Missouriman, I do know exactly what you are talking about, infact, I try to recomend the "NEW"OE Style Fit and Function with everything I sell. I can also tell you what you probably have run into is Autozones poor craftsman ship and extremely low prices. Oriellys have run into the same thing in a ton of cases. I test all the Alts and Starters I sell before they even leave the store, if one has a noisey brush or bearing I warranty it out immeaditely. I have noticed things they make alot of, like old Small Block Chevy Parts always go out faster than things they make a few of, like Toyota Alts.
I will agree Factory is, and will remain, the best thing anyone could make.
Whoelse makes starters that last 3XX,XXX miles, or altenators that never quit?
As for a master list, I had 5pages front and back completely full and hadnt even got through Air Conditioning. Which is the first thing in alphebetical order.
Altough Oriellys, NAPA, Autozone, or anyother parts house may not have the quality you desire, they usually have it instock and you have options on what you want price and quality wise.
An example is Birfields, if your to cheap to go longs this may help you out. I believe its around 50 dollars a side. Maybe cheaper for the short side. They have a lifetime warranty, no questions asked.
And to some this up, there is one brand I prefer of factory. MOOG. Talk about pride in your work, my store has only warrantied one part this year from them. It was a tie rod that I watched a guy sit his truck on a boulder with. It was bent all awry, and Oriellys handed him a new one. NO questions asked.
I do not know how the dealer does warranties, i do know i was dissapointed to pay 80 some dollars for a fan that is already cracked and they won tdo anything about it. The bad part is I have honestly done NO wheelin since i put it on.
Anywho, Time to go haul some straw and make lots of money to waste on my truck
