1997 TJ 4.0 Alternator Recommendation

[RedmondRed]

It’s been about 15 years since I’ve replaced my alternator. I’ve narrowed it down to the alternator being bad. Do you guys have recommendations for what brand to buy? I have a Napa, AutoZone, O’Reillys and Baxter‘s as well as Walmart in town. Do any of them carry a good reputable brand of alternator? And if so, what do you recommend?

 

[James9100]

Denso. The Denso 117A for the TJ isn’t listed on RockAuto anymore so I’d go for the Denso 160A Durango alternator.
P/N 2101139
Or you can do the 81A Denso for the TJ which is listed on RockAuto.

 

[RedmondRed]

Appreciate it , I've read nothing but good things about the Durango Alternator. I don't have time to wait for a part to ship to me so I'm stuck with whatever I can find in town. Looks like Ultima, Bosch, Carquest Professional, Duralast, Raw Power. My gut tells me I'll just have to wait for a replacement to be shipped. Thoughts on those brands?

 

[James9100]

I’d definitely recommend dealing with the wait for a Denso if you’re able to.
I think the Denso Durango is available on amazon so that’d give you quicker shipping.
That said if you really can’t wait I’d go with the Bosch. The PO put a Bosch reman in mine (unsure when) and I haven’t had any issues with it.
But really, wait for a Denso if you can. I’ve been tempted to throw a Denso in mine for just for peace of mind as I’m particular about parts brands.

 

[Javashoveler]

Hey there Red. Right down the road from you in Prineville. MY OE alternator locked up on me Thursday. Glad it didn't go Tuesday when I was on the East end of the Ochocos. Impressed it lasted that long! What unit did you go with? I looked up the Denso and they dont have anything for the 99 TJ 4.0.

 

[RedmondRed]

Hey there Red. Right down the road from you in Prineville. MY OE alternator locked up on me Thursday. Glad it didn't go Tuesday when I was on the East end of the Ochocos. Impressed it lasted that long! What unit did you go with? I looked up the Denso and they dont have anything for the 99 TJ 4.0.

Hey! Almost moved to Prineville. Lived in Redmond for 13 years and picked up the family and moved to Terrebonne instead.

I’ll go look to see which one I installed. It’s been running flawlessly with no issues. Fired right up. Although it does have a slight whine noise the original Alt didn’t. Not noticeable enough to be a problem though. I’ll get back to you.

 

[RedmondRed]

Hey! Almost moved to Prineville. Lived in Redmond for 13 years and picked up the family and moved to Terrebonne instead.

I’ll go look to see which one I installed. It’s been running flawlessly with no issues. Fired right up. Although it does have a slight whine noise the original Alt didn’t. Not noticeable enough to be a problem though. I’ll get back to you.

Okay found my order on Oreillys. I couldn’t wait for Amazon or other sites so needed to find the best one in town. Landed at Oreillys after a lot of research. Works perfect, no issues.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I bought a store brand with a lifetime warranty too, since it's easier to return if it fails and is a simple15 minute job. Most online companies want you to pay the return shipping for a replacement part.