Ordering heavy duty truck parts is not as easy as buying parts for a passenger car, even one that is relatively difficult to find. In fact, only a few dealers actually offer truck parts and many parts departments have a very limited inventory.
On the other side of the coin, you will find a handful of top quality parts departments specializing in truck parts. These companies tend to maintain extensive parts inventories of millions of parts, and they also have networks of dealerships to track down the few parts they may not have readily on hand.
Buy OEM
Unlike with cars, aftermarket parts, unless they are a quality part, are typically not a good consideration for heavy duty truck parts. When possible choose OEM equipment, or a brand that is recognized and recommended as a replacement part.
With generic types of parts, there can be very real compatibility issues. While the part may initially seem to fit, it is not carefully designed for your truck, resulting in wear and tear on surrounding components that can lead to more costly and extensive breakdowns and failures in the future.
Verify the Stock
If ordering online and looking for an essential part, check to make sure that the dealership offers a call in number so that the order can be verified. There is nothing worse than anticipating a part is shipping only to find out days later that it was never actually in stock.
Some companies offer continual updating of their in-stock inventory while others may only update online status for parts once a week or even less frequently. Having a live person to confirm the order is always the best option.
Check Shipping Rates and Delivery
Depending on where you are located and where you are ordering the heavy duty truck parts from you may be able to simply pick them up yourself. This offers the fastest and lowest priced option, but it may not always be the most convenient.
For delivery for parts, check on the possibility of overnight delivery or two-day delivery if you are in a rush. This is a real advantage and will provide you with the parts you need to your door as they are required.
Once you find a parts department that stocks what you need, be sure to bookmark their site. These companies are often able to track down even the most difficult parts to find, and they go out of their way to ensure top customer service for any parts or components needed.
