Non OE parts

I'm begining to question the viability of non original equipment parts after finding the ARB drop links shagged after 8 months and 4.5 K miles . They replaced a set that lasted 8 K miles and 14 months , both FAI manufactured.
On top of this whilst under the car today fitting new a new cat ,wishbones and F+R bushes I find the new exhaust down pipe fitted last August and again with 4.5 K miles on it has split at the flexi coupling.
The cat also lasted only 2 years and 14 K miles.
I'm ordering genuine LR drop links tomorrow and having to buy another down pipe that will allow me to replace the flexi joint in this one to keep for a spare .
I'm sure the drop links are made of mild steel and not hardened ........

ive known droplinks to fail 100 yards from pulling out the garage, some aftermarket ones they must make of clay.
ive got britparts ones at the mo fitted about 4k miles ago and so far ok but only time will tell.

It all depends how many 'sleeping policemen' or pot-holes you have to cross.

Both of my Freelanders have needed new drop-links at around 50K - but I live 2 mile up a rough track.

It's not worth it trying to economise on some things.

Drop-links, prop-shaft bearings, filters, and fuel pumps are good examples.

LR drop-links are £40 a pair.

Singvogel.

Please excuse my ignorance but are britpart quality or budget?Good or bad? Its a name i have seen alot

I won't fit Britparts anymore following bad experience with Britparts wheel cylinders

Kizzeh said:

Please excuse my ignorance but are britpart quality or budget?Good or bad? Its a name i have seen alot

Click to expand...

Best avoided in my opinion.

S.

Singvogel said:

It all depends how many 'sleeping policemen' or pot-holes you have to cross.

Both of my Freelanders have needed new drop-links at around 50K - but I live 2 mile up a rough track.

It's not worth it trying to economise on some things.

Drop-links, prop-shaft bearings, filters, and fuel pumps are good examples.

LR drop-links are £40 a pair.

Singvogel.

Click to expand...

Well like you my wife has to drive down a severely pot hole ridden track to her work each day which will probably be getting on for 2 miles , so the cars suspension is given a hammering daily.
I took the opportunity in doing the wishbones etc today as the track , which would you believe is the access to a TEN million euro property , is being remade at present which should alleviate the toll on the wee car.
I can understand that certain components would wear faster than normal under these conditions but as it is designed as an occassional off road vehicle components should be expected to last a bit longer than they have .......
After seeing the recent series on TV re forgeries I'm sceptical as to what is supplied as original spec now.

Re Britparts .
I got the wishbones from John Craddocks and made it clear that the parts had NOT to be Britpart ,the salesperson actually wrote it on the order and assured me of Lemforder ,I think.
Guess what arrived ......Britpart along with two LH wishbones !
I'd no option but to fit the Britpart items and drill out the rivits and bolt the ball joint the other way up so we'll see how the BP bushes perform over time . A correct RH WB is being sent FOC after I " had a few words " with JC .

i ordered an AUX belt and Compressor belt from Craddocks which were listed a Biermach when arrived they came in Britpart packaging. I fitted them anyway as they had to be done that day, so far fine, but only been 3k miles.
I would of avoided titpart when ordering the belts normally.
I spose they are useful for getting right screws and bolts etc

If yer hippo is 3+ years old then you can register it at yer local main dealer for an allegiance card. This cost me £25 but you get that back after a service. Forget the service and get discounted parts. Mainly service parts and tyres/eggsource etc.