I am at the point of having to buy another alternator for my Excursion. Must be the 6th time. I've tried new, rebuilds and they just don't seem to last but a couple of years. My wife drives it and I don't want to have her stranded somewhere.

Has anyone had good luck with the DC Power 185 amp alternators? Do I need to upgrade anything once installed?

 

Thats the one thats made here right? Seems that I remember guys here using them with good results. Billet housing and quality windings and internals. I read their web site some time ago and they sound good. Myself, I've had good luck with OEM. Had my original freshened up and bought a 130 or 140 amp the rebuilder had on hand. I keep the original in my rather extensive spare parts box in the truck. I think it was DB or something thats made in china and the one most say to stay away from.

 

First, why do you believe more amps equals better quality or longevity?

Pop

 

Really not sure. That is the lowest amp alternator they offer.

 

ask around and find a local rebuilder with the best reputation.
i have one a few miles from me i have been using for over 30 years. he does all my starter and alternator work.and snow plow motors.
the alternator on my 88 he built back in 89 is still going strong 480,000 miles later

 

Get one with an external regulator. That ways when it goes out you don't have to replace the entire unit. DC will do it for you if you ask. Costs about $100 more if i remember correctly but it only takes a couple minutes to replace if it goes out. They recommended it to me. I had one on my Mustang and had it for probably 10 years. Worked as good the day I sold it as it did the day I installed it.
Powermasters also makes a very good unit.

 

I have the 270 amp alternator and love it. I was going through an alternator a year. Three years on this one and not a single problem. Looks like the external option is $140 now...

 

I'm pretty close to them so that's the route I would go. Mine is OME still but I have friends here that swear by them. (2) 185's and the 270 on a 6.0L. No problems and installed just the way they come. Except the 270, he put some external wiring of some kind for better charging and all I think.

 

Love my DC.
Did the local parts store swap 3 times in 3 months before I bought the DC. Have not looked back since that was 5 years ago. I bought the 200 something amp. Keeps batteries charged while I use the winch.

 

NAPA was able to honor the warranty as it was 4 months out of warranty but I will probably buy a DC Power Alternator and keep the NAPA one as a spare.

 

I see your in billings mt call
Battery Systems of Billings
1117 Main St
Billings, MT 59105
Contact: Butch Fitzhugh
Phone: 406-294-5077
Email: BFitzhugh@batterysystems
Trust me they are more then just batteries