GM stuff lasted how many decades? You think something half the cost, made in Thailand (or China) is going to last that long or fit as well?
I can't think of one aftermarket component that is made better than it came from the factory. There probably are, but that's besides the point.
Aftermarket seals/gaskets are often improperly made, I've had two. Obviously LMC wouldn't be in business still if they didn't get their supplier to correct the issues, but I don't like having to re-do work, or stop a project for weeks to wait for a correct part that I've already paid for.Edit: I'm NOT saying their current seals don't fit. It's been years since I had those mis-made seals. I started buying OEM spares.
It's really up to you and what you plan to do. I figure if you plan on keeping the truck long-term, and can afford it, go with OEM while you still can. Some day it won't be possible and you'll have no choice. If you just can't justify the cost, go with aftermarket. But regardless of what our idiotic society has done to itself, quality costs money, and it's not more expensive just because it has the GM name on it. It may add SOME cost due to labor, environmental rules, etc., but GM is the one that invested the money to make them properly. Everyone else just takes a GM piece and goes to the lowest bidder to get it reverse engineered. Because that's all we'll buy anymore. Rant over.
