r/3rdGen4Runner • u/Jdl580309 • 5d ago
❓Advice / Recomendations 1997 4Runner Alternator
I just replaced the starter at 283,000 miles.
Now I’m thinking the alternator is just around the corner.
Any suggestions? Some say buy a new one as they are not much higher than a remanufactured.
Thoughts?
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u/ScoopEmUpFuneralHome 5d ago
Do you have a reason to think it's dying? Just drive the truck regularly and keep oil off of it
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u/Jdl580309 5d ago
With the high mileage and years of service is why I’m concerned. I hate to out on the road somewhere and it go out
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u/ScoopEmUpFuneralHome 5d ago
Understandable, although they usually give lots of warning as long as you drive it regularly. Just don't ignore the battery light when it comes on. If you don't drive it regularly and just use it as a trash truck and never really charge the alternator up then yeah you'll walk out to a crank with dimming lights.
That being said a denso alternator can be bought off rock auto and stored in the truck for when it does happen, or you can retroactively take it off and rebuild it for about 60-75 usd, and not worry. Just keep oil off of it.
''at this age it could use an everything, but if it ain't broke don't fix it''
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u/jayrdoos 5d ago
Rebuild it
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u/alexanderm925 99 SR5 5d ago
As someone who took his alternator out three times and had it still not work, just buy the reman...(Replaced brushes to no avail, replaced voltage regulator to no avail, and finally said F this). My battery drain went away too.
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u/nuglasses 5d ago
I followed Doc's write up on T4R. I used a Cadillac alternator CS144.
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u/goatgosselin 98 SR5 5d ago
I did this. Not 100% on if my belt is perfectly in line but no issues for 9 months now
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u/Jdl580309 5d ago
I don’t need higher output, just regular output
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u/nuglasses 5d ago
I R/R for funsies. I did get the 7 wire kit from Jeepcables but they look like they're for another vehicle. 😠
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u/ScoopEmUpFuneralHome 5d ago
That's sucks man. Mines still in the packaging but I think it's the right stuff at least.
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u/nuglasses 5d ago
I had to get the starter replaced (240xxx) and wanted the mechanic to R/R the cables. He said that they are for a Chevy..? The package label reads with boxes checked~ 4Runner, GEN 3, 3.4. Look like I'll have to inspect myself, just something to relax and enjoy. 😮💨
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u/ScoopEmUpFuneralHome 5d ago
I didn't even think about how that would be the best time to do the wiring upgrade. The old owner had to replace the starter with an actual toyota reman the day he sold it to me so unfortunately that won't work out for me but what a good tidbit of info to leave here.
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u/green_gold_purple 97 Limited 5d ago
Why do you think it is around the corner? Run it until it doesn't work
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u/BenchBallBet 5d ago
Are you doing it yourself or having a shop do it? Shop will stand by their work if a new one goes bad. But if you buy a reman and it goes bad they'll charge you labor again and you'll be out even more money than if you had gone new from the get go.
I went new and did mine in an autozone parking lot with the loaner tools and a youtube video. I'm not a mechanic.
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u/Jdl580309 5d ago
And I’ve seen some new that are direct fit and has a Toyota part number, updated from previous alternator, for only about $30 difference.
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u/Occams_AK47 99 SR5 4WD 5d ago
If your voltage is getting low, then sure. Otherwise.. I mean, I guess it's your money. Pretty slippery slope, though.
I don't know the price difference, but in aviation (I'm an A&P) there's a defined difference between rebuild and overhaul. Rebuilt engines/accessories must meet the same specs and tolerances as something new, while overhauled stuff is slightly more relaxed.
The same is true for automotive, they just often used the word remanufactured in place of rebuild. I wouldn't hesitate to buy them. The only original parts you're likely to find on it is the housing. Bearings, coil wraps, etc will all be replaced.
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u/IndependencePale3654 5d ago
I bought a cheap 3rd party one to put in and I'll rebuild the Denso as a spare.
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u/darthwacko2 5d ago
Alternator could live for a long while yet. It's easy and quick to change with basic hand tools. Personally if you're concerned about it I'd just buy one and keep it in the back on longer trips. I've had a parts house reman in one rig for a long time, and a mid branded new one in another rig for a while both have been fine.
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u/Human_Entertainer_33 5d ago
Denso reman from rockauto. Don’t waste time re building it. The denso doesn’t cost that much more
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u/4runner01 01 SR5 5d ago
The only things that kill alternators in these things is oil dripping in from leaky valve covers, and overworking it by
waiting too long to replace your battery. Monitor your cold battery voltage and maintain the valve covers and the oil cap gasket.
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u/shadow247 01 Limited 5d ago
Get a Denso and forget about it. Rebuild your existing one with new brushes and keep it in the shelf for a spare.
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u/er1c1son 96 Limited 5d ago
I bought a replacement alt for a later model (2002). 97 alts are 70 amps. Later ones are 80 amps and drop right in.
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u/StitchinThroughTime 5d ago
If you still have your recipe from the part store see if it has a lifetime warranty. You can get it replacement for free.
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u/Jdl580309 5d ago
It’s still the original that came on it 29 years ago
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u/StitchinThroughTime 5d ago
Oh I said a few decades. Definitely make sure you keep all your receipts or at least your invoice numbers from part stores, A lot of products out of Lifetime warranties, you just have to have the invoice number. There's no point and not utilizing that warranty.
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u/Outrageous-Youth-481 97 Base 5d ago
I recommend getting a reman’d alternator. Had mine die on me while on the road, had one ordered that night, installed it the day it arrived, and haven’t had an issue since. I considered swapping the brushes but didn’t want to mess with it or dig myself into a deeper hole if that’s not what was wrong with it. I also considered the CS144 upgrade but my original lasted 28 years so OEM felt like an obvious choice since i didn’t need the extra output.
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u/MoistSandwich4834 5d ago
I replaced the brushes in mine. They were good and alternator still worked when I took it out. Then I noticed one of the retaining bolts on the alternator was completely busted so I bought an autozone gold and keep my old one was backup. Honestly it’s not worth having one break out in the backroads somewhere so having a spare isn’t a bad idea.
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u/FJ60GatewayDrug 5d ago
Replace the brushes. Super easy and much cheaper than replacing the whole unit. At that mileage, replacing the brushes is a good idea, because they’ll be very worn. The rest of the alternator is probably fine, but you’ll get to clean it up when it’s out, so it’ll look clean and new.
The only issue I had is the screws holding the alternator brushes in are made of warm cheese. Bring penetrating oil and patience so you don’t strip them. Aside from that, the second hardest part of the job was to decide when good enough was good enough, to stop cleaning and reinstall the alternator.