my alternator went bad.. how can i take it off?

Today i'm going to go into the shop and buy a new alternator for my 02 2wd Tacoma 2.4 liter 4 cy. I'm not very mechanical but I have general knowledge and know how to use tools and my friend recommended me to do the project if I didn't have spare cash to pay someone to do it. So my question is this, to take off the alternator, I need to take off the belt. Where is the belt tensioner, if there is one? Thanks!

 

Here is the link for all trucks--find yours--tells you EVERYTHING!

 

I see two bolts--link

 

Does that help?
Good luck--simple unbolt--don't forget to disconnect the battery too-SAFETY

 

instructions here

 

wow you are amazingly quick thank you so much!

 

when they say "Torque: 9.8 N·m (100 kgf·cm, 7.2 ft·lbf)" what does that mean? is that anything i need to pay attention to? thanks!

 

Its how tight you should put the bolts on...7.2 ft lb of torque. Do you have a torque wrench?

 

I do not and have never used one before.... Do I need one or will I be able to position the new alternator from eye?

 

No you should be fine without just don't overtighten the bolts. I have no idea what you mean by position it by eye... it can only go in one place.

 

thank you guys so much!

 

Get one you will use it-especially if you are not familiar with tightening !!
they are CHEAP in comparison to breaking something--(time and material)

 

If you were a second gen i have a spare alternator that's brand new I could of givin you.