My alternator died mid drive over a week ago. The warning light came on and when I got home it was showing battery voltage while running, 12.3 Volts.

I decided I wanted something better than the questionable reman alternators at the local parts houses. Ultimately I settled on Tuff Stuff and liked what they offered for the money. Their 150 amp alternator in black was only $50 more than a no-name reman locally. They advertise their alternators as having all new components and made in the USA. To me that is worth $50 easy, I'll pay that much more for quality US made parts any day.

I ordered from a major online vendor. The alternator was delivered in the manufacturer's box which was plain cardboard and had stickers for the part number. So it wasn't packed in a larger box to protect it. I will say it wasn't packed in a way that I would prefer. It was loose in the box with just some hard foam. You could tell it was moving freely in the box and the 90 degree post on the power lead poked a hole in the side of the box.

Installation was easy and fast on my 2 valve V10.

Immediately after installation I started it up and the voltmeter on the dash was pegged. I had my handheld multimeter ready and said 18.7 volts at the battery. I shut it off ASAP. I double checked my work and everything was in its place.

I took my Tuff Stuff alternator to the local O'Reilly auto and had them test it. At O'reilly's it tested bad. For whatever reason their test showed 9.61 Volts this time. Their printed report, which I have, says the "Diode Trio failed" and the "regulator test failed." It says the "rectifier test passed."

I then purchased the "Hecho in Mexico" reman from O'Reily and installed it. And of course the truck is working great.

I'll just say I'm disappointed. Luckily I'm getting a full refund and return shipping was paid for by the vendor. I'm grateful for good customer service from the vendor.

I'm posting this because it was my experience. I'm sure this was a fluke and it could probably happen to any manufacturer. I don't know if the part was damaged in shipping due to poor packaging. I don't know if they part was tested before it left the factory.

Your mileage may vary

 

One thing you can do if you want to support the local economy is to find a reputable alternator shop in your area where they personally rebuild starters and alternators.

 

I would love to do that but in my area it is hard to find such a place.

Lots of sleazy shops in Los Angeles and my area specifically. It's hard to find a good shop of any type around here. I try to support the good ones when they are found.