When searching for a part on rockauto or other parts distributor there is often a part number that isn't a rockauto part number. It got me wondering how I might determine what part to use when replacing a missing or broken part.
I'm looking for a black replacement tailgate handle for my 2002 XLT and there's a large list that fit the truck! You can see it here

Is there somewhere I can look this information up and order the actual original part?

 

They're pretty much the same fit. The difference is the manufacturer and finish (black v. chrome etc).

 

Ford Part numbers are XXXX-XXXXX-X

The first 4 digits are year, model, Department
Next 5 or 6 digits are the part number
Last 1 to 3 digits is the Revision number

Up to 1998 Ford used
E for 1980's
F for 1990's
7 for Ranger

So E67 would be a 1986 Ranger part number
F87 would be 1998 Ranger part number

In 1999 Ford switched to a new format
X = 1999
Y = 2000
1 = 2001
2 = 2002
ect.........

L5 = Ranger

so 2L5 would be a 2002 part number for a Ranger but not specifically FOR a 2002 Ranger, it could fit a 2011 Ranger if the part never changed

So a tailgate handle for a 2002 Ranger may have a part number that starts with F37 which is a 1993 ford ranger part number, or F87 1998 Ranger

Year only changed if there was a major change in the part

The only Year specific parts tends to be Engine computers and Body computers, but "tends" is the key word

 

Brilliant! Thank you!