Alternator, upgrade?

I think I read all the threads on it

looks like it’s getting to be about that time to replace the alternator.
Almost 200k and 15yr.

just had a scary intermittent whine start from that area that went louder with AC on. I suspect compressor and/or clutch. Both are old.
And that’s all I have left that I haven’t replaced. Unless another pulley went bad too fast.

so I have a compressor on order.

fact of the matter is I should probably do the alternator at some point soon. It looks beat too.

priority is to get to work on time, every time. Not break down and be forced to limp into Autozone for some double the price crap.

truck has two package.

begs the question I want to ask you all. What exactly is an alternator upgrade? What’s the point?

im all for better parts. And the fact its called an upgrade suggests to me it would be better and worth doing.

I think if I went that route I’d have to do JeepCables wiring upgrade to their thickest 1/0 gauge as well. Maybe first. And pray my noise is the compressor and that the alternator can hold out a little longer.

 

If reliability is the prime factor, you are unlikely to beat the Denso 130A that comes from the factory on Tow models. The one I got from Rockauto amusingly had the TOYOTA mold mark blanked out from the Denso plant, and cost significantly less than getting the same exact part from a dealership.

Most alternator "upgrades" are for higher amperage output, which few people actually need even with big audio or other higher-than-factory electrical overhead, but a lot of people simply think more is better without actually understanding the system or doing the math.

Of the higher amperage units available for our trucks, I have yet to see one that didn't also carry a lot of reports of less than amazing reliability or come with a sketchy warranty.

 

What Dean said ^^

Upgrading your wiring is also a good idea but unless you’re a big stereo guy the oem alternator is fine.
You got 200k out of that one,,, rinse and repeat.

 

The parts peddlers probably pad their sales quite nicely using that logic.

You got good advice in the replies above. My opinion is to replace with a factory unit.

 

Something to add - if you want to do a lot of calling around and shipping back and forth, there are still old school alternator and generator shops that can rebuild your factory unit to a higher amperage. I have my original alt and have considered doing so myself when I have less pressing work to do on the truck.

 

I wouldn't "upgrade" anything unless there is a need. As mentioned, the 130A Denso is a good option. There are some good custom high output alternators, but consider this. People who have high output needs, for whatever systems, are stressing their alternator beyond stock levels. That means that these alternators tend to go fewer miles. That's not necessarily because they are inferior. It's because they are generating a lot more heat to do the work demanded. If you do decide that you need a high output unit, I would look for a large case version which will dissipate heat better, and you can also get things like sealed brushes from better builders. Since our alternators are mounted so low, they can be damaged from being submerged.

 

Thanks.

realistically I’m probably gonna do OEM which is the cheapest. I’ve probably submerged mine multiple times at this point.

I’ll check RockAuto. I ordered my genuine A/C compressor what seems best quality and most competitive price from ourisman Toyota online. Probably done multiple similar things with them because of that.

While I have lived in my truck. Wheel. Plan to camp in it. Has some mods. Better speakers and aftermarket head unit. Want a moderate subwoofer one day nothing crazy.
maybe just an amp and a good 10” (max) somewhere in the back, or one of those little ones designed to go under the front seat to avoid taking up rear storage room.

The original alternator has technically never failed me. It’s just old and probably on its last legs which is a given considering the use, age, and miles.

don’t really have downtime to be screwing around with fingers crossed half rebuilds or mailing back and forth. Hence the consideration of order OEM from Ourisman Toyota one and done type of thing. Truck has tow package and bigger dealer battery.