Topic: Bottom alternator bracket a tad too tight. Suggestions?

[PETDOC]

I purchased a remanufactured Denso alternator for my '88 4Runner. The bottom alternator bracket is a tad too tight. There is an inner sleeve on the front mount of the bracket, which I believe should slide forward. I tried a few taps with a small hammer (tight location) to no avail. My plan is to get a short bolt and a spacer larger than the sleeve and tighten the bolt up against the inner part of the sleeve hoping it will move forward. All I need is about 1/10 of an inch. Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[BigMike]

I've experienced this a few times myself on various Toyota applications. I usually place something up against the inner sleeve, like a wrench, and then hammer on the side of the wrench to transfer force to the sleeve to spread it out. If all else fails, remove the bracket, insert the bolt through the fixed hole, but stop half way between the ears, thread the nut a few turns onto the end of the bolt and then continue the bolt through where it (via the nut) will stop at the sleeve. Then lightly tap on the bolt head to transmit force through the bolt, nut, moving the sleeve.

Kudos on getting a reman Denso alternator and not some crappy non OEM unit

BigMike

[PETDOC [OP]]

Success! Before trying to move the sleeve I positioned the portion of the alterrnator that inserts into the bottom bracket lateral to and slightly below the bracket. Initially I was trying to get it in fromabove by pulling downward on the alternator, now I had another option. From below I wedged the alternator up to the bracket, took a short block of wood and using my rubber mallet was able to tap the alternator into the bracket. Then by rotating the alternator on its axis and pushing upward I was able to align it with the bolt holes.

[BigMike]

Success!