Where to buy quality parts?

Hello all. I just bought a 2003 Toyota tundra SR5 AC V8. It has approx 245XXX miles. So far I’ve noticed nothing major that needs work besides usual maintenance items ie; spark plugs, brake pads and rotors, serpentine belt and the odd O2 sensor. In terms of bigger more serious maintenance items, I’m concerned about the timing belt and the lower ball joints. After running a carfax on the truck I didn’t see any reports on either of those being replaced unless done outside of a shop. I undid the bolts on one of the timing belt covers and didn’t notice any cracks in the belt however, I’m still thinking of replacing it and the water pump. Where can I go online to purchase the parts I need?

 

Rock auto for sure. However my tb was done at my cousins shop and that also doesn’t show on a carfax so that doesn’t mean much.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

 

For the LBJ, 100% factory only. For the timing stuff, Aisin (they make the factory) the rest, do the math. If a quality AM part is available and not critical, go for it. Otherwise I stick with Toyota.

 

Avoid scAmazon and fleaBay and you'll be doing better than most. Know which parts are hardcore must-spend-the-extra-to-get-OEM-with. More info on your truck here. You really have three options:

• Dealer-direct: Check this option to find your VIN-specific part numbers and how to order at a discount from Toyota direct; you can also carry those part numbers to a couple of other infamous online dealers. A lot of times if routing thru Toyota's site, you can pickup at local participating dealerships, still cheaper than you'd pay at their parts counter.
• 3rd party trusted online stores: Summit Racing and RockAuto are great choices who do enough volume to compete with or beat scAmazon or fleaBay, but with guaranteed, non-knockoff/counterfeit parts; there are periodically coupons from Summit if you get their catalogs, and RockAuto almost always has 5% off discounts.
• Local auto parts stores: Sometimes local stores will carry OEM-brand parts. Like, NAPA carries some DENSO brand parts. Toyota recommends NGK plugs in some owners manuals, which are also at many local stores. Sometimes you'll find Aisin parts also, or Advics which are OEM brands. Our 4.7L MAF is made by Hitachi, IIRC, and that's something you'll find in-store.

The general rule of thumb, as is in that 'more info' thread: If it takes more than 1 hour to replace the part, or you need to replace other things because of what you've got to open it up, ALWAYS use OEM (Toyota, Denso, Aisin, Advics, etc.) in those cases. For example: Starter. Fuel Pump. Secondary Air Injection Pump.

 

I'm a fan of Partsouq lately. They have great diagrams which make it easier to find the parts you're looking for, give the part number, even some aftermarket suggested alternatives if something is out of stock. The pricing on most parts still comes out cheaper than other dealers even with the added cost of shipping.

 

I found more service records for my Tundra on Toyota.com. My carfax report was extensive. But most of the initial dealership warranty work didn't show on carfax. After getting the Toyota.com report, I saw that the LBJs had been done @55,000 miles. It was still well past time to do them again, but that was a little peace of mind that they had been replaced under the service bulletin.

 

https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/

Ive had good luck with these guys for Toyota OEM parts, most likely wouldn’t buy wear items from them. But bought stuff like FJ cruiser trim, Tundra taillights, etc.