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Old Jun 24, 2011 | 04:22 PM
  #21  
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Yea, it is my alternator. on a scale form 1 to 10 how big of a pain is it to install it?

and which kind of alternator would be best for my car?
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Old Jun 24, 2011 | 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by T.A.Chick.
Yea, it is my alternator. on a scale form 1 to 10 how big of a pain is it to install it?
without even looking at it on my car they usually only have 2 bolts and a plugin connection on the back.It's located on driverside down by the bottom,so you pretty much have to jack the car up and put on jackstands.Get the Serpentine Belt off.Undo however many bolts(probally 2) and disconnect plug in back.Not hard at all but just a Pain being pretty much underneath the car.

Check around different part stores and see what you come up with.You could also get yours rebuilt.There's a guy local here that rebuilds them for like $80-$100,But if you can find one with lifetime warranty for under like $200 I would just do that.
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Old Jun 25, 2011 | 12:58 AM
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Thank you! that will be my mission for the weekend! any more suggestions are welcomed.
oh and what brand would you recommend?
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Old Jun 25, 2011 | 02:41 AM
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its not too bad its easier than changing the front struts...lol just be patient it only took me an hour. there are some points where it will test your patients if you just got a new battery it should have a warranty mine was a year old and it was covered.
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Old Jun 25, 2011 | 10:12 AM
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I know advance auto sells denso for $120-150.prob 1-2 year warranty.shop around online different auto parts stores
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Old Jun 25, 2011 | 04:11 PM
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is denso the best brand for a TA?
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Old Jun 25, 2011 | 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by T.A.Chick.
is denso the best brand for a TA?
Denso is good.I just looked online.Denso alternator from advance auto parts is $125 no info on how long warranty is.I would guess at least 1-2 years, but Napa sells a alternator for $179 and looks like it has a lifetime warranty.Call your local Napa Store and get a price quote and what kind of warranty it comes with.Would be worth the extra couple bucks especially if you plan on holding on to it for a long time.GL

Did we get it done?
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Old Jun 27, 2011 | 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by T.A.Chick.
Yea, it is my alternator. on a scale form 1 to 10 how big of a pain is it to install it?
I think its easier than changing the spark plugs IMO
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 12:13 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by MillerTime85
Did we get it done?

All the stores were closed on sunday, and by the time i got off work on saturday. Hopefully tomorrow i'm going to buy the part and install it wednesday. It been almost a week that i havent driven my baby and i might just have to be put in a nut house.


Originally Posted by Out Of Focus
I think its easier than changing the spark plugs IMO
Spark plugs were a PITA!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 09:00 AM
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Do NOT get an Autozone alternator. Get a HO unit from someone like PowerMax (ebay seller), rebuilt in the USA. I have a LOW mileage GM unit I can sell you cheap but I really recommend a HO unit. Check for power steering pump leaks, this is a common killer of alternators. Sort this out before installing new alternator. Also important, clean the battery cables and terminals VERY well or replace them if you can't get them perfect. Neutralize any acid/gunk on and under the battery tray then paint with undercoating to prevent rust. Delco batteries are notorious for leaking. Test your battery separately, when they carry the load, that has a tendency to kill them, especially cheapos. Replace the battery with a WalMart EverStart MAXX battery (best bang for buck and one of the best, period), or Die Hard Platinum if you have the budget and want no worries for 4 years. If you're going to do a stereo, do the "big 3" upgrade. If not, you're done and drive on!

Ebay user powermaxusa has a 220 amp unit for $160 SHIPPED. Best deal going. I had one on my Z28 and just put one on the old 'Burb, great unit.
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 09:20 AM
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Originally Posted by T.A.Chick.
and which kind of alternator would be best for my car?
It's a very easy install/uninstall - requires a jack/jack stands (easiest to go in from under the front bumper), 2 wrenches and a socket and you remove 3 bolts (2 front, 1 back) and then disconnect the wires from the back.

I'd recommend upgrading the alternator and finding one from a Yukon/Tahoe that has a higher output and fits perfectly with your existing bracket. I picked one up from a local salvage yard for $40 and was given a 1yr warranty on it - didn't even have to pull it off, called ahead, confirmed they had one, picked it up and went home to install it.

You will save a ton of time if you have the gear wrenches as it's annoying working with a 35* range and constantly having to pull the wrench off, turn it back, put it back on, and then turn instead of just flying back and forth in your range.
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 10:35 AM
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I'll look into those, so far the one with lifetime warranty on NAPA is looking like it's going to be it. Any thoughts on that one?
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 11:01 AM
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NAPA is a fine brand, the most preferred of the chains. Keep in mind, a lifetime warranty means one of two things:
1. It's built so well that they're confident it will never break
2. They know it's going to break and want to keep you coming back to the store regularly.
Take your pick.

The HO unit costs less than the NAPA unit and WILL last longer. Ask me how I know. If your car is a six speed and you regularly rev past 6 grand, you will be prone to eat alternators (and AC compressors). Keep that in mind too.

I like the suggestion of the truck/tahoe unit, I think they're 130-140 amp - a good option. 102/105 amps is barely adequate for a stock car, you'll like more.

You should listen to folks who offer detailed advice and explanations why.
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 11:57 AM
  #34  
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Lol well nobody had one except oreiellys? Opinions on that one?
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by T.A.Chick.
Lol well nobody had one except oreiellys? Opinions on that one?
Better than Autozone, on par with NAPA. Still more expensive than the HO unit I recommended, literally double the output. It's only a few days wait to get in the mail. Bet you can a used one find one from a Tahoe if you call around, if you must have it today.
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 12:58 PM
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Yea I already got the oreillys a few days wait=me going insane! I'm so ready to hear my baby purr!!!
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 01:13 PM
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Make sure to check battery cables and tray for corrosion and address as indicated above.
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by jmilz28
Make sure to check battery cables and tray for corrosion and address as indicated above.
I will I'll try n take pics of it.
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Old Jun 28, 2011 | 01:58 PM
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O'Reilly's are crap - I went through 8 in 6 months on my old T/A before I gave up and got the one from a Junkyard for 1/3rd the price - they are cheap reman'd units from China and will have you right back under the car in a few weeks/months. Trust me - that's why I can take the Alt off with a blindfold on now
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Old Jun 29, 2011 | 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Head Hunter
O'Reilly's are crap - I went through 8 in 6 months on my old T/A before I gave up and got the one from a Junkyard for 1/3rd the price - they are cheap reman'd units from China and will have you right back under the car in a few weeks/months. Trust me - that's why I can take the Alt off with a blindfold on now
Sooooo glad you told me this. I'd rather wait for a good one thn have a piece of crap on my baby.

Originally Posted by jmilz28
Do NOT get an Autozone alternator. Get a HO unit from someone like PowerMax (ebay seller), rebuilt in the USA. I have a LOW mileage GM unit I can sell you cheap but I really recommend a HO unit. Check for power steering pump leaks, this is a common killer of alternators. Sort this out before installing new alternator. Also important, clean the battery cables and terminals VERY well or replace them if you can't get them perfect. Neutralize any acid/gunk on and under the battery tray then paint with undercoating to prevent rust. Delco batteries are notorious for leaking. Test your battery separately, when they carry the load, that has a tendency to kill them, especially cheapos. Replace the battery with a WalMart EverStart MAXX battery (best bang for buck and one of the best, period), or Die Hard Platinum if you have the budget and want no worries for 4 years. If you're going to do a stereo, do the "big 3" upgrade. If not, you're done and drive on!
You kno I think my power steering pump just might be leaking? How do you check/fix that?

147405 miles on the body.
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