My B2300's still running with the original alternator. Believe or not, the truck has 255K miles. I wonder how many miles it can go before having problem. Maybe I should go ahead and change it out. Are those alternators from Ebay any good? Any advice? Thanks in advance.

 

If its not broke or not giving you problems dont mess with it.

 

why would you want to replace a part that is working? you could stick a voltmeter across the battery .. at idle it should read at least 13.8 volts.

when my original alternator started making noise (bearings were almost shot), i replaced it with one that was 3 years old that i got at a pick n pull.. for $25.-...

if yours is still putting out good voltage and not making noise leave it be.

 

I vote to change it before Winter.
Brushes wear , bearings wear , nothing lasts forever.

As for fleabay , stay away.
Go NAPA ,AZ , Somewhere that will honor some kind of warranty.

 

i have a 94 ranger and i think it was the original alternator in it and the bearings were bad so it was noisy as hell. went to junkyard and got one for 50 bucks

 

Thanks everyone first. I guess I will wait until it makes noise.

 

It might make noise before it goes or it may just sieze and toast the serpentine belt.

 

255 is alot..

 

Finally, the alternator died on me without any sign. Luckily, I made it home with no problem. Next day, I went to Pepboys and picked one up ($100) and installed it myself. It was quite an easy job. 265000 miles out of the original unit - not bad.

Thanks everybody.

 

Not bad? That's incredible. Most alternators will have a meltdown long before that!