I sold my GMT800 Tahoe many months back, but I'm still into GMT800 trucks and have been for quite a long time. My wife's truck is a 2005 Suburban Z71 that is currently sitting at 245k. Original 5.3, clean as can be, oiled every year and washed regularly. Couple of Friday's ago, she leaves for work and comes back in "battery light is on in the truck". Sure enough another alternator failed. 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. And to top it all off, 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 and fixed quick. Called around to dealers and the OE GM alternator is still available, but with a $600 price tag. RockAuto lists the same alternator, but $280 plus tax/shipping. Plus, I would never get it in time. I ultimately did not want to go through another parts house alternator... 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.
Sure enough, GM did not change the bolt hole spacing even with it being on the passenger side of the engine for the K2xx. 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 as the stud is 8mm vs 6mm. 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. Actually looking up the smallest Mechman is close to a $500 alternator with a couple week lead time. This truck is not powering massive audio equipment, nor doing anything crazy. It is just a driver. 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. For the price of what'd you probably pay for a Duralast Gold, Carquest Premium, Orielly... etc. This is an OE alternator that will substitute just fine. Maybe this can help some of you out there. Worth noting, this will only apply to those of you with RVC equipped trucks/2-wire alternators.
I wanted to get it fixed up and fixed quick. Called around to dealers and the OE GM alternator is still available, but with a $600 price tag. RockAuto lists the same alternator, but $280 plus tax/shipping. Plus, I would never get it in time. I ultimately did not want to go through another parts house alternator... 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.
Sure enough, GM did not change the bolt hole spacing even with it being on the passenger side of the engine for the K2xx. 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 as the stud is 8mm vs 6mm. 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. Actually looking up the smallest Mechman is close to a $500 alternator with a couple week lead time. This truck is not powering massive audio equipment, nor doing anything crazy. It is just a driver. 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. For the price of what'd you probably pay for a Duralast Gold, Carquest Premium, Orielly... etc. This is an OE alternator that will substitute just fine. Maybe this can help some of you out there. Worth noting, this will only apply to those of you with RVC equipped trucks/2-wire alternators.
