Not everyone is lucky and lives within close proximity to decent junkyards.

Here in South Fl, I'm surrounded by them. One in particular is close by, full of our late model F-150s, and dirt cheap.

I was thinking we could have a thread with a comprehensive list of things to look out for at these junkyards. These could be simple stock items that it never hurts to grab as a backup, or anything you think in general would be useful to take. I know I for one am not that astute and a lot of people on the forum have a better idea of some things that are worthwhile.

What are some basic things you would want to find?

 

I've been lucky to find some decent aftermarket parts at our local junkyards.
I'd really like to find a bull bar, but that definitely has to be something I find locally. I don't want to pay shipping on such a heavy and large item.

 

I found one on a local bartering page on facebook.

I drove an hour for it, but it's a westin bull bar which was on an identical truck to mine. It fit like a glove, came with PIAA lights, and I paid $70 bucks for it. I was super happy. lol.

 

I'm in Central FL and have a few around me. I've got one that I hit every couple of weeks. They have a ton of F150s and Expeditions. Items that I've pulled and used or will use in the future...

Expedition overhead console (without temp readout)
(2) Temp readouts (Just in case one was dead)
Expedition center console
(2) Expedition center console cup holder section
Temp readout sending unit
Full Expedition driver side dash pieces
Driver side door panel
Passenger side door panel


Items I'm looking for...
4WD lower valence
Cloth seats (I'll have them rewrapped with OEM leather)
Clean under hood plastics

 

I think the top thing that is always missing here in UT is the headlight switches, particularly the fog light type....

I would also think ABS controllers are a hot item.

 

I've been looking for a headlight switch to keep on hand. I haven't been able to find one with the autolamp "wheel" on it.

 

Our GEN headlight switches are strange. 1997 and 1998 Ford F150's use one switch, 99 another and 2000 and up another by part numbers. I know the plugs are different from 98 and 2000, but I'm unfamiliar with the 99 per se. I think that 99 is the same plug as the 97-98's but with the newer style spring clips holding it in the dash, and not the turn **** style we have in 97-98's.

 

Here vehicles are ripped apart quickly. Very little interior is salvageable. eBay sellers make a full-time job out of stripping and selling parts. Anything and everything that's in decent condition. If you don't get to the vehicle the first day or two it's on yard...good luck.

 

I thought 97-99 were interchangeable, and 01-04(H) were the same animal. I actually got into a pretty heated claim on ebay over the purchase of a switch that fell apart, right out of the box. Had to get ebay involved to get my money back.... and the seller accused me of boxing up my old switch and sending it back to him. Only negative feedback I've ever left on ebay... LOL.

 

My 99xl has the turn style to remove.