Black Dragon wrote in news:g5cvh8$2ota$ snipped-for-privacy@bdhi.local:
Thing is BD, that part you buy aftermarket is most likely the *IDENTICAL* item to the OEM, made on *EXACTLY* the same production line, by the same people. It just doesn't have the FORD logo on it. Most OEM parts supply contracts also cover the aftermarket segment of the business. Normally, while the product is still in series production, no aftermarket parts can be made, only supplies to the OEM parts stream (including dealer parts sales). As soon as the series production stops, then aftermarket sales can begin, abiet without the OEM logo on the parts. But, these parts are made on the same exact production line with the same tooling, materials and quality specifications as the originals (normally). This normally occurs for several years after series production ends.
Now when you get into aftermarket sales, then after a while you also have the china/india/etc knock-off reverse engineered designs start popping up for 1/3 the price. Normally though, if you buy it from a name brand like Clevite or Sealed Power, etc it'll be the genuine article.