Parts Parts Parts

[Mick9099]

Hi all, I drive a 99' 1500 silverado 4x4 5.3L. I found out that I needed to replace quite a few parts recently: front and rear rotors, both universal joints on the front drive shaft, both universal joint on the rear drive shaft and also the fuel pump.

 

I contacted a Chevy dealership in South Florida (I live in the Bahamas) and they told me that those parts will cost me around $1,300+. I also contacted some of the more popular auto parts stores and have gotten figures ranging from about $400-$600.

 

I would like to hear your opinions on buying from the dealer or from the auto parts stores. I love the prices that the auto part stores have but I wouldn't want to recieve the wrong parts or "cheap" parts. But even though the dealership prices are high, I'm really sure that they will send me the correct part (being that they used the VIn#).

[JimG]

<------- Look at left side of forum page - there's a link to www.gmpartsdirect.com

If you have the GM part numbers you can simply plug them in to the site and it will give you the GMpartsdirect price which is much cheaper than a dealer. These are REAL GM parts, no counterfeits. Many folks here have ordered from them - I have also, very pleased with the purchases.

 

Edit - My general opinion is that if I can get a good quality part from an auto store, here in my part of NJ I have Autozone, Hapi Auto Parts, NAPA, Thuls and Pep-Boys, I'll avoid the dealer at all costs (mostly due to distance and hours). Personally I won't go to Pep-Boys for a part unless it's an emergency. Autozone I won't go there unless I know the exact item I need. All the other stores are staffed by guys (and girls) who know cars/trucks and are awesome at finding the part you need.

If it's a special part - then you might not have a choice to go to the dealer (or gmpartsdirect).

 

The rotors I would definitely go pick up aftermarket pairs. And new brake pads too if you haven't changed them. The U-joints I'm not sure about - not sure how specialized that part is. Fuel pump is something I'd grab from GMPartsdirect.

[Mick9099]

Hey thanks for the info. I decided to get the parts from a Discout Auto Parts store in Miami here are the price comparisons:

 

rear rotors dealer=$199.13each DAP=$94.94each

 

U-joints front and rear dealer=$77.22each DAP=$22.48each

 

The fuel pump ia a problem though, there are two models to choose from (TCU=$389.88 and TCF=$294.84) the person a Discount Auto said that the only way to find out which one I need was to take out the original one. I think I'll go to the dealer for the fuel pump ($337.02).

[100R1]

For future help here are a few other Autoparts stores in south Florida I have had luck with

 

Bennett Auto Supply

NAPA

Pep Boys (carries Raybestos brake parts)

 

DO you have a Miami Yellow Pages phone book? There may be some parts dealers that say they export.

 

There are all kind of services that ship from South Fla. to the islands, Except 1 less DC3 that missed my office by 3 blocks when it crashed this past monday.!

 

Let me know If you need any info on parts dealers down here.

[Mick9099]

ok thanks, will do

[ManyCamaroz]

In all of the years I have bought parts, one place I can never complain about the quality and correct fit is NAPA.

 

I will admit most times they are slightly higher that your typical D.I.Y. chains like Autozone, Auto Shack, Parts America and etc. but the quality is near usually better than OEM parts. Most OEM parts (excluding body and trim parts) are just packaged in GM boxes anyway.

[baswm]

In all of the years I have bought parts, one place I can never complain about the quality and correct fit is NAPA.

 

I will admit most times they are slightly higher that your typical D.I.Y. chains like Autozone, Auto Shack, Parts America and etc. but the quality is near usually better than OEM parts. Most OEM parts (excluding body and trim parts) are just packaged in GM boxes anyway.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I had mr. Tire doa brake job on my 2000 Impala LS. They get their parts from NAPA across the street. I hate the Napa brake pads. Everytime I hit the brakes, It sounds like I make whale calls. I took it back twice for this. Brakes are fine, just the annoying sounds when pedal is pushed. I then bought some GM pads and replaced them. Sound went away. I will not buy brake pads from Napa.