parts availability

[Oliver Closehauf]

Did there used to be a longer period of time where replacement parts had to be available? Or was that ever a thing?
My 05 isn't even 20 years old. The part in question is shared by newer 3rd gen rams but already discontinued. If they are available, the people that have them don't seem to be advertising.
I find it hard to believe the only place to find what I need is ebay, cragslist or the junk yard.

 

[Lovemy06]

Awesome subject because run into the same issue with my 06. There are plenty of shared parts amongst generations. Or maybe it’s because people like us rebuild and replace parts as they deteriorate to keep looking in tip top shape, so we’re buying up the parts!

 

[huntergreen]

I thought parts were mandated to be produced for 10 years after model is discontinued.

 

[Oliver Closehauf]

I thought there was some time requirement also but I didn't know what it was, and I thought during the last financial collapse when all of the automakers were forced to consolidate, that time period may have changed. It just seems like I used to be able to get parts for longer.

 

[Ole Buck]

I am running into the same thing with my lower door seals (water guards) on my 04. I have been refunded twice because they could not get them.

 

[Oliver Closehauf]

It's really surprising. I was able to get practically every part for an 84 1/2 Fiero I redid. I was even able to get new dew wipes for the windows, although I had to get them from a specialty place. I don't know if it's due to Covid or what. Just seems strange. Especially the part I'm talking about, the driver's side steering knuckle which are a known concern. Seems like there would be new good ones available just in case. You can still get the passenger side.

 

[Recoil]

I thought parts were mandated to be produced for 10 years after model is discontinued.

I believe you are correct @huntergreen. OEM parts are supposed to be available 10 (or maybe it was 20) years and aftermarket for 20 (or 30 years).