Wix air filters and oil filters seem good too. Use to sell a ton for heavy construction equipment when I was commercial manager at advance auto years ago. Never used them myself but customers loved them.

 

[19Walt93]

Timken bearings
Felpro and Victor gaskets
Gates and Dayco belts
Holley carburetors
Pertronics distributors
Motorcraft spark plugs and just about everything
Champion spark plugs are junk, as are Fram filters and any carburetor parts or carbs made by Barry Grant
I refuse to buy Pennzoil products because they own Jiffy Lube. If the auto repair industry got anywhere near the respect it deserves Jiffy Lube would never have been founded.

 

[JMF661]

Mahle gaskets.

I recently installed a Mahle brand upper and lower manifold gasket kit, valve cover gaskets, ect. Seemed to be high quality decent components. Haven’t had any issues yet.

Gates and Continental rubber hose/belt products.

God dang BF Goodrich tires!!!

 

[G8orFord]

I would agree, if you don't use a Motorcraft fuel pump then you should cut an access panel in the bed so you can pull out and replace 3rd party fuel pumps, under warranty, easily
They usually don't last the year so you will get a free replacement, but its just a pain to lift the bed again

This is practically a requirement on the older Chevys, even if you use the OEM pumps.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Do not use FourSeasons a/c compressors! Which is unfortunately the only option at most local parts stores.

+1 on the autolites, my 4.0 loves them (hated the bosch and ngk)

I think bosch went downhill. My brand new (not reman) 130 amp alternator didnt make it 300 miles (bearing blew out). I put my old 95amp motorcraft back on.

Avoid: anything NOT motorcraft, especially duralast.

+1 WIX is good!

I haven't had good luck w/ Accel (coil packs for my F150)
Also never had luck w/ centerforce clutches....

I heard MOOG went downhill, but I've had good luck with them. Their U-joints and bushings worked fine for me.

Im diggin Falken tires. Also had good luck w/ Pro Comps, and even the pep boys Futura brand when I was a broke kid got me through some gnarly stuff!

Oil I use motorcraft, mobil1, or royal purple. Amsoil is overrated.

 

[Dirtman]

The thing with alternators is even though you buy a Bosch unit, you could be buying a remanufactured Bosch unit. So while it was at one point skillfully built by the people at Bosch, it was remanufactured by children in china so the brand is kinda a moot point.

When you buy an alternator (or starter), if they ask you for a core... you're buying the wrong one regardless of what brand is on the box.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

The thing with alternators is even though you buy a Bosch unit, you could be buying a remanufactured Bosch unit. So while it was at one point skillfully built by the people at Bosch, it was remanufactured by children in china so the brand is kinda a moot point.

When you buy an alternator (or starter), if they ask you for a core... you're buying the wrong one regardless of what brand is on the box.

No core charge, I got it from rock auto, it said new, and the did specify the remans as rebuilt. Could this still be true? Either way I saved it as a core for the next 130 amp I will get, despite wanting to put a few slugs into it.