OT - Online auto parts vendor

[gdw]

The alternator in my 4Runner is on it's last legs and needs to be replaced. I'm able to handle the project and need to order one online since the local branches of the national shops don't have the model needed in house. Their price for a rebuilt* alternator is also almost twice what some of the online vendors are asking for a new one. I know some of our members work on their own vehicles and am looking for a reliable affordable supplier. Who have you ordered from and would recommend?

* I'll rebuild my original alternator when I have more time.

[AngryScientist]

For a Toyota that you're going to keep for a while, I'd probably go to the dealer and get an OE one for an alternator.

That said, I've had good luck over the years with Rockauto and AdvancedAutoParts. With Advanced, you can usually find decent coupon codes to bring the price down...

[.RJ]

Be careful as alot of "new" stuff is just reman/rebuilt and sometimes with dubious quality.

If the vehicle can be down for a little bit, I'd have the existing one rebuilt with OE parts, if possible. If it cant, check the price for an OEM part.

[dgauthier]

+1 on OE.

[weaponsgrade]

I also shop from Rock Auto. Overall, they always seem to have the best prices and I've never had a problem. If you're planning on getting rid of the truck in a few years, then I'd put in whatever aftermarket alternator to keep it running. If you're planning on holding onto it long term, then I'd pony up and get OEM.

[Permanent socks]

If possible buy oem.

I've heard good things about rock auto.

Near where I live there is a parts place that mass imports junk from China. They sell a warranty for full part replacement within 1 year of purchase, no questions asked. Most parts don't last the year!!

there is a ton of crap out there, oem included. Sometimes you get what you pay for, usually you get less 😄

[donevwil]

RockAuto here as well. They usually have a few options for a given part, one OEM, one refurb, one cheap far east, etc.

[Louis]

+1 on Rock Auto

[catchourbreath]

Generally I've heard of a fair amount of "new" (reman) alternators coming with low power or not working altogether. So keep that in mind.

Also 100% would re-wind the OEM when you can.

[glepore]

Yeah, reman is a chance. Did one on a Mercedes a year ago, its a pain to do, couple hours, and it failed within 2 months. Never again.

[CAAD]

Rock Auto for me or OE from a few trusted online Ford parts retailers.

[gdw]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. I'll get an alternator from Rock Auto and rebuild the old one with OEM parts in the future.

[Ken Robb]

I would have guessed that there would be a lot universal alternators to buy for most vehicles. If alternators are rated for the required output don't they just respond to directions from the voltage regulator system? Do mounting brackets vary too widely to allow interchangeability? I haven't changed an alternator since 1972 so what do I know?

[bigbill]

I used Rock Auto for the mechanical fuel pump and fuel line for my vintage mustang. They list the brands and you can see the difference in price. Many years ago, I had a Toyota truck (before Tacoma, Tundra) and needed a power steering pump. There were no rebuilt units and I had to pay around $800 at the dealer. It was such a low failure item and there were few units to rebuild, stupid Toyota quality.

My F-250 had a CP4 HP fuel pump failure two years ago. There is a huge market in rebuilt fuel pump kits since this failure requires an entirely new fuel system because of metal contamination. It was still under warranty so Ford fixed with new OE parts, but in the big picture, about half the cost for the replacement is labor, so going with new really doesn't add that much to the repair.

[CNY rider]

Originally Posted by Permanent socks

place that mass imports junk from China. 😄

This is called Amazon, right?