I want the part number of the airbag module in my 1998 XJ. I was not able to find it in that PDF part catalog I found online.

I also want to know how to cross reference parts across models. How do you know if the 1997 module works in a 1998? In the BMW world, the entire part catalog and explosion diagram of the entire car, for every model/year is available online. This makes buying BMW parts a breeze! I assumed this exists for all makes but maybe I'm wrong? To know that a part number works for multiple years, b/c you only look up part numbers for your year/model.

Lastly, on rockauto, there may be 20 variations of the same belt part. How do I know which to order? Are there general guidelines for this? Are there OEM certain brands that are always a good bet? (AC Delco?)

GOODYEAR
GATES
KLARIUS/QUINTON HAZELL
ROADMAX
DAYCO
OMIX-ADA
GOODYEAR
ACDELCO

Which brands are the typical OEM makers?
Which brands are to be avoided?

 

I looked up a Tie Rod End on rockauto.com
Here are the different brands: Deeza, Auto Extra, Raybestos, Mevotech, ACDelco, Moog, etc.

There are literally like 25 choices.
How the heck do you guys decide what to buy?

I NEVER buy cheap parts, b.c I only want to do a job once!
But, I don't want to overpay for hype I don't need.
Is it a safe bet to just stick with OEM parts?
Which brands are the typical OEM makers?
Which brands are to be avoided?

 

I manage a auto shop and I work with different parts all day long for good rubber products (ex.belts) I use Goodyear for suspension I use Moog. Axle joint and u joints I like spicer. For brakes raybestos is a good bet