Lost on the alternator decision.

I know very little about trucks in general, so I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction. My alternator is going out. I was looking at replacements and I have no clue what amp I need or if it's a big deal to get a reman one or go ahead and get a brand new alternator. I have an 07 4wd V6.

Any and all help is appreciated.

 

I haven't had good luck with reman alternators, but (in theory) they should be "like new".

Go with at least a 130 amp alternator. That's what the cold weather/ tow package stock alternator is on Tacomas.

 

I have taken advantage of the life time warranties that some of them come with a few times.

 

an alt is a hit or miss part at times with quality, good warranty is key IMO

went through 3 new ones on my old Datsun pickup
a mazda has partial control of the voltage regulator in the computer on some models so they cant be tested by most shops
bother went through a few on his nova and then went with a 100 amp as the 60 wasn't enough for his mods

 

If you have a voltmeter, connect it across the battery look at the voltage then start it and check the voltage again. It should be higher; upper 13s low 14s volts. If it doesn't go up, then the altenator is junk. That higher voltage, should be stable as you turn things on. Headlights, fan, stereo, hell turn everything on. Lol.
But seriously, if the voltage drops as you're turning things on that usually means the alternator is failing. The only way it can supply the current needed is to pull the voltage down. It's all about the watts...

 

New OEM is better in my opinion.

Larzzzz is correct, check it first.

 

Also another option is to get a OEM Toyota remanufactured alternator. It'll be the same part number as a new one, except that it ends in 84. Example: New V6 alternator w/ tow package is part # 27060-0P020. Remanufactured V6 alternator w/ tow package is part # 27060-0P020-84