2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How long did your original alternator last?

[ProspectorTim]

I've got 165,000 miles on my 99 Ram and wondering . . is it due? or will it last another 150k?

I was about to submit an order to Geno's for a cup smoothie and transmission filter, and noticed their alternator rebuild kit. Hmmmm... it sure was nice to have the starter contact kit under the seat of my truck 6 months *before* I needed it.

FWIW, I replaced both original batteries last summer - before I had any problems.
Even though they were still working "fine", the truck sure cranks over faster with those Optimas pushing the starter!

 

[Grizzly]

The alternator on my 95 lasted all the 10 years I owned the truck.

 

[EKlem]

Mine went 2 years ago with 190k or so on the truck.

 

[FLynes]

Is it normal for the voltage gauge to take a few seconds to get to 14v, when you start it?

 

[FourBarR]

200,000k on mine. Installed a new Bosch 135amp. now have about 80,000K on this one

 

[ANG012]

Mine lasted 10 years and 190000miles on my 1997.

 

[JFaughn]

I could see that the starter was original [ bought at 209,000 ] replaced the started & alt this fall [ because I did not want to have to do it in MN winters ] I was noticing little issues with both at 240,000 miles .

 

[Hammer]

Mine had 160,000+ on it when it was removed in favor of a Mean-Green 200amp unit. Its still in the box out under the bench and could be used today if needed. The only reason I took it off was to ensure I had enough to run my FASS,Flex-A-Lites and stereo without issues... ... . Andy

 

[BigPapa]

Had mine cleaned and new brushes installed this past summer at @270K miles. Still going strong.



Scott

 

[FLynes]

Is it normal for the voltage gauge to take a few seconds to get to 14v, when you start it?

Reason I ask is because I'm wondering if my alternator is getting ready to give up the ghost.

 

[DWeiler]

Pa Performance has a 200AMP drop in replacement for our trucks now---$$$329. 00,probable get it when mine takes a dump.

 

[Grizzly]

Is it normal for the voltage gauge to take a few seconds to get to 14v, when you start it?

It's nornal.

 

[FLynes]

Good, didn't know if I should start worrying. I don't remember my '05 taking so long to ramp up to 14v.

 

[drag racer]

My original is still A-OK after nearly 10 years. Bought a new PA Performance beast to go in at next opportunity.

 

[KevinSmith]

My nieghbor claims his 97 has 1. 3 million and is still running th original alternator. 2nd head, 5th cluth, 3rd transmission, many water pumps, 3or4 gauge clusters, several injection pumps, and several other parts. I don't know but he seems truthful. He says as soon as he bought the truck his wife got sick and as he was retired he had to go to work. The job he got was hauling 5ers across country. It seems like a hard working guy could acumulate that many miles in ten years.

 

[bnbrown]

Lost the alt. in both my 99 and 2000 at around 190k miles

 

[Tomscreek]

Mine went at about 80,000 miles. 7 years.

 

[cruiser_2]

I had 390,000 on mine when I decided to rebuild it... cost me about 75 bucks and it included new rotor and bearings. Have 498,800 miles on now with it.

 

[PKnight]

The one on my 97 lasted 10 years and 127,000 miles. I've heard that the average is 100,000 to 115,000, so I wasn't surprised when my "Check Gen" light came on. In my climate the grid heaters are used almost year round. They are the biggest draw on my truck and maybe be partly the problem. I still have the original batteries at over 10 1/2 years and they are still in good shape. I put on a NAPA "lifetime" alternator for about $95. 00. I'm not sure whose lifetime they mean but is is working well. I now have 140,000 on the truck.

 

[DavidGardner]

Have 223,000 on my original stock alt. No problems yet.