Best parts sources?

I've gotten some parts from Northstar Willys. Some were O.K., But others (clutch/brake pivot tube mount) were substandard. Anybody got reccomendations on sources for stuff like steering box innards, tie rod ends, body mounts, suspension bushings. I don't want to keep sending stuff back. The pivot tube mount I'm going to make myself. With a brother who's a machinist, and my welding ability (negligible though it is!) I can do better than what I bought! I know there are a lot of aftermarket sources for things like suspension bushings, but what about the tougher to find things? Any help is much appreciated!
Megan

 

If you find a source, let me know. I have had the same experience as you mentioned.

My best sources are:
a) a local guy, and old jeeper from way back. He can change a broken D44 axlefaster than most can change a flat. (He parks with the broken axle side pointing uphill and didnt have to add oil, and didnt lose his place in line on the Rubicon.)

b) Parts wanted to buy forum, right here. If you have your jeep long enough, you will have " a pile o parts". I hang on to all jeep associated parts I wont be needing, in case someone here might need it in the future.

c) Ebay. Most people dislike ebay, but I found if I know what I am looking for, and ask questions, or get more pictures, and do research and buy only when I am sure, I get some very good deals on NOS parts.

 

Truth of the matter is you are your best parts source. Keep your eyes open and buy a parts jeep, that has the parts you need in good condition, for as cheap as you can get it. Don't worry about insulting someone. Sell off the balance and trash the rest. There are dead/dying jeeps out there.

 

Thanks, all. I'll check Krage first next time. If you need small parts that can be turned on a lathe and welded, let me know. I may be able to talk my brother into a few small projects from time to time. The clutch'brake pivot tube mount we made is far nicer than the one I had ordered. No slop, so the pedals no longer go side to side when depressed. WhooHoo! One tiny step at a time, it'll be become driveable!
Megan

 

Yep Boyink,...in spite of how much we bash Omix Ada....alot of the guys we buy from buy in turn from Omix Ada....Krage Included.

In fact I spoke with John a couple weeks ago and he told me that some of the Omix Ada stuff was good quality stuff but some was trash. Of course he promised me that he only bought the good stuff from them.

He said that he had inherited his jeep parts business from his dad and that he's been working in that same store his entire life. Never had another job besides selling jeep parts.

 

The few Crown jeep parts I have bought have been excellent quality, and Krage and others sell alot of that stuff besides the Omix ada..

 

There are two major suppliers to dealers for Jeep repro parts, Omix-Ada that was mentioned, and Crown Automotive. Both have good quality parts and both have trash. The trick is to be able to pick out what's what or find a supplier that makes every effort to only deal with the good stuff. For example, I buy most of my bearings from a local Crown dealer because they are cheaper and are Timken bearings. I won't buy sheet metal from them though because I bought some fenders that were absolute junk unbeknownst to the Crown dealer because they had not ordered fenders from them before (this was several years ago). The problem is some of these older Jeep parts simply aren't available from other sources for a reasonable price. Bottom line, find a local or on line supplier you are happy with, discuss your concerns with them BEFORE you plunk down your hard-earned ducats, and hope for the best! Oh, and look at the experiences of other people on this forum!
Nickmil.