Replacement parts question (brand?)

[auto89]

I'm going to replace my waterpump[1] on an '89 PU, v6. I'm familar with partstrain and rockauto for discounted parts. But, I'm not familiar with the brands (Arnley, A1, Beck). Would I notice much difference in longevity (reliability) between brands? Which is best in that regard? Is buying Toyota parts better in that regard? (Significantly better?).

In case someone finds this thread in the future, I found some useful how-tos for my '89 6-cyl waterpump replacement and timing chain:

- http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=72480.0
- http://www.howstuffinmycarworks.com/...ng_belt_1.html

[1] While I'm into it, the timing belt, tensioner, tension spring, maybe the main bearing seal, and a leakey power-steering pump (and maybe its hoses).

[fourwd1]

You can't beat Toyota replacement parts, but they are more money than aftermarket.
Beck-Arnley is a well known aftermarket parts distributor, but as with any aftermarket part, quality can vary.

[Brian R.]

Toyota parts are more expensive and worth every penny if you either don't know how long you will keep the truck, or expect to keep it for a long time. If you don't plan on keeping it for very long, almost any brand will do. Search the internet for recommendations on non-Toyota parts.

[auto89]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

... if you either don't know how long you will keep the truck, or expect to keep it for a long time.

That raises a related question: When would an '89 PU start to increase in value as a rarity? I've been debating whether to sell it, or keep it for a few more years thinking it's on the cusp of rising value.

It's a single owner, 160k miles, garage parked all 23 years. For the last three years I drove it about 15 miles per month. For the 3 years prior to that, it was about 100 miles per month. No oddball work done on it.

FWIW: My coolant leak stopped. I think my infrequent driving and the past 6 months of cooler weather caused my radiator cap's rubber gasket to seal. Weather's starting to warm now. I think the cooling system built up pressure and released it through the water pump's shaft seal. When I popped the radiator cap to add fluid, it "unstuck" the rubber gasket. Now it's releasing pressure into the overflow tank.

So, now I'm contemplating the sell-or-hold angle after averting a PIA repair.

[Brian R.]

If you're still reading this, get a new radiator cap.