I have a 97 Expy with 5.4, factory tow package and 118,000 miles. The stock/original alternator just went out today as I left for a 120 mile trip pulling my Jeep to the trails. I made the 120 miles on what I think is the original Motorcraft battery.
I have to replace the alternator tomorrow and have access to these parts stores: AutoZone, Napa, Champion, Pep Boys, Checker and Napa. What do you guys recommend and what have you had good luck with? How many amps is this stock one? Thanks in advance.

 

go with the best one autozone sells.. it should have a lifetime warranty.

 

Same for NAPA...

If you have the towing package you have the higher amp "heavy-duty" alternator (120 or 130 amp). You also need to check the yellow pages for an Alternator shop - these custom shops will rewind your current alternator to factory plus spec usually for less than what a remanufactored alt cost at a part house.

 

I just went thru the same dillema on mine at 125k. AutoZone had a rebuilt (with a lifetime warranty) for around $140, or a brand new one (with a lifetime warranty) for around $185. NAPA's rebuilt was around $185, and Ford's rebuilt was $225. I went with the cheapest one from AutoZone since it had a lifetime warranty. I have noticed a high-pitched winding type of noise since then when giving it some gas from idle to about 2500 rpms. I'm planning on swapping it back out for a brand new one to see if this corrects the problem.

 

Well, I went with the only one Napa had on hand for $204.00. Seems o.k. I notice now that it shifts a little sluggishly and once wouldn't shift out of first. This never happened before until I test drove it after putting the alternator in. Is this just because the computer needs to reset itself?

 

davet,

Anytime you unhook the battery the pcm has to relearn your driving habits. The first 10-15 miles you drive are worst as the transmission is learning shifting to throttle position and gives you some really funny shifts. It will come out of that very shortly and continue to learn for the next few hunderd mile or driving cycles.

No worries!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gene

 

davet,
I purchased my NAPA alternator in 2000. A few weeks ago the battery light would come on when my RPM's went over 4800 (like when I am towing). I took it to NAPA and they tested it on the truck (since their machine could not spin the alternator fast enough). They replaced the alternator free as warranted.
That’s the bottom line. They give a lifetime warrantee and they stand behind their warrantee.
You did well buying NAPA...

 

Go to www.pa-performance.com
They have brand new 4G alternators built better than ford specs for the same price as a junk reman/new auto zone alt.