---
name: vehicle-parts-identification
description: Research and identify correct vehicle parts when OEM/upfitter/conversion numbers, axle swaps, or forum-only interchange data are involved. Use for automotive part cross-reference questions, especially conversions (Quigley, 4x4 vans, axle swaps), obsolete part numbers, and cases where stock fitment may be wrong.
---

# Vehicle Parts Identification

Use this skill when the user needs the correct automotive part number, interchange, or ordering description and the vehicle is modified, converted, old, or has conflicting catalog fitment.

## Workflow

1. **Do not assume stock fitment.**
   - If the vehicle has a conversion/upfit (e.g. Quigley 4x4), axle swap, lift, brake swap, or specialty body, treat the conversion hardware as primary.
   - Ask only if the missing detail changes the lookup path; otherwise proceed with the obvious default and state assumptions.

2. **Search by every durable identifier.**
   - Vehicle year/make/model.
   - Conversion/upfitter part number.
   - Axle/knuckle/brake type (e.g. Dana 60, 8-lug, kingpin vs ball joint).
   - Old/alternate numbers and forum phrases (`hub/rotor`, `machine hub`, `ABS clearance`, etc.).

3. **Triangulate from at least two evidence types when possible.**
   - Upfitter pages or documents.
   - Forum threads from owners/mechanics.
   - Retailer/catalog fitment pages with dimensions and interchange lists.
   - Manufacturer interchange numbers.

4. **Use direct HTTP scraping when search/browser tools are weak.**
   - Search result pages and parts catalogs often contain usable embedded text/JSON even when rendered UI or web extraction fails.
   - Use `requests` + regex/HTML stripping to inspect pages and find product JSON, interchange numbers, dimensions, and fitment notes.
   - If Google/Bing/DDG block automation, try retailer pages directly and extract embedded product data.

5. **Return an ordering-safe answer, not just one part number.**
   - Lead with the likely part family and exact numbers.
   - Include the counter-person wording (e.g. “front rotor for 1986 Chevy K30 4x4 Dana 60, 8-lug”).
   - Include dimensions/specs to verify.
   - Call out conversion-specific machining or ABS/sensor clearance issues.
   - Explicitly warn against common wrong catalog fitment when relevant.

## Pitfalls

- Stock vehicle catalogs can be wrong for conversion vans and axle swaps.
- Upfitter numbers may refer to a machined or modified commodity part, not a unique casting.
- Forum answers can be incomplete; use them to seed part numbers, then verify with catalog dimensions/interchange.
- Some parts catalogs list old numbers in `ReplacesOENumber` or `InterchangePartNumber` fields buried in page JSON.

## References

- `references/quigley-e350-dana60-rotors.md` — session note on Quigley E350 4x4 Dana 60 8-lug front rotor cross-reference and extraction technique.