Hey guys,
Any recommendations for an alternator? I was told reman's have lost quality over the years, but I don't see new ones in stock in the big box stores.

I'm most interested in longevity... but would a high amperage version last longer since in theory it would be operating below capacity it's whole life: 250A High Output Alternator for Dodge Ram 3500, 1999 - 2000 5.9L V8 (360c.i.) - 13823-250-HD1-13 (powerbastards.com)

Thanks,
Matt

 

For that kind of money, you could be a bunch of cheaper ones.... and do you really need 250 amps??? That's probably more than double stock output....

I haven't had any real issues with the reman fellers...... but, I haven't changed one in a few years either.

 

I don’t need 240 amps and you’re right that I could buy multiple cheaper ones.

I want the most reliable one. Oversizing sometimes leads to higher reliability.

Right now I’m dabbling in human factors engineering. My wife and I had different visions for the van. She wants it hands down reliable and is losing confidence in it. I want to change the alternator and never worry about it again. I’m considering one of the powder coated ones from Summit just because they “look” higher quality. Lol.

 

Question becomes, are you SURE it's the alternator that's the issue, and not the voltage regulator???

 

It actually works fine, but the bearing is starting to make noise and the pulley is literally rusty. It’s probably original???

I saw some have external voltage regulators but I’ve never heard of that. I assume this one has in internal regulator.

 

Regulator is in the PCM...... But, bad bearings are bad bearings. Not an electrical problem.

 

So, when I get a new alternator, it seems some have regulators internally and some done. Any advice?

 

Be quite a bit cheaper to replace the bearings if that's what the issue is. A rusty pulley can be painted and it doesn't affect performance.

 

I got mine from Napa, Most of the parts chains you have to change the pulley, I was lazy and just wanted to swap it out. Not much goes wrong with alternators, bearings, brushes or diodes are the main things. And there are rebuild kits available if you want to rebuild yours.