New Alternator

[hulk311]

I think my alternator is going bad and would like to purchase a new one.

1) Where can I get one for the best price and which one do you guys recommend?

2) Will I be able to do the install myself or should I pay a mechanic to do it?

3) How long of a job is this?

 

[AK Kilted Guy]

I bought one at Schucks for about 120-130. I replaced the belts while I was at it. Took about an hour.

 

[fourwd1]

<HR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #d1d1e1; COLOR: #d1d1e1" SIZE=1> <!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->
<!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_start --><!-- END TEMPLATE: ad_showthread_firstpost_start --><!-- google_ad_section_start -->I think my alternator is going bad and would like to purchase a new one.

1) Where can I get one for the best price and which one do you guys recommend?

2) Will I be able to do the install myself or should I pay a mechanic to do it?

3) How long of a job is this?<!-- google_ad_section_end -->

Considering we don't have any idea of your of mechanical skills or what kind of tools you have, and the above questions, I'm thinking you should pay a mechanic to do it.

 

[004Gunner]

I think my alternator is going bad and would like to purchase a new one.

So did you find this was the cause of the dimming lights? You never updated your other post and the alternator vs. battery question is very common.

 

[wolfgang]

Most autoparts places will test it while its still installed in the vehicle - for FREE! We have a local Wash DC place (Arlington Armature) that will quickly rebuild - often problem is just a bad diode. Suspect you have equivalent near by. I'm leary of some of the cheap rebuilts - they have a lifetime warranty but who wants to change it ever 3-6 months. Turns out the cheap rebuilds only fix the bad part and don't touch borderline parts.

 

[hulk311]

So did you find this was the cause of the dimming lights? You never updated your other post and the alternator vs. battery question is very common.

I have no idea what is causing the dimming lights. I made the same post on another forum and they told me it might be my alternator which is causing this problem.

 

[mehuddles13]

Are you sure that the belt is tightened properly and not slipping or worn out? I would make sure of that before I replaced the alternator.

 

[004Gunner]

I have no idea what is causing the dimming lights. I made the same post on another forum and they told me it might be my alternator which is causing this problem.

Yeah it's one possibility. But you can have an auto parts store test it for you for free. You have to have some diagnostics done before swapping out parts, otherwise it's just a waste of time and money. If the battery and alternator test out ok, then you can check the belt tension as mehuddles13 mentioned, and check the ground like I mentioned in the other post. I think pepboys, autozone, advance auto parts, o'reilly, all offer the free battery/alternator check

 

[hulk311]

When you say testing the ground wires which ones are you talking about? I have so many, aftermarket stereo, two sets of lights, two different sets of air horns. And how exactly do I test the ground?

 

[004Gunner]

You're not testing the ground point, you just need to check to make sure it's clean and secure. You can just follow the wiring to find it. Tighten it down if needed and you can clean with a wire brush if it's dirty or corroded

 

[Burt]

I've had good luck with NAPA alt's. Had to replace a few in previous vehichles
and never had them fail. Not sure what it would take to swapout in T4R, but I would give it a go. Not sure ifthe pully is included or if drop by a small shop to move pully across to new alternator. Ford's are that way, and usually no charge to do so.