So my alternator is going south and I plan on replacing it with a motorcraft one, but first wanted to ask if there are any other highly recomended brands or options. So is motorcraft the way to go, or is there a better option in your guys opinion? Anything else that needs to be adressed while I've got the alternator pulled?

 

If it were me, I'd have it rebuilt locally by a shop with a good reputation. I haven't heard many complaints about the Motorcraft units, though.

 

ok. I'll do some searching and see if I can find a place. I also saw the high output alternators from DC power. anyone have one of these or heard of them?

https://www.dcpowerinc.com/fit/Ford~...lternator.html

 

DC is a great company to buy from as long as you get one that's listed as in stock. I ordered a 370a unit from them. It took a while to get in, but in their defense it was from supply issues for some of the component suppliers.

 

I would also suggest you re-build it. 99% of the time its the Diode on the Regulator Control Board. The Stator and Rotor usually last the distance.

 

well, I called a reputable shop alternator shop today and they want $165 to rebuild mine. That also includes: a larger stator, heavy duty diodes and voltage regulator. They said it should be rated at about 180 amps after they are through with it. So, with that said, I will be having mine rebuilt. I'm also going to ask if they have any replacement diodes they want to sell so I can have them in hand if this issue creeps up while I have the truck in Germany.

 

Well,

I did end up getting mine rebuilt. And you are correct. The guy at the alternator shop told me the same thing. I even bought an extra regulator control board in case mine takes a crap in Germany. He said after beefing mine up, it tested at 170 amps. $200 for everything. Even painted it Ford blue.

Thanks for all the help on this guys. I'll be posting on here soon for suggestions of what to do to my truck for ease of maintenance/longevity before I ship it to Germany.

 

I have no issues with a good Napa lifetime warranty one... I bought one, replaced it, replaced it again, replaced it again... about every 18-24 months I get a new one... 15 minutes to change and move on... (of course I came up with a core once and now have a new one in the back of the truck at all times. LOL)

No reason IMHO to pay big bucks for one.

 

It is sad but the last several NAPA parts i bought had something ugly written on them, made in C H I N A.
No thank you.

 

I used to play that game with Autozoo. Had the alternator and batteries replaced under warranty about every 12 months. Then they started not covering my batteries since the originals were bought over 5 years ago, regardless of the fact that the batteries were only 11 months old and their "lifetime" alternator failure is what killed them.