Monday evening I washed my engine.Tuesday morning when I started it the alternator started whining.Its getting more pronounced each day.I am going to replace it this weekend but cant decide which brand to get.Duralast,from AutoZone,is $142.88 plus tax.Bosch,from Pep Boys,is $139.99.Both have a lifetime warranty.The difference in price is of no concern.I just want some input from those of you out there on these two brands,if anyone has used them.Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

Run screaming from them both. Unless you get some kind of personal satisfaction at seeing how fast you are getting at pulling the altenator out and putting it back. over and over and over. For my nephews junky honda we went through four before we got one that worked, three for my dadas old ranger. If you do resort to buying one from them, DEMAND not ask that they check it right there on the spot so that you know it is good. I sent you an email on this subject.

 

I replaced the altenator on my 1990 F-150 with the AutoZone Duralast. I am glad it came with the life time waranty. I replaced it 4 more times over the next 3 years. Never had to pay anything but it was a hassle to keep changing. Good luck.

 

So,I should get the Bosch? I cant afford the mail order one.Any other suggestions on ones from a part store?

 

I'd really like to support the sponsors of these forums, but at this time I just don't have the $$$ to do so. Having said that, I just got one from an ebay auction (reman) for $50 + shipping ($18). So for $68, I replaced the 130 amp alternator on my 2001 Ex 7.3 PSD. Three weeks into it, all is well.

 

i have a az duralast alt, its been working for about 1.5 years so far

 

My parts guy, who never steers me wrong, is strongly in the Bosch column, says he has way fewer returns on Bosch than any of the others he stocks. I've used two different Bosch re-builts on my '74 hi-boy, one an original style for about 4 years, and more recently a 3G, and both of them have performed just fine. JFWIW, the 3G conversion has worked out very nicely. I used a 95Amp from a 93 Ford Escort, and drilled out the mounting bolt bosses to take the OEM bolts, and a custom spacer for where it meet up to the head, and it's working just great to power my Flex-a-Lite Fan, aftermarket AC, and MSD ignition. The battery just wasn't getting quite enough juice without the extra feed.
Good Luck! Steve

 

I went with Bosch! I went to AutoZone to check on the Duralast.I almost thought about buying it but asked parts dude to check it on the machine.He had 4 on the shelf.Of the four,two of them failed;the first one and the fourth one.Thats all I needed to see! I practically ran out of there,and drove to Pep Boys to get the Bosch!