Replacement lower oil pan - are non OE parts any good?

[adamscottmartin]

Hi, new to the forum and searched everywhere but can't find any reviews so time to post here!

Anyways, my 05 Explorer 4x4 4.0L has a stripped out drain plug and the pan itself looks like it took a good whack at some point in the last 150k. It looks like I need to replace the lower pan which isn't the end of the world. My question is should I go with one of the aftermarket replacements (Dorman/ATP/Spectra on RockAuto) or would anyone caution against that?

It seems like a simple piece of stamped steel, but I have used some Dorman parts that are great, and some that make me want to yell bad words. I figure as long as I get one that isn't a horribly warped stamping it should be fine. I could always head to the boneyard and pull an OE pan but not sure I have time for this job.

Any thoughts? No reviews exist anywhere for the aftermarket substitutes.

Thanks in advance!

 

[rmunley]

I replaced mine with an aftermarket part over a year ago with no issues. You shouldn't have any issues as long as you use a quality gasket.

 

[adamscottmartin]

Thanks very much. That's the first news I have heard one way or the other. Appreciate the help, time to buy some parts!