http://www.nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3299

looking to get a new alternator for my 3rd gen 4runner....reason? just replaced battery, and still while idling headlights dim, rev the engine, headlights go back up to being fully lit. hoping a new alternator is the fix. i believe our 3rd gen alternator is 80 amp? so im assuming going to a 94 amp would be a wise choice? also a good price, so why not?

i have seen several guys with a GM alternator, thats why i picked this one. i believe 98limitedcustomized has upgraded his stock alternator to a GM one. now for my questions:

1. how do i check the status/condition of my current alternator, to find out if i need a new one?
2. will the extra 14 (i believe) amps upgrade be noticable/give me the results im looking for (no headlights dimming while idling....)
3. what does the install of this entail? BE SPECIFIC PLEASE...im a noob.

as for some background as to what im running electronically:
-brand new bosch battery, 640 cca, 800 ca at 32 degrees F.
-about 600ish watts of lighting; however im usually only running 200 at once
-cobra cb, ipod always charging, alpine amp for speakers, no subs though

-i have 123k on the odometer. duno if this means anything...

thanks for some feedback. this alternator is only 75 plus some shipping (ill probably go pick it up anyways). i paid this much for my battery...im hoping this is the fix to my power issue?

 

Autozone will check your alternator for free. At least here.

 

1. Removal of belt(s)
2. Removal of bolts holding in the ALT, including the belt tension adj bolt
3. Unplugging of + and - wires at the ALT
4. Removal of the ALT
5. Install new
6. Adjust belt tension
7. Run vehicle
8. Check belt tension

I recommend you have someone there that has done the R&R on (any) ALT previously. They should be able to help walk you through this and double check your work when finished.

The best thing you could do however, is to download the ALT R&R from the TIS website in PDF form. That will give you the "real" instructions, torque specs, and belt tension.

 

thanks.

what about number 2?

 

do a alt search here, I seen some one had installed a 200amp GM alternator in their
3 gen 4Runner,,,,,,

 

i know...i did search...this one is not a 200 amp, but a 94 one. im wondering if i will notice the difference/worth it.

 

Did you ever get a new alt? I'm thinking that mine should be going out soon as the truck has over 100k miles and is going on seven years now on the stock alt. I would like to upgrade if possible b/c I'm sure sooner or later I will upgrade my sound system.

 

well im working on it....i dont have any $$$ though...stupid christmas presents require money. ill be putting a gm 200 amp one just like 98limitedcustomized did once i get some cash. yea the alternator is getting up there...its 7 years old, 123k on it, and spent the last 2.5 years with a pounding sound system. so i recomend if you upgrade your sound system, to upgrade your battery and alternator.

 

Let us know. I'll let you be the guinea pig, LOL. Hopefully, you can clarify which part is required, where to get it, etc. I just get confused when I read through that thread.

 

My truck is at 307K miles, and last night I had to replace the brushes in the alternator just so I could leave work(Toyota). Works like new. Brushes cost about $10 while a new alternator runs $100+... hard to choose around the holiday season

 

yea...if it hadnt run on that sound system, all the lights i have on it (13) and if i wasnt putting a winch on soon, then id probably just replace the brushes, see if that worked. but i need more power, and probably dual batteries is in order for me as well.