I had to swap my old Denso unit for a new alternator Friday evening because mine crapped out 3 hours round trip from home (my poor wife was stranded). It was an emergency, so I couldn't get a Denso unit.

I don't like using non OEM, but I had to. How screwed am I ?

I figure if the Duralast one craps out, I could always warranty it, sell that one or something and then get a Denso OEM unit.

Oddly, I think the new one is possibly making crackling noises, almost like a bearing. I'm going to take the belt back off and spin the pulley on the alternator and see if it's crunchy when I get some time this week.

The Duralast unit is putting out 14.0-14.3 amps for now . . . .

Thoughts?

There are 2 threads on this, and they are kind of all over the place whether or not it's even an issue. A key to it all is: I'm 45 min each way from an Autozone for a replacement, and living super rural like this, we are running the roads like crazy in all kinds of Wisconsin weather. So I'm a bit nervous with this non-OEM alternator.

Well, if it's making crackling noises, you know the new alternator is not long for this world.

Use the time to rebuild your Denso or find another used one. No more new Denso units are available for our trucks.

Toyota offers a new brush set for about 18 bucks. PN: 27370-0F060
You didn't describe your alt failure mode, so I assume the bearings are OK.

Something is noisy in there. Haven't diagnosed it yet. So your vote is replace asap with a rebuilt OEM, then?

First and foremost did you give Autozone your original Denso for a core?

I ask that because I believe that Slowgoat was saying to have your original Denso rebuilt and that is what I would suggest as well, but if you gave it to Autozone for a core you're out of luck with that scenario, I don't know if mine is original because I haven't looked that closely at it but if it is and I have to ever replace it I will keep the original even if I find a remanufactured Denso at the auto part store and get it rebuilt and keep it as a spare.

That all being said if the new one is making unusual noises I would definitely return it for another, and if you still have your original Denso check around to
find a reputable electric motor rebuilding company that also does alternators even if you have to ship it to them and have them do a rebuild and keep it as a spare for if the Duralast one bites the dust, if the Duralast is then still under warranty get another and keep it as your spare.

Solid advice right there! Thanks @AuSeeker . You always come through!

EDIT: Just pulled the belt, when hand spinning the new alternator, it is ticking once per turn or so. What a piece of junk!

If you're planning on mods that draw additional power (winch, amp for speakers, dual batteries, fridge, lighting, etc.) recommend getting a high output unit.

I missed the opportunity to do it when mine crapped out, so just waiting until the O'reilly's unit I put in craps out.

I don't know who to recommend, but I'm sure others here have suggestions and have posted about it or will chime in.

I've always wanted a high output alternator, will look into it. Thanks!

I've seen a few recommendations for MechMan alternators: 240 amp alternator for 4.0L Toyota / Lexus Truck - Mechman Alternators

As well as Ohio Generator or Irragi. Irragi has a lifetime warranty, so that's pretty cool.

Aftermarket alternator is fine. I replaced mine with an aaftermarket, never had a problem. Since you are 45 minutes away from AutoZone, why not just buy a spare?