1st gen 105 amp bolt in alternator.

I didn't see anywhere in the OP's post that it was a 6cyl and it was in the 1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004), so I thought I was good.

 

Yea I ran into that issue too when looking at other alternator swap threads. I’m not sure what the exact differences are, but they are different part numbers.

It’s still possible that Amazon didn’t send you the right part, and maybe you can get it to work on your truck, I just haven’t seen anyone do it yet.

You can check my thread “alternator retrofit” to see how I did mine.

 

Will do. Thanks!

 

Update on this older but extremely useful thread: I just received a REMANUFACTURED

$164 DENSO 210-0461 Denso First Time Fit Alternator - 210-0461

DENSO 210-0461 alternator from RockAuto purchased with 5% off code. Both the box/alternator are marked "DENSO 210-0461, 12V 105 AMP, MADE/REMANUFACTURED IN U.S.A.". Some other supposed "DENSO" 210-0461 reman. alternators I have seen for sale online were listed as being rebuilt in CHINA. Those CHINA rebuilds may well be counterfeit DENSO parts, so as always "Buyer Beware"! Will upgrade my battery charging circuit with properly fused heavier gauge AWG copper wire as soon as I can get the materials needed.

EDIT: The (2) original 10ga OEM charging circuit wires from the alternator to fuse box to the battery (white wires) were replaced with 4ga marine grade tinned copper AWG cables (red cables). 4ga is the heaviest gauge cable I could get routed thru my '97 V6 Taco Xcab 4X4 fuse box without any modifications. According to the manufacturer's SAE J-378 Table of Allowable Amperage, 4ga copper AWG battery cables will efficiently conduct up to 136A even in a hot engine compartment. The same table rates the OEM 10ga wire at just 51A which was barely adequate for the original '95.5 Taco's 60A alternator. Heavier than 4ga wire can be routed externally of the fuse box but should be fused IMO. I learned my lesson on unfused wiring use in the early '70s after having an electrical fire in my '66 Mustang GT DD/weekend race car. Cost for both of the 4ga marine grade AWG copper cables & the medium size boot for the alternator connection from BatteryCablesUSA was very affordable at approx. $20 delivered. A 120A ALT fuse was used in the fuse box for use with the Reman. DENSO 105A alternator.

 

I think i got a China one. Because mine was smoked in a 1k miles. And denso won't take refunds from Amazon.
Denso First Time Fit Alternator -...

$164 Denso First Time Fit Alternator - 210-0461

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EQ94NO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

That's a Bummer, and a deal-killer for me. The

$164 210-0461 Denso First Time Fit Alternator - 210-0461

210-0461 alternator on Amazon is listed as originating in CHINA (below). But the DENSO first time fit 210-0461 alternator I purchased from RockAuto on 01/09/2025 is marked "REMANUFACTURED IN U.S.A." with the same markings on the box and alternator as the OP's.

"country of origin: China"

 

Lessons learned for me.

 

I just received Jan 18, 2025 the pictured

$164 210-0461 Denso First Time Fit Alternator - 210-0461

210-0461 alternator from Amazon Warehouse Deals for $109.36. It has USA label though Amazon listing said Made in China. I'll get it installed this week and report on function.

 

Holy hell. lol. Seeing this thread at the near top reminded me I still have the denso from Rock Auto sitting in a box (March 2021) that I never got around to installing.

I'll have to add it to the list when I finally do the VCGs. Getting my parts list together for that job.

 

Installed my Amazon Warehouse alternator today and works as described earlier in this thread -- 14.45 volts at idle. I'll update later if I have issues.

 

When it starts to drop a bit don't be shocked into thinking something is wrong with it. Voltage regulator is just doing its job.

 

Here's my Amazon one.I installed it before a trip about 1k miles or less, it was smoking when I pulled into my driveway. The scratches are from the install and removal.

 

Thanks. Looks just like the alternator I purchased. I'll be traveling to Tex. and back next week, 2100 miles total, so I'll definitely be monitoring my alternator and will report back here after my trip on alternator status.

 

I went with the Grand Vitara alternator and it works great. One of the bolt holes is threaded so you just drill it out and then it goes right in. Easy peasy.

 

Back from Tex. and alternator still going strong after 2100 miles. Voltage slightly down to 14.1 volts. You never know what you'll get from Amazon Warehouse Deals "Used-Like New", but I think this time it worked out for me.

 

Thanks, I ended up going with the Vitara as well along with the bigger wiring upgrades all around an it seems to be keeping up just fine with the new house battery. I did end up having to return the first one to RockAuto because they sent me a unit that had a smashed in rear housing but aside for the extra wait it was relatively painless.