Hey there! I totally get the challenge you're facing - it's like inheriting a treasure chest where some items are gold and others are just taking up space. Let me break down how to tackle this smartly.

First, to identify what's obsolete versus strategic spares:

1. Use Rockwell's official Product Lifecycle Status tool (just search for it on their website) - this is your single source of truth for obsolescence status. Enter your catalog numbers to see if parts are Active, Mature, or Discontinued.

2. Strategic spares are typically parts that are still in active use in your facility or your customers' facilities. Think about what would cause production downtime if it failed - those are your keepers.

3. CompactLogix 5370 series is mostly discontinued (migrated to 5380), so those parts are likely obsolete unless you have active systems still running them.

For liquidating without getting scammed:

1. Avoid eBay and random online marketplaces - too many scammers and lowball offers.

2. Work with reputable industrial automation surplus buyers like NJT Automation or VB Industrial Supply - they specialize in Allen-Bradley and pay fair prices.

3. Get multiple quotes and ask about their testing protocols and warranty coverage (good companies offer 24-month warranties).

4. Create a detailed inventory list with catalog numbers and conditions - this gets you better offers and avoids confusion.

The key is separating the truly valuable strategic spares (keep 2-3 years' worth) from the obsolete stuff that still has secondary market value. Take your time with the identification phase - it'll pay off when you liquidate!