If you want to stick to a stock "bolt in" alternator, buy only a Toyota Reman alternator from your local dealer. Be sure to say "Reman" or they'll quote you like $325 for a new one. Remans should be in the neighborhood of $125. Every other alternator I've seen is crap. I take new Napa, Autozone, PepBoys, Checker alternators off of customers cars all the time because of problems. For some reason, Toyota vehicles only like Toyota alternators- I can't explain it. You can strap any Napa reman on any old Chevy and they work great. Toyotas only seem to like Toyota alts...
Some folks have had success switching to one wire GM alternators- search for GM alternator. I know White Trash has experience there...
HTH,
Ryan
