Alternative Parts Sources (other than Dealer!)

[wcollier]

I'm sure you've all picked yourselves up off the Dealership parts department floor a few times (I've got full body bruises), when they tell you something like the SCREW (operative word) that attaches the luggage rack mount to the roof is $3.80. Give me a break! I'd like to start a thread for those rebels amongst us who refuse to pay, and spend hours tracking down the low cost alternative!

Fight the Power! ;)

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Will Collier
Austin Four Wheelers / TMTC
1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
EMT-I / KB5WRK
http://collier.rockcrawler.com

[wcollier]

Here's a recent find.

As with virtually EVERY FSJ out there with a luggage rack (mine is an 88 JGW), the rubber WellNuts fall apart over time and need to be replaced (unless you like rain INSIDE your FSJ). No big surprise, the dealer wanted (hold on to your hats)... $3.60 PER WELLNUT!

I laughed (the guys at my dealership parts counter are getting used to that) and walked out.

The good news is I found the EXACT Well Nut replacement at ACE Hardware (I'm in Texas, but I'm pretty sure they're nationwide). This is a 1/4" WellNut. Bring a sample along with you if you can. They had the 1/4" in two lengths, you want the 5/8" (If I'm remembering correctly). The part will be stamped on the bottom "WELLNUT 1/4 S 109".

And best of all, they were .60 a piece ($3 less than the dealer! yahoo!).



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Will Collier
Austin Four Wheelers / TMTC
1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
EMT-I / KB5WRK
http://collier.rockcrawler.com

[BigDaddy]

I paid $14 each at the dealer for the plasic "Flex Track" window regulator strip for my power windows and later found that a company called HELP makes the exact same thing for $8.50. I know that Discount Auto Parts carries HELP stuff and I'm pretty sure that other big chains do too.

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BigDaddy
'89 GW
"Woodrow"

[Puslinch]

The rubber wellnuts are available at The Home Depot for about .25 each. The HELP stuff is aamzing, does anyone have a complete HELP catalogue?

[BigDaddy]

I can probably get a HELP catalog at work. I'll check this evening and let you know.

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BigDaddy
'89 GW
"Woodrow"

[DLyons]

I generally don't buy new parts if a used one will work. I get most of my FSJ parts from a local salvage yard. You can't beat the prices. I paid ten bucks for an instrument cluster and only five bucks for Ford ignition parts to upgrade my ignition. Get to know your local salvage yard owner and the savings will be great.

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DLyons
84 Grand Wagoneer
360 (401 someday)
Always Under Construction

[Veepster]

speaking of well nuts......what size bolts go into the well nut for the roof rack?


Peace................BartG

[BigDaddy]

The bolts that hold my roof rack on are Torx #20. I just took the rack off and put some silicon around it and tightened it down good because it rattled when I was idling.

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BigDaddy
'89 GW
"Woodrow"