Alternator Recommendations

[Fat B]

Yesterday my alternator died on my 1999 Explorer w/4.0 OHV. I was wondering how everyone went about replacing their alternator. I looked on the retail store sites and they have about the same price ($140) for brands that I never heard of. Then I looked on places like ebay and they have alternators that seem to have no name alt. for a little less than $100 shipped to my door. I coud visit the local junkyard but I'm hesitant to buy an alternator from a junkyard. Why? I'm not too sure.

So any recommendations from brand names or let me know where you get your alternators would be appriciated. Thanks!

 

[storlied]

Pretty much any will do, just don't go for the cheapest... that's about it..

 

[manaen]

there is another option. Many times there are local electrical places that will rebuild your own alternator for much less. I had one rebuild a few years ago, Sometimes they can even rewind it to produce more amps. However I believe most of the explorers already have a high output alternator. Anyway check around you may save a few bucks.

 

[storlied]

Is 230 considered HO? That's the highest they came with. Biggest thing you can do to improve even a stock system is Beef up those grounds! I have minimal voltage drops and no electrical issues.. nothing like I had to deal with before doing the ground work.

 

[Fat B]

Thanks for the suggestions. I ended up going to the junkyard and buying a used alternator for $45. I'm taking my first chance on a junkyard alternator so I hope it turns out well!

 

[manaen]

Just don't throw away the old one it can be rebuilt..