Newbie sourcing parts - what to look for?

[Quihyp]

Hello astro forums, I recently purchased a 99 cargo RWD astro which needs a fair amount of work. When I went to ebay to find some new replacements, I was struck by how many different choices I had, and my lack of knowledge on the subject scares me. I need to source a variety of small parts (thermostat, radiator cap, filters, door handle, mirror), and a few larger things (shocks, intake gaskets), but can't tell the brands apart from one another. Does anyone have any direct recommendations or a rough guide of what makes to look for when shopping for aftermarket parts?

[WoodButcher]

A good source is Rock Auto. They have a small heart next to the items they sell a lot of. On fleabay the reviews are often misleading, sure, they ship fast and you got the part, amazon will give you more detailed feedback on the part. Google the part name, brand and model number w/ "review" and you'll find some.

Generally speaking delfi, ac delco, stant, moog, brand names will do you no harm but your best to ask here w/ individual questions regarding opinions on one part vs. another.

[Cobra]

WoodButcher is spot, rock auto ships quickly from what I've heard I've never used them i got to my local parts places and get what i need normally or ask them to order it for me. Asking here can pretty effective theres a good chance someone on here has used the brand long enough to say go or no go. Monroe has served me well the past few years for shocks and I have a soft spot for the ride quality of the KYB's I've installed on other vehicles. Fel-pro gaskets are working on my van and I'm sure a couple other on here, can't complain about them. Dorman products for door handles, intake manifold and other random parts they have a lifetime warranty on most parts and those damn oil coolers lines are a regular leaker so the lifetime is nice the next time you replace them. Air i'm using K&N and its a pain in the but having to clean it and re-oil it but I love it if i need the van while i'm doing that work i just shove my trusty fram in, used fram before the K&N and never had a problem just make sure it is serviced regularly. Also used from oil filters couldn't complain changing them regularly worked well now using Amsoil oil filter now.