Anyone else have issues with this? is there a fix? mudding is FUNNN but when i went my alternator crapped out.. my step dad said this is a common issue with toyotas in the offroad world?

????

Yeah it is a common problem because the alt is mounted so low.

Its probably the most annoying design flaw with these trucks. I have had to shut off the truck a few times to rinse the alternator out. Sometimes it works, other times... thats why I carry a spare alternator!

Not much you can do about it. The OEM Toyota alternators hold up better then the aftermarket ones, but are still a critical point of failure on these trucks. Carry a spare, run dual batteries, and be careful when charging into those mud / water holes.

This crossing cost me an alternator:



These ones didn't:






I don't really have a list of do's and don'ts together, but generally watch your speed going into deep mud or water, and if you get in really deep stuff, put a tarp or blanket across the front of the truck to try to keep as much out of the engine bay as you can...

Hope this helps.

In 2004, I replaced the wimpy Toy alternator in my '85 4runner with a Powermaster 47294 140 amp 10si-type alternator. Even though it's been water and mud - see the pic below for one example - it's worked great for over 6 years.

Good luck.

Al

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