Alternator's bearings have been getting bad. Shop says $300 for new one plus installation (I live in Eastern Canada where everything's expensive). I seen this one on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Alternator-Dodge-Durango-Ram-1500-Pickup-56028699AA-/270694074235?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Make%3ADodge|Model%3ARam+1500|Year%3A2003&ha sh=item3f069fc77b#vi-ilComp

I could possibly but this in CA funds, get it shipped to my door and install myself and still save probably $200!

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

The price is average, that is good. You just never know with eBay. I've been burned a time or two, but I still shop there. I found the same alternator at Amazon, for about the same price. Much more reliable at Amazon. If it were me I would probably look at an upgrade Alt., a few more amps, to run my extra lights, Subs... etc. I can't imagine the install would be difficult. It's just a few bolts, lots of room.

 

PM sent

 

The fact that it's BRAND NEW and not a Refurb is a huge plus.
Most of the companies that sell refurb'd units only change out what is worn, so if the main bearings are good, they'll only change out the brushes...for example, so a refurb is just a used alt that has mileage on it.

I'd either buy brand new or I would buy a refurb with a fantastic warranty on it.
I picked up a Refrub'd alt on Ebay one time and it made bearing noise from the get-go. I sent it back and got a replacement that made another noise. Sounded like something rubbing against the casing. I'll never buy a refurb'd alt again.

As far as upgrading your alt to a higher Amperage... Not needed unless you have a high demand electrical system like double batteries or winch etc. Having an amp or 2 isn't a big deal. I have a true 2,000wrms system that does not drain my batteries or flicker my lights.
Going with a higher amperage alternator when not needed is no good. Higher amp alternators actually produce LESS amps at idle and may cause PCM problems if you've got lots of draw(i.e.amps, winch..etc). Bigger alt's prduce all their power from 1200-1500rpms+. I know most guys who run in competitions, they have their idles set at 900-1200rpms just because of that.

 

do you not have any parts source's or napa's or canadian tires out by you? I'm sure there it would be pretty cheap

 

ALL Reman'd from those places plus the amount of overhead they charge you is crazy.

Here's OEM NEW

 

Thanks for the replies! Yeah I don't really need a more powerful alt for what I do so 136 amps is fine. We do have plenty of places like Napa and Crappy Tire but not very likely they are any cheaper and they probably sell rebuilt units which i want to stay away from. So far i have not been burned on ebay but there's always the first time! I'll certainly check locally first but I'd say ebay will be the way I go.

 

Just a quick update. I've decided to go with a re-built unit from a company here in town. I've asked around about them and they apparently produce good alternators and starters. Plus they have a 1-year warranty. I can get the re-built unit for $160 CA (incl return of old unit). I could probably get one cheaper on line but I don't like the fact that the one I was interested in was neither Bosch, ACDelco or Mopar, so what the hell is it?!?!? Besides if something goes wrong with the re-built, I can reach out and "touch" these guys alot easier!

Cheers!

 

I was just gonna rec. that as an option, local. I usually get rebuild kits as well from local sources and do rebuilds myself. Another option I do sometimes, find a bad one for 'bout $15-20 usually, and rebuild them both because it's always good to have a spare of certain items. Alternators are on that list for my garage stash for each vehicle I own.