I got my parts CD from the HiPo Parts Garage. It comes as two non search-able PDF files. You have to use them just like you would use a physical book. The only difference is that no physical page turning is necessary.

I was expecting to be able to search it like most PDF files available today. Apparently, my expectations exceeded the product description. Fair enough, but I wanted to let others know in case they had similar expectations.

Has anyone used one of the Ford Electronic Parts Catalogs? Which one did you use and what was your experience? I found two available on ebay. If you search for: FORD USA ELECTRONIC PARTS CATALOG on eBay Motors it should pull them both up.

Searching google also brought up several different ones. It looks like they work similar to the programs that the auto parts shops use. You can see an exploded view diagram and then click on the parts in the image to jump to the corosponding part numbers. Some of them even let you enter your VIN to tailor the results to your truck.

I did a search on the forum but didn't' find anything referencing these type of parts catalogs so I figured I'd ask ya'll parts gurus about them.

 

My suspicion as to why they're unsearchable is that they're scans of paper documents,
which means they're photographs, and photographs of text is not the same as straight text.

Never used the electronic thing you speak of, Bill might have but I kinda doubt it.

Even with this electronic version you describe, I suspect you're still gonna need to learn the
Ford parts cataloging system....

 

And it's not easy, I can attest.

 

What? Nah, you don't say.....

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post10245990

 

I concur! I bought that CD a few months ago, and my eyes hurt if I try to read it too long. It is not as straight forward as I had hoped. I have the CD, but that in no way, shape, or form makes me a Ford parts man.

 

That is true. However, when the scans are made to create the PDF file, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) can be used to make the file searchable. It isn't perfect but it would go a long way to making the product better. It really comes down to whomever did the initial work, didn't want to put in the additional effort to make them searchable. Or, to give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe the OCR software wasn't that good yet.

I'm going to give the EPC DVD a go. The issues with these PDF files are a moot point if it works half as well as I think it will.

 

(sigh) It's a piece a cake readin' a parts catalog, cuz Ford has used the same basic part numbers since Model T days, adding new basic numbers since for newer stuff not found on T's.

With Ford, the group number is the same as the basic part number. If you can count, you can use a parts catalog. If a cluck like myself can figure it out, anyone can!

Take the basic part numbers found in illustrations, waltz over to the text to get the complete part number.

Chassis Parts Sections ~ Text & Illustrations, column left: (Hipo left out what these (and the Body) sections are referrin' to .. making the catalog difficult to figure out, so here they are).

10 = Brake drums and etc.

20 = Brake shoes and etc.

30 = Front suspension, steering and etc.

40 = Rear Axles.

50 = Frame, Exhaust, Sway Bars, Springs.

60 = Engine parts.

70 = M/T parts.

A70 = A/T parts.

80 = Cooling, grille.

90 = Fuel.

100 = Alternator, battery.

110 = Starter.

120 = Dizzy & related parts, ignition modules, PCM's.

130 = Lamps.

140 = Wiring.

150 = Wiring, clocks, misc other jazz.

160 = Front Sheet Metal / Rear fendera and related parts for Duallies, Flaresides.

170 = Speedo, speedo drive and driven gears, jacks and related parts.

180 = Heater & Radio.

190 = A/C.


Body Parts Sections ~ Text & Illustrations, column left:

000 = Body mounts.

200 = Door internal parts, quarter panels and etc.

400 = Bed parts (99 is a Styleside / 83 is a Flareside). You have to add the two numbered body style to the 5 or 6 digit basic number. Example, basic part number: 27846 R/S Q/P = 9927846 Styleside.

500 = Roof panels.

600 = Seats, seat belts.

Sheet Metal.

Soft Trim.

Exterior Mouldings.

And, if you're still having trouble figuring out the little darlin, pass along your phone number. I'll call, waltz you thru it.

This wouldn't be my first time doin' this jazz, Lariat 85, ctubutis, members of myriad other forums have been waltzed thru it.

 

Thanks Bill, that is very generous!