What I've learned about my '99 F150....
 

I own a '99 F150 4x2 S.Crew cab, bought new with 7/10's miles on it on 12/98. Around March of 2002 the soleniod went out on the starter. Ford said "No servicable part's , Buy a new starter".@$189.00. I've been using a remote switch since then. Well I finally decide to fix it right.I went to Discount auto parts and CarQuest parts and both said "no replacement solenoid for a '99" but they do show the same replacement starter fo '98 and '99 and a replacement solenoid for a '98 so I bought one(solenoid)($31 and change) and guess what...Identical part.Who does Ford think they trying to screw out of almost $200.00 ?...Not Me...

I think we've all had 'discoveries' like this at one time or another.

Mine was the power window motor in a Mustang that Ford said was $155 (at the time). For an escort. . .$58. Same part number. . .no, but simply flip the rotateable (clockable) head unit at the top 180° and voila! same piece. Exactly.

My '99 Lightning was sold to me without the CD cartridge in the CD changer. Ford dealer wanted $85 for it. Right across the street at a Lincoln/Mercury dealer, the price was $62 for THE SAME P/N!!!

Happens all the time. That's why you always search and dig before you lay down the long green.


Later,

I got one for ya. Working on my truck and I need the EGR gaskets(2 of em) and I go directly to my dealership. I was floored to hear that they wanted $20 for two little gaskets. I went down the street to a local parts house and picked them up for just over $3.50. And kicker is the parts house had Ford OEM gaskets, these were the excact same gaskets I would have gotten at the dealership. How's that for ripping you off.

Scary
 

CRAP!!!!

I got a 99 XLT.... All these stories are scaring me..LOL..I'll make sure I shop around if ***** hits the fan... Thanks for all the tips fellas.