I have Friday's off, wife leaves for work and comes back in "battery light is on in the truck". Sure enough another alternator failed on the 2005 Suburban. I've been though about every parts store alternator, new, reman, NAPA, Autozone, Advance, etc. on this truck. The recurring theme here is junk China alternators. Whether it's bad bearings, whining with RPM or just not charging... they all are garbage. Lifetime warranty is cool, but every 8-10 months is just annoying. Sometimes you're a bit constrained by parts availability to simply get the vehicle back on the road.
I wanted to get it fixed up this weekend. Called around to dealers, the OE GM alternator is still available, but with a $600 price tag. RockAuto lists the same alternator, but $280 plus tax/shipping. Would never get it in time. So I started looking. It looked as if a K2xx truck alternator, while mounting on the passenger side, had the same mounting style. I ordered one off of Amazon for $220 and got it today. I wanted something of some sort of quality, not the same white box, repackaged junk that everywhere sells.
Sure enough, GM did not change the bolt hole spacing even with it being on the passenger side of the engine for this generation. Additionally, it seems as if all 2-pin GM alternators from 2004+ are the same pin and plug. It plugged right in. Only thing, you’ll just have to extend your alternator charging cable a few inches to reach the alternator terminal and enlarge the alternator side terminal one size with a step bit. Also will need a M8 x 1.25 flange nut to bolt the cable on. Part number is 84143540, and the GM OE is made by Denso. It is a 170amp alternator vs. the OE 160amp.
The only introduced failure point would be the decoupler pulley but… eh? I would also imagine this will work fine on a GMT900.
I know I could've probably sourced a Mechman or other quality rebuilder/supplier, but the timeframe to receive would be too long and I bet the price isn't this cheap. I am sure this Denso will go the distance. I've always been a fan of their electronic and ignition components on Hondas/Toyotas.
OE parts 9/10 times are the best. Here's some pictures. It does not look out of place. Charges great and makes ZERO noise. I am pleased.
I wanted to get it fixed up this weekend. Called around to dealers, the OE GM alternator is still available, but with a $600 price tag. RockAuto lists the same alternator, but $280 plus tax/shipping. Would never get it in time. So I started looking. It looked as if a K2xx truck alternator, while mounting on the passenger side, had the same mounting style. I ordered one off of Amazon for $220 and got it today. I wanted something of some sort of quality, not the same white box, repackaged junk that everywhere sells.
Sure enough, GM did not change the bolt hole spacing even with it being on the passenger side of the engine for this generation. Additionally, it seems as if all 2-pin GM alternators from 2004+ are the same pin and plug. It plugged right in. Only thing, you’ll just have to extend your alternator charging cable a few inches to reach the alternator terminal and enlarge the alternator side terminal one size with a step bit. Also will need a M8 x 1.25 flange nut to bolt the cable on. Part number is 84143540, and the GM OE is made by Denso. It is a 170amp alternator vs. the OE 160amp.
The only introduced failure point would be the decoupler pulley but… eh? I would also imagine this will work fine on a GMT900.
I know I could've probably sourced a Mechman or other quality rebuilder/supplier, but the timeframe to receive would be too long and I bet the price isn't this cheap. I am sure this Denso will go the distance. I've always been a fan of their electronic and ignition components on Hondas/Toyotas.
OE parts 9/10 times are the best. Here's some pictures. It does not look out of place. Charges great and makes ZERO noise. I am pleased.
