Can we talk suspension parts?

[Kevo1288]

So I was going to post this in another section but couldn't really figure out which one. I assume at least some of you know that our last USA made suspension company a year or two ago ceased this. Yes its true, ive done so much research on it because I actually care where my parts come from. From what I found Moog is mostly produced in Turkey and China now just like the rest of the companies ie , mevotech, skp, quicksteer, etc..

What suspension parts are you guys using and have had good luck with? I will continue to use moog as I feel safe with them but if they are truly skimping now is it worth the extra $$$ when there's a similar product out there as far as reliability and durability. I really don't like cheaping out on suspension and brakes I feel like its dangerous and irresponsible. Hence why when I sling parts sunday mornings at advance auto parts I never sell a driveworks suspension component, or at least I highly recommend against it.

 

[Black dawg]

Do you know who currently makes napa stuff, Napa chassis line, and the proformer line?

The napa chassis line has been pretty good as long as it is greased periodically.
the proformer line wont last a year if not greased at every oil change......but if greased they have been fine
They also have a new line, with green boots, don't remember what they call it. Have not used any of it, as still not readily available. But according to the napa reps it is supposed to be really good stuff.

 

[hce]

I rebuilt mine with Ingalls, about 6 years ago seems to hold up and good quality. A little hard to find.

 

[chillman88]

I stopped buying Moog a few years ago after having a $90 pitman arm only last a year. I bought a Proforged drag link a little while back and it looked pretty decent. Lately I just order whatever looks best. I usually look on RockAuto and get whatever is listed as "heavy duty" or "daily driver" and try to avoid "economy" parts if I can help it.

Fwiw, I bought a new Driveworks pitman arm and STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX it was worse than my worn out Moog!!!!

 

[Kevo1288]

I stopped buying Moog a few years ago after having a $90 pitman arm only last a year. I bought a Proforged drag link a little while back and it looked pretty decent. Lately I just order whatever looks best. I usually look on RockAuto and get whatever is listed as "heavy duty" or "daily driver" and try to avoid "economy" parts if I can help it.

Fwiw, I bought a new Driveworks pitman arm and STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX it was worse than my worn out Moog!!!!

On the last comment, they are dangerous parts!!!!!!! I highly recommend against them everytime I can, even though they are the house brand. I have used MEVOTECH on my smaller pick ups I had (sonomas, s10s) and they worked fine. This is my first solid axle truck I have had/wanted to do front end work to , hence why I am trying to pick peoples brains today.

 

[Thewespaul]

It’s all crap, that’s why I buy the best I can from a local parts store for easy warranty and exchanges.

 

[snicklas]

I’ve been using XRF. Seem to be holding up well. They are my first choice if they make them for the vehicle I’m working on.

 

[ShadetreeV]

I did my tie rods with the napa proformer stuff due to cost. Quality seemed good and fit and finish was on par with Moog. But the boxes were labled made in China so we will see how long they hold up. Supposedly the napa chassis are made by Dana and worth the extra coin.

 

[chillman88]

I did my tie rods with the napa proformer stuff due to cost. Quality seemed good and fit and finish was on par with Moog. But the boxes were labled made in China so we will see how long they hold up. Supposedly the napa chassis are made by Dana and worth the extra coin.

I have had decent results with the "good" Napa parts but not spectacular. That being said, decent parts with a good warranty is still better than cheap parts with a lifetime warranty.

 

[mblaney]

I’ve been using XRF. Seem to be holding up well. They are my first choice if they make them for the vehicle I’m working on.

+1
I completely rebuild my D60 and used XRF. Details and part numbers in by signature link.

 

[Cubey]

I did my tie rods with the napa proformer stuff due to cost. Quality seemed good and fit and finish was on par with Moog. But the boxes were labled made in China so we will see how long they hold up. Supposedly the napa chassis are made by Dana and worth the extra coin.

"Made in china" means little. USA made stuff can be garbage too. Smartphones and computers are made in China and I don't see many people refusing to buy the based on where they are made. It boils down to how well a product is made. Price can be a good indicator. It usually costs more to make a better product since higher quality materials and equipment may have been used. But then again, from a retail standpoint, a higher price might be a lifetime warranty that may or may not be worth it.

 

[Kevo1288]

"Made in china" means little. USA made stuff can be garbage too. Smartphones and computers are made in China and I don't see many people refusing to buy the based on where they are made. It boils down to how well a product is made. Price can be a good indicator. It usually costs more to make a better product since higher quality materials and equipment may have been used. But then again, from a retail standpoint, a higher price might be a lifetime warranty that may or may not be worth it.

Snap on tool boxes cost 60 times more than my husky, the paint sucks on them, the casters suck , but they still cost more.

 

[ShadetreeV]

Made in china" means little. USA made stuff can be garbage too

You do make a good point, and I agree that it's really up to how stringent the quality control is no matter the source of the product, and who will honor said warranty if something does happen.
I think @Thewespaul made a good point with buying local for easy exchanges if something were to have an issue

Snap on tool boxes cost 60 times more than my husky, the paint sucks on them, the casters suck , but they still cost more.

I hear you there as well. Will never buy an off the truck box myself, I can't imagine having $4-5k+ wrapped up in a box. Thats like dropping $50k on a shiny new truck vs my IDI that does the same job perfectly, just less bells and whistles. My work box is a Snapon setup circa 1970s, it served my grandad well for many years and Im sure my own sons will use it too one day.

 

[Cubey]

I think @Thewespaul made a good point with buying local for easy exchanges if something were to have an issue

It can be a gamble to buy online but its often half the price. Plus you can get better stuff sometimes. I ordered Bendix Fleet Metlock brake pads online for the RV because such pads would be expensive and harder to get at retail. None listed through O'Reilly even state heavy duty. Napa's fleet ones are $88 plus tax. I paid about $36 for the Bendix ones, so yeah.

 

[03wr250f]

i would buy either spicer or dana parts
moog has turned into the same crap as every other parts store crap