RANT - aftermarket parts that are not the same

[Railroadman]

It's beyond frustrating when you order parts and what you get is not what you need. I've been stalled without progress for weeks while parts come and go back. Here's the latest issue (we're talking a '66 3/4 ton):

Upper control arm shaft, I decided to replace the end nuts or bushings, depending on what you name them. Looked several places and finally ordered the entire assembly - shaft, 2 end nuts, 2 rubber seals or grommets, and 2 Zerks. Now the catalog shows 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton are different and I DID order for 3/4 ton.

I believe what they sent will work but they are NOT exact replacements. Yes, made in China but the real issue is that whoever specced them didn't follow original, or if China modified them somebody should have sent them back. Probably not a high-volume part, but if you're going to have something made, why the hell not make it RIGHT???

Pic #1, top view. No arrows needed, it's obvious they are different. the holes seem OK, it's only the camera angle that makes them look "off".



Pic #2, side view. The dish for the spacer is noticeably more shallow on the new one (yellow arrows). And the overall thickness is less (red arrows).



Pic #3 shows the threaded ends are smaller ( by roughly .2") on the new one.



The problem with the original bushings is wear spots on the threads. I can probably dress them up with a triangle file, use new rubber grommets, and keep everything original although I'm not crazy about the wear.



The box shows part numbers for M00G, McQN, TRW and Spicer. So I'm guessing it's pretty much the only game in town no matter which final vendor you order from.

It's not only trucks, this issue has come up with other restorations. Not everybody is going for judging and perfection, mine will just be for driving and cruising. But as long as a manufacturer is going to have a replacement part made, I think most of us would be glad to pay a couple dollars more to have something identical to what GM made to start with!

[PGSigns]

Parts are a crap shoot anymore. I did rear sway bar links on a trailblazer today. Same manufacturer same series of parts. Right side was heaver duty with grease able ends, left side was lighter built and non grease able. Just never know what you will get. I just hope it fits when the drop em off.
Jimmy

[nsb29]

I know the feeling
They can’t even make both parts the same LMAO

[Riverstory]

I feel your pain. Maxwell Smart said it best . . . . missed it by that much!

[Railroadman]

Originally Posted by Riverstory

I feel your pain. Maxwell Smart said it best . . . . missed it by that much!

"Would you believe...."

Sometimes it's not a big deal, sometimes what they send is totally useless.

[66C10LB]

It's bad enough that most body sheet metal is not accurate, but worse if suspension parts are that far off. I think that I will order through my local Napa auto parts store so that at least these suspension or steering parts can be easily returned if necessary.

[chtr65]

Railroadman, I believe I have NOS bushings here. You may have them if you pay for the shipping costs. If interested I will have to dig them out. I can send photos if you are interested. Sorry to hear that you are a victim of the new norm. Let me know if I can help.

[Railroadman]

Originally Posted by chtr65

Railroadman, I believe I have NOS bushings here. You may have them if you pay for the shipping costs. If interested I will have to dig them out. I can send photos if you are interested. Sorry to hear that you are a victim of the new norm. Let me know if I can help.

Thank you very much - that is a kind offer!

I did some preliminary cleaning and prep work tonight and think I may use the new assemblies. Will get back on it either tomorrow, or later in the week. I'll post back here when I figure which way I'm going. It would have been ideal if parts were interchangeable from one to the other, but as you say these days that's just not apt to happen.

[roll_the_dice]

New parts are definitely a crap shoot...I cringe everytime I try to replace a structural OEM part...hoping I win the parts lottery, but most times I don't!