Got to get a new one, any ideas on brands good or bad? Tips,suggestions or donations appreciated! Gary
Kenmore and Morton are ones I install on a regular basis. Haven't seen any issues with them in the 18 years I have been a plumber. Best thing to do is take a water sample with you when you go shopping so they can set you up with the proper size. They all seem to have gone to a 1" adapter versus the old ones that had 3/4" so be prepared to do some soldering.
I've had a Home Depot purchased GE softener for going on 13 years. No issues with it, still keeps chugging along.
I'm more of a fleck guy or at least something non-big box store. You can order with whatever size fittings you need. Softener Fleck 7000 Series
That softner is probably made in the same place as most. It seams to be a common thing these days. All in one plant with a different name on it. Like most things it comes down to manufacture support. I have had great luck with Morton as I got mine out of a house I was remodeling and they sent me all the install pieces as the install pieces got disposed of before I got to it