lights dimming and battery light on
 

a few nights ago i was driving along when i noticed my lights started dimming, my battery light came on and my electric guage started dropping. the truck died shortly after that. the next day i took my alternator in to get it tested, it sucked, so i got a new one. put that in, but was still having electric problems. the next day my truck died again, in town. got it jumped then got over to schucks to get a battery. put that in, still had problems. later i took apart the battery terminals and cleaned them (didnt cut any of the wire). and now i still have the problem.

make sure you are getting 12v to the big red wire and one of the small wires.

To me it sounds like you got a faulty replacement alternator.

X2

A 97 might need new cables.

I'd expect the cables to be corroded under the insulation after 12+ years in that environment.

You should also check the fuses under the hood and clean up your battery ground and engine ground.

heres an update:

took the alternator in, it passed. took apart the positive cable terminal, scraped some more **** off that. i had one fuse that was broke (cigar lighter).
looked at the wires that go to the alternator and battery, didnt seem damaged or broke. i tested with my old battery, didnt make a difference.

the only thing left i can think of is the belt, but while that is fairly old, its still good, and is tight when on. the alternator doesnt slip either.

It is only one of a few things here.

1 - Alternator
2 - Battery
3 - Wireing and connectors between the two

Since you've replaced and ruled out the alternator and battery, that pretty much leaves you with the wiring and connections in between. Check your service manual to see where there are alternator related fuses or fusible links. One of them is probably blown.