BEST available Alternator?

[lockedlex]

Hello, I'm starting to do some overlanding and am currently on the stock factory original alternator on my 2000 4WD Limited. It's working great, but at 225k miles and 25 years old, I'll feel better with it replaced. I'll keep it with me as a trail spare though since they're relatively easy to swap out.

I'm looking at preventatively replacing it and have considered just putting an Original Toyota Alternator on it.

Assume cost/price wasn't a concern, is there any other option for an equally reliable (or better) alternator? And also if it gives extra AMPs that would be a bonus.

I AM planning to do the alternator wiring upgrades with this. But I'm hoping there might be some better options out there? Any tried and true suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Endlessblockades]

Me too....but still planning and gathering.

 

[JustTroItIn]

I recently installed a Denso 210-0461, which is OEM for a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Advertised as 105amps. One of the mounting points needs to be drilled slightly larger to fit. The wire locations are in slightly different points on the alternator compared to OEM but it's not problematic and the connections are the same.

 

[3bears]

I recently installed a Denso 210-0461, which is OEM for a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Advertised as 105amps. One of the mounting points needs to be drilled slightly larger to fit. The wire locations are in slightly different points on the alternator compared to OEM but it's not problematic and the connections are the same.

I did this as well, and odd thing is , it is cheaper than the toyota 80 amp, well was at the time, denso from rock auto
there is a write up on this on the tacoma forum ( same engine)

 

[Malibu Mike]

Not sure where you’re located, but they’re definitely are still some small shops that will rebuild the entire alternator for around $100

 

[lockedlex]

Wow, you'd think with as many 3rd gens and Tacomas are out there, that there would have been a company that's jumped on this to make new or remanufactured "like-new" quality built Alternators. I'd love to push over 100 amps though, so the Denso mentioned might be an option, but I'm just concerned about the rebuild quality.

 

[AuSeeker]

Wow, you'd think with as many 3rd gens and Tacomas are out there, that there would have been a company that's jumped on this to make new or remanufactured "like-new" quality built Alternators. I'd love to push over 100 amps though, so the Denso mentioned might be an option, but I'm just concerned about the rebuild quality.

I did a bunch of searching to try and help you and it seems most all high output alternator companies only offer them for 4th gens and onwards......I found a few that do older Toyotas but most are very HIGH dollar, up around $500 to $900...BUT I did find one source that is more reasonable, see link below.

2000 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L V6 High Output Alternators | Tucson Alternator

 

[pluton]

Wow, you'd think with as many 3rd gens and Tacomas are out there, that there would have been a company that's jumped on this to make new or remanufactured "like-new" quality built Alternators..

I can't help you with 100+ amps idea, but Denso rebuilds the stock 70/80 amp alternators here in the USA. Same with starters. I put a Denso USA 80a rebuilt alternator in my '97 about 2.5 years ago. Of course, it works fine, even with the HKB Electronics voltage booster installed.

 

[Mudcruiserman]

amazon140 amp $179

HIGH OUTPUT 140 AMP 1995-2004 TACOMA 3.4L 4 RUNNER ALTERNATOR

Put this above description in search line on Amazon

 

[Zhehan]

LC Engineering makes them: 2000-2004 5VZ Tacoma 1996-2002 4Runner High Output Alternator (You Choose Size)

 

[Hungryhawk]

On this topic, I remember reading that there are two diameters of pulley mounted on the alternator that affects the output in electrical power. Since you're diving into great detail on this topic, you might want to confirm that the pulley diameter your anticipating to use is correct for your application.

Thank you for posting your efforts as many of us are saving this type of information for future needs.

 

[phattyduck]

I recently installed a Denso 210-0461, which is OEM for a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Advertised as 105amps. One of the mounting points needs to be drilled slightly larger to fit. The wire locations are in slightly different points on the alternator compared to OEM but it's not problematic and the connections are the same.

I did this too. Denso alternator, rebuilt BY Denso (bought from Rockauto). Kept the old one as a spare. Make sure you swap over the pulley too...

I don't get the obsession with higher amp alternators. These trucks aren't power hungry. Modern LED lights (light bars/cubes) aren't power hungry... And winches are a very rare use case and low duty cycle when they are used. High-amp alternators wear out faster and are less reliable. There is no need for anything over 100A, really.

-Charlie

 

[JustTroItIn]

On this topic, I remember reading that there are two diameters of pulley mounted on the alternator that affects the output in electrical power. Since you're diving into great detail on this topic, you might want to confirm that the pulley diameter your anticipating to use is correct for your application.

Thank you for posting your efforts as many of us are saving this type of information for future needs.

While the pully on the alternator for the Suzuki was slightly larger (I forget how much, but measured with a caliper), it still fit just fine with plenty of available adjustment.

 

[farmerjon]

the 99+ alternators (OEM) are 80a instead of 70a I believe.

As mentioned earlier, I fried the alternator while changing the oil in the wind.

I did some searching and came across [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] 's post about upgrading his alternator to a '99 80A, instead of the '98's 70A. Bought a re-manufactured OE Denso alternator, part no.: 210-0434. Cost about $140 after core charges and return. Which isn't terrible, but not great either.

Came in about a week from CarPartKings.com (Denso Alternator 210-0434 | Car Part Kings). Replaced it myself in my campus parking lot. From start to finish, it wasn't too bad, I used this guide from @War_Sprout as a guide: DIY: Replacing 3rd gen alternator - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

......

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-...read-11.html?highlight=alternator#post2156419

 

[phattyduck]

While the pully on the alternator for the Suzuki was slightly larger (I forget how much, but measured with a caliper), it still fit just fine with plenty of available adjustment.

Sure, but then the drive ratio isn't correct for the engine/alternator combination... which defeats the purpose of getting the higher amp alternator in the first place.

-Charlie

 

[Endlessblockades]

I can't help you with 100+ amps idea, but Denso rebuilds the stock 70/80 amp alternators here in the USA. Same with starters. I put a Denso USA 80a rebuilt alternator in my '97 about 2.5 years ago. Of course, it works fine, even with the HKB Electronics voltage booster installed.

That reminds me that I have one of those Australian units floating around on the piece of cardboard it came on. I just wanted lil bump to keep my AGM happy.

 

[lockedlex]

I did a bunch of searching to try and help you and it seems most all high output alternator companies only offer them for 4th gens and onwards......I found a few that do older Toyotas but most are very HIGH dollar, up around $500 to $900...BUT I did find one source that is more reasonable, see link below.

2000 Toyota 4Runner 3.4L V6 High Output Alternators | Tucson Alternator

Thank you for this. It's definitely a contender and I like how they optionally have the wire upgrade kit (which kind of tells me they know what it's about). I'm just a bit worried I haven't heard of them before. Warranties are worthless 500 miles away from home, in the middle of nowhere...

 

[lockedlex]

LC Engineering makes them: 2000-2004 5VZ Tacoma 1996-2002 4Runner High Output Alternator (You Choose Size)

So this is a vendor I'm definitely familiar with and heard of before. I like how they say it's also a bolt on with no mods required and offer different amps. Price rance seem reasonable too.

It's interesting how all these higher output Alternators come with smaller pulleys, I wonder if that's the standard way to get higher Output or are they "cheating" it a bit to get it spin faster.

 

[lockedlex]

I did this too. Denso alternator, rebuilt BY Denso (bought from Rockauto). Kept the old one as a spare. Make sure you swap over the pulley too...

I don't get the obsession with higher amp alternators. These trucks aren't power hungry. Modern LED lights (light bars/cubes) aren't power hungry... And winches are a very rare use case and low duty cycle when they are used. High-amp alternators wear out faster and are less reliable. There is no need for anything over 100A, really.

-Charlie

Oh I'm way beyond "STOCK" anything on this truck. I've got air compressors, AC Inverters (1500w RMS), LEDs (220-400watts), Rear Air suspension, Electric Stoves, Heated Seats (all 4 places), Fridge, etc. I can hit 100 amps pretty easily. I do run some of it through a Delta Ecoflow Battery so it helps absorb some of that immediate rush of power, but it'd be nice to turn on my inverter to charge the Delta Ecoflow and not worry about burning anything up.

 

[JustTroItIn]

Sure, but then the drive ratio isn't correct for the engine/alternator combination... which defeats the purpose of getting the higher amp alternator in the first place.

-Charlie

Good to know. I'll swap it out next time I'm in there. It did give me improved voltage at idle out of the box (14.2V).