Frequently Asked Questions About Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM Parts

The most reliable method is using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This unique 17-character alphanumeric code acts as a fingerprint for your vehicle, encoding the make, model, engine type, production year, and factory-installed options. When you provide your VIN to a parts department, the system can pinpoint the exact specifications your vehicle requires — down to the trim level and engine configuration.

The VIN is located on the driver’s side of the dashboard just below the windshield, visible from outside the vehicle, and on the driver-side door jamb label. Characters 4 through 8 identify the vehicle’s brand, engine size, and type, while the 10th character indicates the model year. It is important to use the full VIN because even small differences in trim or engine configuration can change the required part number. For example, a RAM 1500 with a V8 engine may require a different air filter or brake component than a RAM 1500 with a V6.

The owner’s manual or service booklet is another useful reference. These documents often list part numbers for common replacement items like filters, bulbs, and belts, although they may not account for mid-year production changes or superseded part numbers.

Parts themselves often have stamped or printed identification numbers. Brake pads, alternators, and spark plugs frequently have their part number etched directly on the component. Matching these numbers can help verify you are ordering the correct replacement, though caution is necessary — counterfeit or generic parts may mimic original markings.

Mopar part numbers follow a structured format that is helpful to understand when ordering or cross-referencing components. A typical Mopar part number consists of eight digits followed by a two-letter revision suffix — for example, 68079412AE (a water pump) or 52060133AD (a clutch slave cylinder).

The two-letter suffix at the end indicates the part’s revision history. “AA” designates the original release. When the manufacturer updates or improves the part — whether for materials, manufacturing process, or design — the suffix advances: AA becomes AB, then AC, AD, and so on. Parts with different suffix letters on the same base number are generally interchangeable, sharing the same form, fit, and function. The newer revision supersedes the older one, so when AA stock is depleted, AB takes its place.

This is why a parts specialist may order a part ending in “AD” even though the original component on the vehicle ended in “AB.” The updated revision is the current production version and is fully compatible. Keeping a record of part numbers when replacing components makes future maintenance easier and helps ensure continuity across repairs.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are produced by the same manufacturer — or their authorized suppliers — that built the original components for the vehicle. For Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM vehicles, the OEM parts brand is Mopar. OEM parts are engineered to match the exact specifications the vehicle was built with, ensuring precise fit, consistent performance, and adherence to the original safety standards.

Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party manufacturers and are not sourced from the vehicle’s maker. Quality varies widely depending on the brand. Some aftermarket components are designed to meet or exceed OEM standards and may offer improvements in areas like durability or stopping power. However, lower-quality aftermarket parts may use inferior materials, potentially shortening service life and requiring more frequent replacement.

The cost difference between the two categories is significant. According to industry data from the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, OEM parts typically cost 20 to 60 percent more than comparable aftermarket alternatives. This price difference reflects the guaranteed fit, material quality, and manufacturer-backed warranty that come with OEM components. Aftermarket parts are widely accessible through local auto parts stores and independent shops, often with quicker procurement. OEM parts are most reliably obtained through authorized dealerships, which helps ensure authenticity and proper compatibility with the specific model.

The right choice depends on the component, the vehicle’s age, and the owner’s priorities. For safety-critical systems — brakes, suspension, steering, and engine internals — OEM parts provide the highest assurance of proper fit and tested performance. For non-critical components on older vehicles, quality aftermarket alternatives can offer reasonable value.

The higher price of OEM parts stems from several factors. These components are engineered specifically for a particular vehicle, ensuring exact compatibility and optimal performance under the operating conditions the vehicle was designed for. Manufacturers invest in research, development, and extensive testing to meet stringent quality and safety requirements.

The production process for OEM parts typically involves higher-grade materials and tighter manufacturing tolerances, which contribute to longer service life and more consistent performance. The supply chain also plays a role — OEM parts come through authorized dealerships or certified suppliers, maintaining quality assurance and traceability at each stage of distribution.

While the upfront cost is higher, OEM components can reduce the likelihood of premature wear, fitment issues, or compatibility problems that sometimes arise with non-certified alternatives. For drivers who depend on their vehicles for daily use, investing in OEM parts can mean fewer return visits for the same repair and greater long-term reliability.

New parts come directly from the manufacturer or authorized sources and have never been used. They meet all original specifications and are the best option for critical systems and newer vehicles where performance and warranty compliance are priorities.

Remanufactured parts have been restored to factory standards through a rigorous process: disassembly, cleaning, replacement of worn elements, and reassembly with testing. These parts often carry warranties comparable to new components and provide strong value for items like alternators, starters, and transmissions where the restoration process is well-established.

Rebuilt parts are similar to remanufactured components but may not undergo as extensive a restoration process. They are repaired and tested but do not always meet the same stringent standards. Rebuilt parts can be suitable for less critical systems or older vehicles where budget is the primary concern, though they may carry a higher risk of reduced longevity compared to remanufactured alternatives.

Consulting with a qualified parts specialist can help determine which option is appropriate based on the vehicle’s condition, the component in question, and the intended use.

Genuine Mopar parts carry a 24-month, unlimited-mileage warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The specifics of coverage depend on how the part is installed:

If a Mopar part is replaced on a vehicle still covered by the new vehicle basic limited warranty, coverage extends for the remainder of the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty or the Mopar 24-month warranty from installation — whichever is more favorable to the customer.

It is important to keep the original purchase receipt, as it is required to validate warranty coverage. Mopar warranties do not cover failures caused by accidents, abuse, improper maintenance, or installation that does not follow original equipment specifications.

Some Mopar product categories have separate warranty terms. For example, Value Line brake pads, shocks, and mufflers carry a lifetime limited warranty, and remanufactured powertrain components carry a 3-year/100,000-mile warranty. Checking with the parts department at the time of purchase ensures clarity on the specific coverage for each component.

The parts department at Fontana Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram provides direct access to genuine Mopar parts specifically designed and tested for every Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM model. This eliminates the guesswork and compatibility risk that can come with sourcing parts online or through third-party retailers.

Located at 16263 S Highland Ave in Fontana, our parts team is available to help drivers across San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, and Claremont find the exact component they need — often with same-day availability. In-person access to specialists who understand the unique specifications of these brands helps avoid costly ordering mistakes and delays.

Parts purchased and installed at our dealership carry the strongest available warranty coverage — the full 24-month Mopar warranty covering both the part and all associated labor. Our certified technicians ensure proper installation to original equipment specifications, protecting both the warranty and the vehicle’s long-term performance. Reach our parts department directly at 909-675-1656 or schedule a service appointment online.