So I was tracking down a slight grinding type noise under the hood that started a week or so ago. Turns out it's the alternator! I can grab the pulley and it does have some slop in the shaft, and you can fee it when you spin it. Shaft still spins completely free, but she's definitely my noise culprit.

No charging/electrical problems yet, so thinking it's just the shaft bearings/internals going bad instead of brushes or anything internal which might affect the electrical/charging performance.

Anyways…haven't shopped for an alternator in a quite some time…you guys know of a good one? Looking on rockauto and they have Remy and Bosch and PureEnergy. I've heard of Remy and obviously Boshch. Guess you can't really go wrong…isn't an alternator just and alternator??

I don't have a stereo or any need for anything special. Thoughts?

 

I went with the Autozone lifetime when I did mine. Convenient. If it ever dies I'll just go over there and theyll give me another one..

 

Strong likelihood.

 

If you plan to keep your truck for while longer get the OEM replacment. The aftermarkets don't compare in quality unless you like to possibly tinker with your truck, then can roll the dice.

 

+1....................

 

I'm looking for an OEM replacement and not some fancy aftermarket/upgrade item. Or are you specifically saying go to the Ford place to get an alt, or buy a MotorCraft from somewhere?

I'd argue that's not the same logic as say buying MC spark plugs or oil filter; that MC alternator is gonna be a relabeled item just like most other things. I'd rather pay the same money for a brand new Remy 130 amp than a remanufactured "MC" 110 or 95 amp. My truck is currently on it's second alternator and the NAPA one that's in there now has lasted a lot longer than the original did.

 

I just checked Ford's service warehouse stock, I think it is all re-manufactured stuff. At this point, go with whatever you feel most comfortable especially given the price - $234, 5.4L, 90A.

 

Yea...a brand new Remy Gold Line 130amp is $207 from RockAuto. Brand new Ultima Select 130amp with lifetime warranty from O'Reilly for $169.

 

Go with the best bang for the buck, Galaxy

 

I can change the alternator in the zones parking lot in 20 minutes. Lifetime. I can live with a failure.

 

20 minutes??? That must be with a hangover

 

I got a rebuilt frm a local rebuilder in my area. i paid 130, a dollar an amp, and have had no problems. Good deal in my opinion.

 

PM sent Galaxy

 

If i were you i would go on ahead a do the 3g upgrade. I went to the salvage yard and got a 3g alternator from a 1996 Taurus and i am getting it rebuilt to a 200 amp for 105 dollars and it bolts right up. But when you do that you need to install a bigger power wire from the alternator to the starter sylonid and you have to do a little bit of grinding to the alternator bracket for it to fit.You should at least use 0 gauge with a 200 amp fuse-able link. You can get the power wire already made from pa performance.com. I will give y'all the link.The reason i am doing this is because i cant run my ac on full blast and have my headligts on at night. I did the 3g upgrade to my mustang and paid 300 dollars for the alternator if i had know that i could have got it done like this i would have save 150 dollars but lesson learned lol.

 

my bad here is the links.

http://www.paperformance.com/scripts...p?idproduct=87


http://www.paperformance.com/scripts...p?idproduct=88