I've replaced my stock alternator 3 times in 2 years. I'm not running a sound system at all (amp and subs) besides the radio. No additional lighting besides my fog lights that I never use. I do need to replace my battery though, could that be it? It squeals like a pig when it's cold and sometimes when I down shift. Also I've heard about using a GM alt?
Now, are you having these tested when they go out? What's happening to tell you they are out? A weak battery may put some extra strain on an alternator, but if it was that bad, your truck probably wouldn't start in the first place. If it's squealing, what is the condition of the belts and how's the tension on them?
Yeah I'm having them tested as they are lifetime warranty. Belt is brand new. Tension is fairly tight. One of my bolts broke off in my block the last time I changed it, and for the life of me I can't get it out. (The one on the side). The bolts are so soft an easy out wouldn't pull it out.
How many rpms do you cruise at? I killed 2 in a year most likely because of it. Gm alt swap is super easy! I got a trail gear kit for ($40) and an alt and wiring supplies from napa ($100) and did the swap in one night.. I upgraded to 4 gauge wire from alt to battery at the same time. Factory chg light still works correctly even.
2600 to 3200 on the freeway. Usually 65 to 70 mph. Then city is, who knows cuz I can be a little hard on it lol. What model or year of GM alt. Will work?
I used a 3 wire but many use a one wire alt.. I went 3 wire because people were saying daily driven rigs especially in the city didn't charge very well with a one wire setup because it wouldn't start charging until it hit certain rpms. And it allowed me to keep a working charge light. Just go into your part store and ask for a gm 1 or 3 wire alt and if they are anything but useless they will know what to get you..
Or you could get a Jaguar alternator which is practically plug and play. Read what I did here: Jaguar 120amp alternator I've had mine in for about a month so far and it's been working great.
If I remember correctly it was charging at idle because I'm pretty sure it showed like 14 volts. My battery was normally 13ish volts. I didn't show it on my photos but my stock pulley (which you will have to transfer to new alt) was about the same size as the serpentine belt pulley that came with the jag alt. I just had to have the hole drilled bigger. From the research that I did, this is supposedly the next big thing in drop in easy alt changes for our trucks. It easily doubles our amperage at a reasonable price.
At the time I bought it from amazon, it cost me $160. Amazon.com: Denso 210-0406 Remanufactured Alternator: Automotive
bet ya just had a batch of bad alts I change new ones before at work just happens even get some broken out of the box
Most likely. Although most auto parts store alternators and complete and utter crap that is built so cheap they can afford to slap a lifetime warranty on them so they can be replaced every year or so... Personally I run factory alternators until the brushes wear out then replace the brushes until the commutator is shot. Then I replace it with a GM alternator from the junk yard that is a factory unit NOT from a parts store and never look back.
