160k..... Should I get a new alternator before cross county?

[JeepTreeHouse]

As the title states, I am planning a cross country trip. Going out west for some exploring for about a month.

The 4runner's 3.4 has about 160k on it and I'm wondering your opinions of swapping in a new alternator now to avoid doing it on the side of the road or a trail. I don't have a spare yet but if I am going to buy something its going to be new and I don't see the point in not installing it at that point.

Opinions?

Thanks in advance,

Josh

 

[verticaltrx]

Well, I can't say for sure in your situation, but my Tacoma had 270,000mi on it with the original alternator, no problems. The toyota units are much better than what you would get at an auto parts store (which I'm sure you already knew.)

 

[CA-RJ]

Are you having problems with it? I'm at 203k and still on the original one in my 4Runner. I don't ever worry about it.

 

[1911]

The toyota units are much better than what you would get at an auto parts store (which I'm sure you already knew.)

+1, Nippon-Denso makes a very high quality alternator (and other electronic parts).

In all my years of driving various Toyota trucks, I've only had one alternator go out, on an FJ80 at around 180,000 miles. I drive my FJ40 with its original alternator (and original engine) on long trips frequently and never think twice about it.

 

[JeepTreeHouse]

no problems with it, i just don't want to be stuck anywhere.

I'll replace it when it needs it but leave it for now, Thanks!

 

[robski]

My taco is 202xxx miles and still the original alternator. I have a spare just in case..

 

[Martinjmpr]

Isn't the alternator fairly easy to get to, right there on the front of the engine? I wouldn't worry about it. If it goes out, get a new one and bolt it on. It's not like a water pump that you would have to tear a bit off of the engine in order to get to.