I have noticed lately everytime I start my truck it seems like it has a dead battery. The battery was replaced just over 2 months ago and all the fittings are tight. Could my alternator be going out? Thanks

 

Are they clean? I believe you can take your truck to a place like Kragen and they'll test your alt for free.

 

You also might have a slow power drain somewhere. Do a search on the forum. I recall someone else having the same symptoms and it turned out that he had lights that stayed on even after the key from the ignition was removed.

 

Once you're jumped and running again, are your headlights dim? Do some electrical items like your radio not work? Is your ABS light on? After running for a while and then being shut off, does the truck not start back up easily? These can be signs of the alternator crapping out. Like someone else mentioned, take it into Napa or other car parts store. they can test, although sometimes the alternator needs to be out of the vehicle. And they will try to sell you a new alternator AND new battery.

 

Yeah my lights get dim when it isn't under a power load. I has trouble starting pretty much everytime I need to start it.

 

If the battery is relatively new like you said, and everything's tight and clean......then it does sound like an alternator to me. but I'm no auto-guru! If it is still the original alternator then maybe it's time for a new one.... If you're inclined to do the wrenching yourself, it is typically not a difficult DIY job. I've never done a toyota, but I think it is typically just acouple bolts, wiring harness, and loosening belt tension. then there's my fiancee's Honda civic that only small santa elves could fit their hands in there to work. I have no idea how engines like that are worked on.

 

autozone or some other corporate parts supplier can easily test the alt. in the car.
other than that, i suggest checking the alt. to battery power lead for corrosion, which can build up on the cable inside of the casing.
a tell tale sign would be a build up on the positive battery terminal.
i'd also check the alt.'s ground cable for good contact w/it's grounding connections as there may be accumulated build up that would interfer with it's connections.
good luck,

-f-