The middle identifies the part type, the prefix is the build date and vehicle types, the ending is the variation of the part. So it all needs to match, unless it's a superseded part.
As an example, I just hunted the torsion bar isolator pads for our 2nd gens. That is an F87Z 5B333 AA part, obsolete now. In searching, I found listings with it for other part numbers. The 98-11 Ranger with the same suspension uses a superseded part, 6L5Z 5B335 AA. I found three of those on eBay for $53 each. The old one was $30 from Ford ten years ago. Ford still carries the new Ranger part, for almost $70 each now.
Ford parts hunting is a tricky thing to do. Sometimes you get lucky and find NOS parts for great prices. Sometimes there's nothing left to get. The battery cables for example are not to be found, I've looked several times with no results.
Keep looking, it often takes a lot pf patience.
