What do you look for at salvage yards?

SnowBlazer

Original poster
Member
Jun 9, 2014
5,775
Colorado Springs
I thought this would be a fun thread to see what everyone enjoys pulling at salvage yards. I'm going to my local salvage yard for the first time tomorrow...can't wait! :2thumbsup:
 

IllogicTC

Member
Dec 30, 2013
3,452
Popular parts to scavenge:
-Transfer Case Control Module
-Transfer Case (you can get them for under $200 sometimes, and brand-new is $1500)
-Various bits and pieces, usually the plastic pieces. You can score them cheap, sometimes even free if you purchase something big like the aforementioned transfer case.
-Engine and transmission (as needed, usually... but you never know, someone may be a combo hoarder AND 360 junkie!)

There's some other parts that are pretty commonly going out, but it's best to go with new parts for them.
-CPAS
-Wheel hubs
-Ignition coil (though you could definitely scavenge coils off a junker, why not?)
 

gmcman

Member
Dec 12, 2011
4,673
Mounce said:
OEM headlight relay if you can get them cheap. They're around $40 new iirc.
Yes. :iagree: Most fuse boxes i've come across have all the solid state relays still in place....get what you can. Also the vacuum fittings on the resonator including the hard plastic molded vacuum tube to the FPR. Throttle body wire harness, PCM if for a good price.
 

Mounce

Member
Mar 29, 2014
13,667
Tuscaloosa, AL
Are the actuators expensive brand new?

I wouldn't put a used one in and have it possibly fail soon. Plus, you have to pretty much do the job twice to get the used one out of the donor then put it in yours.
 
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Capote

Supporting Donor
Member
Jul 14, 2014
24,227
Atlanta, GA
No they're not

I agree with Garth, don't get a used one. That actuator is probably on a short leg to breaking. Save yourself the trouble Ryan. Just hunt for other parts. I myself am going to visit some soon around here to look for random goodies and turn signal mirrors like you
 

HARDTRAILZ

Moderator
Nov 18, 2011
49,665
Dana 60s and 14 bolts.
 

SnowBlazer

Original poster
Member
Jun 9, 2014
5,775
Colorado Springs
Capote said:
No they're not

I agree with Garth, don't get a used one. That actuator is probably on a short leg to breaking. Save yourself the trouble Ryan. Just hunt for other parts. I myself am going to visit some soon around here to look for random goodies and turn signal mirrors like you
Very true! I'm still going to stop by and just see what's going on, as they are having a free admission day on Saturday. And everyone knows what that means for good parts...
 
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Mounce

Member
Mar 29, 2014
13,667
Tuscaloosa, AL
You have to pay to get into a junkyard? Never been to one myself but have never heard of a them having a fee to just get in..maybe the ones around here don't have a fee.
 

Knucklehead

Member
Jul 23, 2014
55
Here in Southern California. It's 2$ regular then another 2$ for newer cars..99+. Which is already a bunch junk that's already ravaged.

I usually get OEM relays. And a ton of fuses. Or anything I find interesting.

We usually have a spree of mostly fords or a spree of Chevys. I hate going and finding out the newer car section is mostly fords. Then I'll just wonder around looking for stuff.
 

Mooseman

Moderator
Dec 4, 2011
26,360
Ottawa, ON
Our U-Pull yard just started a $2 admission or $1 if you have a $50 VIP card. I call BS in the insurance thing. It's just a money grab. Does Walmart charge you to come in and browse?

I have picked up a shitload of parts for cheap. So many I can't remember. Some of the less usual ones I picked up were a harmonic balancer, parking brake lever and gas tank strap (new are like $70!). Some great finds were mirrors with signals, the plastic piece that goes on top of the radiator and a practically new EV fan clutch. If you need an auxiliary tranny cooler, this is a great place to look.
 

hrddrv

Member
Dec 4, 2011
120
The cup holder things are a good find if you find them. I wish I would have bought the ones I saw a few years ago. The yard wanted $5 for all of them.
 

littleblazer

Member
Jul 6, 2014
9,268
Before making friends on the forums, I scavenged for a hvac door. [emoji13]
 

SnowBlazer

Original poster
Member
Jun 9, 2014
5,775
Colorado Springs
Update...so I came back with a fuse puller (didn't have one in the engine bay), Bravada instrument cluster (for sale if anyone wants it...30 bucks+SH) and the footwell light. Forgot to pull the cup holders. The Bravada had em. As well as the hood light.
 

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