I've realized from reading that there are some parts that are best replaced by Toyota OEM parts. All parts are not created equal despite what anyone will tell you! What parts have you learned are best replaced with original Toyota parts?

 

all ignition and electrical.

 

Some parts don't need to be purchased from the dealer to be the identical part if resourced carefully:
Denso spark plugs, ignition wires, O2 Sensor, fuel injectors
NGK spark plugs
Denso alternator and starter
Koyo or NSK idler pulleys
Aisin waterpump
Aisin cooling fan pulley bracket (false water pump pulley)
Kuzeh thermostat
Mitsuboshi timing belt
Bando auxilliary belts

http://www.densoproducts.com/
http://www.densoaftermarket.com/catalog/index.php
http://www.aisinaftermarket.com/English/home_eng.php

I always get upper and lower ball joints and CV boot kits from a Toyota dealer.

 

Great info rworegon.

I get my plugs and oil filters from the dealer. Reasonably priced.

I get my O2 sensors from www.sparkplugs.com

 

I agree...forgot about oil filters. Amazon also has Denso O2 sensors at a good price.

 

I get all my parts OEM at the dealer but I got connections

:wabbit2:

 

Don't forget cast Exhaust manifolds (2rz,3rz)96-00. I ran into problems with aftermarket cast ones. Just buy the "Mini Header" kit from DeathCougar.

 

head gaskets. Unless your going with a mhg.

 

Good thread

 

Me too.

All gaskets
Electrical items
Suspension items
Steering Items
and most other general parts...so just about everything. I like to use online OEM part directories like toyotapartseast.com to get my stuff. I can order what I need and see diagrams of how it goes together. Quite useful if you ask me.

I guess the better question for me is, what don't I get at the dealer?

Fluids
Batteries
Tires
Spark plugs
belts


I have been replacing all my parts with OEM as they go. Sometimes I plead with the truck to break down so I can fix something. Toyota makes quality parts, they rarely wear out.

 

Thanks Buck87. I'm a newb here and I'm trying not to ask the everyday questions like "What's the biggest tire I can run on my _____?" so everyone can have some interesting threads to read. I've been reading my arse off here and there is a lot of great info! I'm going through my 94 4x4 right now and trying to get her as reliable as possible. This thread should help with that. Glad people are listing sites where good parts can be found for an affordable price. That will help me bigtime! Take care.

 

Add to that list(that I've modified to reflect my preferences) AISIN manual hubs, oil pump, fan clutch, clutch disc, clutch slave cyl., clutch MC, brake MC, calipers and wheel cylinders. Hell, it can just as easily be said that ANYTHING made by AISIN, ND(Nippon Denso/Denso), NGK, Kuzeh, or whichever OEM brand, if available, is my choice over ANY non OEM brand. Sometimes I don't choose OEM, but that holds true for the most part. To put that another way, any parts that I do put on my rig I consider to be just as good or better than OEM. I'd say I'm right about 50-50 as far as what I've put on my truck so far. Lots of good parts made by other companies, but ALL OEM parts are good as a rule.

 

Sounds like solid advice MudHippy. Thanks for the response.

 

so factory Toyota headgaskets for a 3.0 in a 1988 4runner then?

 

Has my vote.

 

so has anyone had a problem with the MLS gaskets or Felpro?mega difference in price.

 

Aftermarket clutches are usually fine, as long as they're name brand or contain name brands like Exedy, Valeo, etc.

BTW, I would like to thank the OP for starting this thread. I have over 100k miles on my truck and I have some slop in my steering. It's about time to change out all the worn ball joints and tie rods, but I was wondering, are there was any manufacturers out there, like Moog, that put out suspension products that are as high quality and will last as long as OEM?

 

Antifreeze, automatic transmission fluid, oil filter

 

+1 for a good thread.

I prefer OEM except where it's ridiculous in price. of course tires, wheels, wipers, batteries, stuff like that, no OEM.

But for certain get an OEM crankshaft pulley bolt if you ever do your own timing belt. ask me how I know....

I like the OEM timing belts, only $40 and has the marks on it, the off brand I tried did not. some off brands might though.

water pump, OEM

T-stat for certain OEM

CV axles OEM (reman)

ATF, and coolant, sort of; I buy the Zerex stuff, same as OEM. NO PRESTONE green crap!!!!

oil is Amsoil or Lucas for me... filter is purolator pure one or OEM

uhhhh.... I'll think of more... those are just my more recent personal experiences...

 

The Toyota timing belt I got a few months ago didn't have marks (old Napa one did), but you don't need them.