also, the battery light didn't come on. but the alt was way down on power output. it was charging at about 13.4V and was slowly killing my battery when i would drive with the stereo up loud and all my lights on (would drop to about 13.0-13.1V then)

 

All what? The work is removing and replacing

 

all that other crap, blowing it out, etc. if i'm gonna R&R something i might as well put a new one in.

 

Yea, it takes more time to go exchange it or purchase new. You don't take the Alternator apart if that's what your thinking. Two or four screws connect the reg to the alt. Disconnect the reg (regulator) and free up the brushes with a lubricant to assist, - along with air pressure. That's where they jam, - small stones from mudding. -



Brushes jammed after engine compartment compromised, ie 4wheeling -





Free'ed up after servicing -