Topic: 22RE Alternator

[jssgbsn]

Parts store just told me my Voltage Regulator was bad (meaning the Alternator).

Any quick tips/advice for replacing?

Haven't done it yet, but heard it can be rough the first time.  Heard I gota drain all the coolant cause I gotta get a hose ouutta the way in order to pull it out.

[helipilot77]

I'm pretty sure I've done it without draining the coolant but it was a very tight fit turning it this way and that to get it to come out. Just definitely pull the battery cables or you'll be welding stuff as you pull it out. 
It may be easier to drain the coolant though. 

[1985CRAWLER]

i did mine and have done others without draining the coolant or removing the bottom hose, if you have small hands it makes it easier, but you will have to maneuver the alternator a bit to get it to slip past the hose and and other stuff in the way but it can be done with some finesse

[Snowtoy]

If it is a denso alt, and you have a local shop that rebuilds them that would be your cheapest route, the one locally charges $60-90.

As far as removal goes, with it being your first time, just follow the manual, it will be easier and a lot less frustrating than fighting with the rad hose.

[jssgbsn [OP]]

Update:  After 10min of twisting/turning I decided to remove the bottom hose.  Still had to twist a bit but I avoided removing the shroud which was my primary goal.  My FSM says to remove the shroud.  Guessing it will easily slide out with shroud removed.  At least it gave me an opportunity to inspect the coolant.

Also, the parts store Alternator had clearance issues for the tension guide/rail.  The clearance seemed off by a hair under 1/8".  The rail is solid and doesn't move.  So I put the old one back in and it easily slide past the rail.  Tried measuring everything for differences but couldn't find anything.  All I know is that it would not go on.  And it is back on the parts store shelf now.  Not sure who the manufacturer was but it had a sticker that said Rebuilt in Malaysia so who knows what is going on.

I am tempted to just pony up for the 140Amp Alternator from LCE that is a direct fit replacement.  http://www.lceperformance.com/High-Output-Alternator-140-Amp-1985-1992-22R-22RE-p/1080005.htm

Anyway, has anybody else had problems with non-OEM alternators and clearances?  I don't wanna go to another parts store and run into the same things.  Not that it matters but the one I tried was from O'Reilly.  I usually get parts from Napa, but I was feeling lazy and didn't wanna drive since its further.

I'm wanting to jump the Amperage since I have other things draining power, winch, radio, CB, Air Locker.  And who knows what I am gonna want to add in the future that will want more power.

Any other input out there? 

[mudmaster]

Put in a GM HO unit.

[jssgbsn [OP]]

Put in a GM HO unit.

Not confident enough to do the rewire yet

Although I have been looking at that for awihle.  Now that I 'have' to make a decision I'm leaning toward path of least resistance.