The problem began after the recent heavy rain here in So Cal....it began with a loud squeeking noise from the belts so I sprayed some belt conditioner on it one night and it went away....after 20 miles the next day the squeeking noise came back but it wasn't as loud as before so I left it alone and drove for another 10 miles the next day and this time it got louder. I drove it home and right when I pull in my drive way the car died...now it starts sluggish but when I turn on my lights it dies again...I take it the alternator has crapped out on me? How much am I looking at for a new OEM replacement?..I searched but mostly came up with the High output alternators. Thanks in advance and its 97 V6 runner with 105k

 

New OEM, better have $400-500 available funds. I scored one on ebay for $10 (starting bid) plus shipping awhile back. I was the only bidder, it was missing the pulley but tested good at O'Reillys.

 

before you buy an alternator, go to Autozone and get it checked if it is the alternator. because when i checked mine, my battery was bad. not my alternator. so get it check before you buy a new alternator.

 

Well I'm pretty sure it can't be the battery because its a fairly new Optima yellow top....I guess I'm gonna give the stealership a call and check the prices...Thanks guys

 

You have a lot of extra lighting on your truck. Why not go w/ an aftermarket, higher-powered alternator? I bet it's cheaper than the stealership price.

 

I've been hearing of some bad Optimas out there, some seem to fail right way or are bad to start with.

 

Nearby stealership charges $245 plus $30 core charge and its the only one that is open Sundays and it has to be orded taking up 2 days, so I'm gonna have to check other places tomorrow. What do you guys recommend for a High Output alternator...I know that Mr. Alternator had some issues?

 

That's not bad. If you figure yours has lasted since '97, maybe OEM is the way to go. I'd be interested also as I have a '99 w/ over 100k miles so I'm sure this will be something to go sooner, hopefully later...

 

dude theyre not that expensive (new OEM ones) i got one from autozone...for about 200 + core (dont remember core). i also have a lot of lights, but didnt have the money then for a HO one...i plan on doing a HO alt w/ dual battery sometime this summer, and i just needed a new one so my freaking 4runner would at least run and not die when i turn on my headlights.

milage replacement....124k w/ about 40k with big subs.

 

I'm surprised at how expensive alternators are for the tacoma. Had never looked until now. Even the cheapest aftermarket is $135 at autozone.

 

Well after some close inspection, its not the alternator that was the problem ...it was the crank pulley...some how the pin for the crank pulley got loose and was shredded causing the squeeks. The timing belts and water pump was changed about 3k ago and now I'm gonna have to back to that mechanic and have a chat with him. ...So all I need now is that pin so I can put everything back together.